Jonny Wilkinson on secret Rupeni mission

By CHRIS RATTUE

England's World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson made a clandestine visit to Auckland this week on a mission to chase Fijian wing Rupeni Caucaunibuca.

The Herald has learned that Wilkinson and his Newcastle coach, former England star Rob Andrew, were in town to persuade rugby's most exciting player to join their club - although none of the parties involved would confirm the flying visit.

Their trip confirms that the race to sign the flying Fijian is on, with suggestions also that two powerful French clubs are seeking to secure his services.

Wilkinson is sidelined after requiring shoulder surgery so was able to make the trip which came in the middle of the Six Nations championship. And coach Andrew was notably absent when the Newcastle team to play Leeds was announced this week.

The 23-year-old Caucaunibuca is the hottest property in rugby and looks certain to be lost to the Blues and Northland when his New Zealand Rugby Union contract expires at the end of this year.

Because he is not eligible for the All Blacks, Caucaunibuca earns just $75,000 a year on a Super 12 contract.

Caucaunibuca's total earnings are barely $100,000 when his Northland wages are added in. He would earn at least $500,000 a year overseas,

The NZRFU is refusing to increase his money, and Caucaunibuca is believed to have already turned down an extension.

The Newcastle Falcons, who are again battling away in the lower half of the English premiership, include New Zealanders Daryl Lilley and Mark Mayerhofler plus former Springbok Mark Andrews. Wilkinson is Newcastle's only genuine star, and he was their lone player in the World Cup-winning squad.

The Wilkinson-Andrew mission will be one of many. An Australian agent has also come to Auckland, bringing former Fijian and Wallaby flanker Ilie Tabua with him.