A 5000-strong crowd turned out to watch Jonny Wilkinson take part in his first training session for French Top 14 side Toulon.
The England scrum-half, speaking in French, said: "It was fantastic, a unique atmosphere, lots of energy.
"The fans here are a big support to the side. For me it's a nice experience and I hope it will be a memorable season and fantastic also for the supporters."
Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal, watching his latest capture in kicking practice, said: "It's Wilkinson who is for the first time on the pitch at Mayol, kicking, it's an important moment!
"For sure there's a lot of proud at seeing so many people in the stand waiting for Wilkinson but this isn't a project designed to have pride it's designed to bring happiness."
Thursday's training was taken by Philippe Saint-Andre, who said of Wilikinson: "He's in fine form, he comfortably passed the medical tests, he proved that he was very well. He's hungry for rugby."
Wilkinson ended a 12-year spell with English Premiership side Newcastle, the only club he had ever played for as a professional, in May when he signed for Toulon in a deal worth up to $A1.75 million.
Since kicking the drop-goal that won England the 2003 World Cup final against Australia in Sydney, Wilkinson's career has been blighted by a succession of injuries.
But he said on arriving in Toulon that he felt a decade younger.
TOULON AFP
