A SURPRISE visit to Farnham Rugby Club by Jonny Wilkinson on Sunday added to the already heightened levels of excitement at Monkton Lane.

The biggest week in the club’s history - owing to this Saturday’s RFU Senior Vase final at Twickenham - ramped up another notch as the Farnham legend and former club mini and junior put more than 150 youngsters through their paces.

The visit, organised by club stalwart Mark Whitford whose son, Tom, has been team manager at Toulon - Jonny’s former club - for 10 years, has taken some time to arrange but the timing could not have been better.

Greeted at the club by chairman Geoff Robins and junior section supremo Steve Nicholson, the 2003 World Cup winner ran five 20-minute sessions to put as many boys and girls through their paces as possible.

With each group getting a team photo and ample opportunities for selfies and individual pictures, the morning was a great success and a tribute to Farnham’s famous prodigal son.

Unable to attend the game at Twickenham on Saturday, Jonny nevertheless sent good wishes to the squad as they prepare for the final. Tickets are available online at £5 a head, via the club website www.farnhamrugby.org. Kick off is at 1pm.