News

Wilkinson's surgery a success

October 03 2008

Jonny Wilkinson has undergone surgery on the knee he dislocated during Newcastle's Guinness Premiership clash against Gloucester on Tuesday.

Wilkinson was operated on in Newcastle on Friday and the Falcons have been able to report there were no complications, with the procedure going as planned.

There has been no official time-frame given for Wilkinson's recovery, but England's 2003 World Cup Final match-winner looks unlikely to play again before Christmas.

He will inevitably miss England's November Test schedule that features Twickenham appointments with the Pacific Islanders, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.

Wilkinson's career has been blighted by repeated injury setbacks since the Australia World Cup over four years ago.

His latest setback came just four games into his return from summer shoulder surgery that meant he missed England's two-Test New Zealand tour.

Wasps fly-half Danny Cipriani is favourite to wear England's number ten shirt next month.

He returned from an horrific ankle injury when Wasps lost at home to Bath three days ago, making a 50-minute appearance.

Cipriani featured six weeks ahead of schedule, and is on the bench for Saturday's EDF Energy Cup clash against Gloucester at Kingsholm.

Confirmation of Cipriani's promotion to the 32-man elite England squad is expected later this month.