England back Mathew Tait has signed a new one-year contract at Newcastle Falcons, tying him to the Guinness Premiership club until 2009.

Shane Geraghty’s hopes of forcing his way into England contention for the RBS 6 Nations clash against France next Saturday could be dashed by injury.

NEWCASTLE boss John Fletcher has hailed England star Jonny Wilkinson’s new two-year contract with the Falcons, claiming: “He is the biggest name in rugby.”

England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson has ended speculation over his future by signing a new two-year deal with Newcastle.

Newcastle head coach John Fletcher believes yesterday’s thrilling 22-19 triumph at Saracens showed Jonny Wilkinson exactly why he should remain in the north-east.

Jonny Wilkinson's future at Newcastle remains unclear despite ongoing talks over a new contract.

Newcastle boss John Fletcher believes “any number of factors” will determine Jonny Wilkinson’s future at the Guinness Premiership club.

ALL BLACKS prop Carl Hayman will make his full debut for Newcastle in tomorrow night’s European Challenge Cup clash against Connacht at the Sportsground (6.30pm).

Jonny Wilkinson could make his first appearance since the World Cup final next weekend.

Australian star Matt Burke is in talks with Newcastle about a new contract at Kingston Park.

New Zealand prop Carl Hayman has confirmed he will join Guinness Premiership side Newcastle Falcons after the World Cup.

David Wallace has identified his Ireland Test team colleague Simon Easterby as a major threat to Munster’s hopes of retaining the Heineken Cup.

Jason Robinson appears to be England's biggest fitness concern as they begin preparations for their Twickenham clash against RBS 6 Nations title favourites France.

England will begin preparations for their RBS 6 Nations Championship clash against France in a familiar position — with an injury cloud hanging over Jonny Wilkinson.

England will begin preparations for their RBS 6 Nations Championship clash against France in a familiar position – with an injury cloud hanging over Jonny Wilkinson.

Newcastle Falcons boss John Fletcher claims he would have been “a stark raving lunatic” to leave out a fully-fit Jonny Wilkinson for Sunday’s Guinness Premiership clash against title contenders Bristol.

NEWCASTLE boss John Fletcher has angrily rejected any suggestion Jonny Wilkinson is being “rested” from Guinness Premiership action this weekend on England’s request.

Leicester coach Richard Cockerill revealed none of the Tigers players named in England’s team to start against Ireland will play a full Guinness Premiership game this weekend.

JONNY WILKINSON has been declared “ready and available” to make a startling England comeback in the RBS 6 Nations Championship opener against Scotland at Twickenham.

ENGLAND fly-half Toby Flood kicked a last-minute penalty as Newcastle snatched a vital victory in their battle against relegation and prevented Leicester going top of the Guinness Premiership.

Bad weather claimed its first victims of the festive sporting programme in the UK tonight as fog and freezing temperatures continued to affect large parts of country.

Struggling Newcastle have raided New Zealand to bolster their squad with Joe McDonnell, Mark Sorenson and Loki Crichton arriving at Kingston Park.

THE widow of a delivery driver who was struck by a train as he made a 999 call after crashing on to a railway line paid tribute yesterday to the “gentle and caring” man.