Wilko worry for Andrew

Newcastle boss Rob Andrew has warned Andy Robinson not to risk Jonny Wilkinson for England’s autumn internationals after the star fly-half suffered yet another injury setback.

Wilkinson is set to be out for between four and six weeks after undergoing keyhole surgery to remove an inflamed appendix on Friday evening.

He had been due to play for Newcastle in Sunday’s 16-14 Guinness Premiership defeat to newly-promoted Bristol but is now facing another depressing stint on the sidelines.

“I think it pretty much puts paid to the autumn internationals, so it will most likely be over two years that he hasn’t played for England,” said Andrew.

A six-week break would leave Wilkinson with just two Newcastle games - against Borders in the European Challenge Cup and Gloucester in the Premiership - before England take on Australia at Twickenham.

Asked about the danger of a Test recall with that little rugby under his belt, Andrew stated: “That mistake was made in the summer with the Lions, and let’s not repeat it again.”