Wilko aiming to return stronger than ever

JONNY WILKINSON insists he will bounce back “stronger and fitter than ever” from the shoulder injury which has ruled him out of the 6 Nations championship.

England’s World Cup hero will go into hospital in Newcastle tomorrow to undergo surgery on his right shoulder, which he damaged for a second time in the Falcons’ win over Northampton six weeks ago.

The 24-year-old fly-half has played just 53 minutes since the World Cup final in November because of the injury, but has averaged more than 20 games a season over the last three years and is looking forward to the opportunity to gain some rest and recuperation.

“I’m getting very excited about having six or seven weeks off and being able to throw everything into preparation,” he said.

“I can do that uninterrupted and really plan for coming back stronger and fitter than I’ve ever, ever been.”

It is anticipated that Wilkinson will face a recovery period of between six and eight weeks, meaning he has no chance of featuring in any of England’s Six Nations games, but he could be back for his club before the end of the season and could then begin setting his sights on an international return in the summer.

England coach Sir Clive Woodward will be hoping the surgery gives Wilkinson the chance to make a full recovery before the summer tour to New Zealand and Australia.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have acted to plug the gap by signing 29-year-old New Zealand Super 12 utility back Daryl Lilley until the end of the season after a move to Bath fell through.

With Michael Stephenson (elbow) also on the casualty list and Ben Gollings on England sevens duty, Falcons director of rugby Andrew admits his back line was beginning to look thin. Lilley, who is also a goalkicker, has played full-back and on the wing.

Andrew said: “Daryl was going to Bath but he’s joining us for the rest of the season and will give us cover in the backs.

“He’s been with the Wellington Hurricanes for the last three seasons but for five seasons before that he was with the Canterbury Crusaders and played alongside Mark Mayerhofler.”