Wilkinson wings back for Falcons

ON a day in which he signed a new three-year contract with the Newcastle Falcons, it was announced that Lions hopeful Jonny Wilkinson will start his first game for seven weeks when Newcastle play Premiership opponents London Irish tomorrow.

“He is fit and raring to go, and I know he can’t wait to play in front of the Newcastle fans for the first time in a while,” said Falcons rugby director Rob Andrew.

“There are no question marks over his fitness at all, and we look forward to him being part of a good team performance, hopefully followed by a wildcard semi-final and final.”