Falcons’ fury at Wilko ‘rest’ claim

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

Fletcher announced on Tuesday that Wilkinson, who will be on RBS 6 Nations duty in Ireland next week, would miss Newcastle’s clash with Bristol this Sunday.

The RFU hope the entire England starting line-up selected for Croke Park will not be involved in Premiership games this weekend.