Wilkinson out for rest of year

England stand-off Jonny Wilkinson is unlikely to play again this year after sustaining a shoulder injury in the international against South Africa.

His club Newcastle Falcons confirmed that he had damaged soft tissue in his left shoulder joint and needs to be rested for up to four weeks, meaning he will miss his club's crucial Zurich Premiership basement battle against Bristol this weekend as well as games in the Powergen Cup and European Shield.

Wilkinson left the field early in the second half with the injury, although he has said it was not caused by the shoulder charge that led to the sending-off of Bok lock Jannes Labuschagne.

Meanwhile, flanker Neil Back looks set to be sidelined for many weeks, The Times newspaper reporting that he sustained a fractured eye socket after allegedly being targeted at rucks and mauls and kneed in the head and face.

His club-mate Lewis Moody is set to see a specialist today after being forced off with a shoulder injury early on but there was better news for Jason Robinson who is expected to be fit for the Sharks this weekend after suffering an ear injury.