Wilkinson ruled out of Six Nations

England World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson will miss the forthcoming RBS 6 Nations Championship.

Wilkinson saw a specialist today and has been told he will need an operation next week on his injured shoulder.

The Newcastle and England fly-half is expected to need a six to eight-week recovery period following the operation on his right shoulder.

A statement on the Newcastle website, www.newcastle-falcons.co.uk read: “Newcastle Falcons announced today that Jonny Wilkinson will be having an operation on his right shoulder next Wednesday, February 11, 2004.

“It is anticipated that there will be a six-to-eight week recovery period following the operation.”