Wilkinson hopes to return for Connacht friendly

England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson could be set to make his return from injury in a pre-season friendly later this month.

Wilkinson, who successfully converted the drop-kick which handed England the World Cup in Australia last year, is now fully fit following surgery on his shoulder and could make his comeback for the Newcastle Falcons against Connacht on August 17.

The 25-year-old, who was ruled out of England’s summer tour to New Zealand and Australia, has not played since last December.

He damaged a nerve between his spine and his shoulder and aggravated the injury playing for Newcastle.