Wilkinson returns against Connacht

Newcastle Falcons have confirmed England's Jonny Wilkinson will make his long-awaited comeback from injury tomorrow.

Wilkinson, who has been out for eight months with a neck injury, has been named in the Falcons side to take on Connacht in a pre-season friendly in Galway.

It will be 25-year-old Wilkinson’s first match since December 28. England’s record points-scorer suffered a so-called “stinger” injury which also affected his shoulder and arm and required surgery in February.

There were fears Wilkinson’s career could have been threatened and Falcons director of rugby Rob Andrew is pleased to have him back in action.

Andrew said: “We’re obviously delighted to have Jonny back in the side, and he has stood up well in training, so we’re confident he will be fine.”

Tomorrow’s game will also see the Falcons debut of Colin Charvis after his move from French club Tarbes.

Andrew added: “We’re looking forward to a tough game against a determined Connacht side.

“Equally exciting for us is the fact that Colin Charvis is making his debut, and we look forward to seeing everything he can bring to the squad ahead of the new season.

“We’re over here in Ireland for a week-long camp, with the intention of hitting the ground running when the season starts.

“We’re looking for sharpness from the boys in everything they do, and if the last five-and-a-half weeks of training are anything to go by, we should be in for an exciting season.”