Wilkinson makes fine half return in Galway

Jonny Wilkinson made a 40-minute comeback appearance tonight after almost eight months on the sidelines.

England’s World Cup final hero kicked a penalty, made one trademark bone-crunching tackle and was generally fully involved as Newcastle launched their pre-season preparations against Connacht in Galway.

There were no obvious signs of any problems following an operation to resolve a neck/shoulder problem, and he watched the second-half from the Falcons’ dugout.

During Wilkinson’s prolonged absence from the game, England won just three out of eight Tests, but tonight’s signs were encouraging, and he can expect to take a second step on the comeback trail when Newcastle tackle Munster in Limerick next Monday.