Wilkinson will return 'a much better player'

Jonny Wilkinson admits he is “bitter” after almost 30 months of injury setbacks since he kicked the drop goal that clinched victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final, but insists he will be back and better than ever.

The Newcastle number-10 has not played for England since the extra-time victory over Australia in Sydney and has featured only intermittently for the Falcons thanks to a series of injuries.