Falcons confirm Wilkinson fit for Wasps clash

Jonny Wilkinson will play his first match since the World Cup final after being named at fly-half for Newcastle’s EDF Energy Cup clash with Wasps.

The Falcons confirmed yesterday that Wilkinson and his England colleague Toby Flood would start the game after recovering from ankle injuries.

The pair were included in the side at today’s team announcement with Wilkinson set to make his first appearance since last month’s 15-6 defeat by South Africa.

Flood has been given the number 12 jersey while New Zealand prop Carl Hayman could make his debut after being included among the substitutes.

Falcons coaching director Steve Bates said: “Adding Jonny Wilkinson and Toby Flood is going to add a lot of edge to our play.”