Rugby: Wilkinson injured in first game since World Cup

England World Cup star Jonny Wilkinson suffered a miserable return to rugby with Newcastle yesterday when he was forced to leave the pitch injured in their match against Northampton.

The 24-year-old first-five, who kicked England to World Cup victory against Australia last month, needed treatment on the field for five minutes after suffering a recurrence of the shoulder problem which had already prevented his return to action for five weeks.