Tour organisers insist Wilkinson 'covered'

Desperate attempts are being made to quash rumours that the England first five-eighths Jonny Wilkinson is going to prove uninsurable for the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand this summer - always assuming he is fully recovered from injury and fit, and selected.

It would now seem that reports that no one wanted to underwrite the risk to one of the rugby world's most battered bodies have been exaggerated.

Last night the Premier Rugby Limited and Lions' chief executive John Feehan, who had originally told The Independent on Sunday, "We will not insure Jonny Wilkinson's knee," issued a statement trying to play down the whole situation.

The statement said: "There have been a number of misleading articles in the media in the last couple of days concerning player insurance and that of Jonny Wilkinson in particular.

"Whilst we do not wish to make comment on any individual player, we do not believe any player is uninsurable.

"The regulations laid down by the Lions Committee are quite clear. No player will travel without insurance. Those not eligible for insurance due to a pre-existing injury will be found alternative cover, or an agreement will be reached with the player to ensure any potential loss is underwritten."

Oddly, the tour is being sponsored by Zurich, one of Europe's leading insurers.

It is feared that Wilkinson's recent injuries, combined with his vast earning potential, make him a financial risk the Lions might not be able to afford.

Wilkinson has suffered a catalogue of injuries since the World Cup. The England first five-eighths had an operation on his shoulder to correct a long-standing nerve problem and is currently battling back from knee ligament damage.

So although it was possible for Hollywood film star Betty Grable to insure her legs for $1m and for Ken Dodd to get cover for his teeth, poor old Wilko's body parts are looking a little too dodgy.

No such problem for the former All Black wing Jonah Lomu, who is preparing for a return to action following a kidney transplant operation last July. Lomu, who has been out of action for two years in all after suffering a crippling renal disease which involved two hours of dialysis every day, yesterday signed a two-year deal to play for North Harbour in the NPC.

- INDEPENDENT