Wilkinson given green light

LONDON - England first five-eighths Jonny Wilkinson, who was rushed to hospital in Tokyo with an inflamed appendix earlier this month, has been told he can prepare for the English Premiership season with his club Newcastle Falcons.

Falcons director of rugby Rob Andrew said Wilkinson was cleared to start full contact work and would be "in contention" to play at Sale on Friday.

"If his appendix grumbles again, that's obviously a decision for the medics to make," Andrew was quoted as saying on the Falcons' official website.

"But they chose not to operate in Japan and to control it with medication. We'll just see how it goes.

"My understanding of the current situation is that he can only play half a game, if he is fit and selected in the 22, so we'll just have to see how it pans out," Andrew added, referring to the 11-week rest period demanded by the Rugby Football Union.

Wilkinson, England's 2003 World Cup hero, was hospitalised as a precaution after complaining of stomach pains while on tour in Japan with the Falcons.

He was told there was a 33 per cent chance it could become inflamed again, which could require an operation and an absence of between four and six weeks.

Wilkinson has been plagued by injuries since he dropped the goal that won England the World Cup in Australia in 2003.

The 26-year-old recently recovered from a neck and shoulder injury sustained during the second Lions test in New Zealand after having missed most of last season.

Wilkinson suffered serious shoulder and knee injuries after the World Cup that threatened to bring his career to a premature end.

- REUTERS