NEWS ROUND-UP:JONNY WILKINSON has been ruled out of England's autumn international campaign with a shoulder injury.
The Toulon outhalf has been formally replaced in Martin Johnson’s 32-man elite squad by Sale’s Charlie Hodgson.
Wilkinson does not require surgery but the England RFU confirmed he will be out of action for around four weeks.
Wilkinson saw a specialist last Tuesday after reporting to England’s training camp with a shoulder problem sustained in Toulon’s defeat to Stade Français on Saturday night.
England always knew he was doubtful for the New Zealand game on November 6th, but it became apparent over the last 48 hours that Wilkinson would be sidelined for the whole series.
“Jonny was being assessed day by day and we knew we would have a better idea of where he was in terms of the injury by the end of this week,” said Johnson. “It’s clear that Jonny will need a period of rehab of around four weeks.”
Toby Flood is now certain to start against the All Blacks with Hodgson set to be named in a Test squad for the first time since the 2008 tour of New Zealand.
Meanwhile, Ireland’s A side will meet the England Saxons at Ravenhill on February 4th. England won last season, beating the Irish Wolfhounds 17-13.
