England outhalf Jonny Wilkinson is set to make his latest return to competitive rugby with his club Newcastle Falcons in the Guinness Premiership.
Wilkinson, who has not played since November after undergoing groin surgery, has been named in the squad to travel to London Irish at the weekend.
Wilkinson has been dogged by a series of injuries since masterminding England’s World Cup win in Sydney three years ago, and has put very little competitive rugby behind him since.
Newcastle Director of rugby Rob Andrew said yesterday that the outhalf will not be rushed back but was ready to return.
"He hasn’t played since November, so logically the bench is the best place for him," said Andrew.
"There is no premeditated plan of when to bring him on, and if things are going well with the personnel out on the field then it may be that he doesn’t come on at all.
"He wouldn’t be in the 22 if he wasn’t fit, and he’s done everything with the squad this week as well as coming in last week when most of the squad were rested."
