Wilko and co get the all clear

By Phil Jackson  

Wilko and co get the all clear

Related links

Teams

Players

England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson has been given the all clear for the RBS Six Nations, after missing a hard-fought weekend of Guinness Premiership action for his club.

Rugby Football Union elite rugby director Rob Andrew had called for England's Croke Park line-up to be given a rest as the international competition enjoyed a break.

Despite his pleas Olly Morgan, Josh Lewsey, Jason Robinson, Andy Farrell, Danny Grewcock and Magnus Lund all started for their clubs.

The Newcastle Falcons have since sought to ease fears over World Cup winner Wilkinson's fitness after he missed the agonising 22-21 defeat at Bristol.

Newcastle's director of rugby John Fletcher said: "Jonny is fine. He will be fine for England, so everyone can rest easy.

"He came back to us from two massive Test matches, and your body is going to be a bit sore after that, but he will be fine."

Brian Ashton has also received assurances on the rest of his squad's fitness as he builds towards the Dublin match on Saturday.