Wilkinson comeback still on hold

Jonny Wilkinson’s comeback after groin surgery will remain on hold this weekend when Newcastle host Guinness Premiership rivals Saracens.

The England and Falcons fly-half has not played since mid-November after suffering the latest in a series of injuries.

Although he is gradually working his way back towards full training, Wilkinson will not be risked by Newcastle rugby director Rob Andrew.

"People keep asking me about Jonny Wilkinson," said Andrew.

"But I will just say what I’ve said every week for the last month. When he is fit we will consider him – but at the moment we are just letting him recover and we would be stupid to force the issue."

Wilkinson’s last England appearance came in the 2003 World Cup final, and he will again watch from the sidelines when they launch their 2006 RBS 6 Nations campaign against Wales at Twickenham on Saturday week.

Newcastle’s next scheduled game after Saturday is a Premiership trip to London Irish on February 12.