Autumn internationals news: Fresh injury worry over Jonny Wilkinson

24/05/2010

Jonny Wilkinson's chances of starting at fly-half in England's autumn internationals series may have been jeopardised by a possible broken rib.

The Toulon stand-off hobbled out of his side's 28-21 Amlin Challenge Cup final defeat to Cardiff Blues at the weekend, sparking fears that the knock could keep him out of the summer tour to Australia and New Zealand.

If the former Newcastle Falcons star was to miss the southern hemisphere trip, it could pave the way for others - including Toby Flood, Charlie Hodgson and Olly Barkley - to stake a stronger claim on the number ten jersey ahead of the autumn internationals.

Speaking after the match, Wilkinson - who will probably not have tests on the injury until tomorrow (May 25th 2010) - remained upbeat about his chances.

"I'm not sure if it's a cracked rib," he said. "At the moment it does feel a bit uncomfortable but I am not in a position where I am feeling dread in any way."

Posted by Sam Smith