Wilko allowed to spread wings

Newcastle Falcons have confirmed Jonny Wilkinson will be rested this weekend.

Newcastle Falcons have handed England a major Six Nations boost by revealing Jonny Wilkinson will not feature in their Premiership clash with Bristol this weekend.

Fellow England men Toby Flood and Mathew Tait will play, but that will not temper the relief felt by coach Brian Ashton surrounding news on Wilkinson.

England bosses are desperate to see their top players released from Premiership duty so they can enjoy the same two-week preparation as forthcoming opponents Ireland.

Wilkinson and Newcastle had been a major worry due to the threat of their lowly placing in the Premiership table, but the Falcons have agreed not to play the nation's star man.

"Jonny has started two tough international matches, taken a lot of bumps and bruises, and we have reached a joint decision," confirmed Falcosn director of rugby John Fletcher.

"We are in the fortunate position of having two England fly-halves at the club, and both Toby Flood and Mathew Tait will be involved."

Wilkinson has been largely responsible for both of England's Six Nations victories so far, scoring 27 points against Scotland and a further 15 in the dour win over Italy.

A three-year history of injuries makes him a chief worry in every game he enters, but now he will be allowed the perfect preparation for the February 24 trip to Croke Park.

Newcastle are currently eight points away from the relegation zone in the Premiership, and they face a mammoth task away to second-placed Bristol on Sunday.

However, their decision to release Wilkinson shows a determination to put country before club, and England boss Ashton will hope it sparks others to follow suit.