Newcastle Falcons are confident that Jonny Wilkinson will be fit for the start of the new season, as he continues to regain fitness after shoulder surgery.

The 29-year-old fly-half needed the operation to repair cartilage and remains certain that he will be ready for the season opener against Sale on September 7th.

Steve Bates, the Newcastle Falcon’s head of rugby commented, “He has had a bit of contact work and the medical opinion is very strong that he will be fit for the Sale game.”