Wilkinson forced out of England Tests with blood clot

Jonny Wilkinson's return to competitive rugby after a post-surgery break of eight months has lasted less than a dozen games.

Jonny Wilkinson's return to competitive rugby after a post-surgery break of eight months has lasted less than a dozen games.

The new England captain, appointed to the post by Andy Robinson a little over a fortnight ago, faces a lay-off of between four and six weeks because of repeated problems with his right arm, and is highly unlikely to feature in any of the world champions' forthcoming Tests against Canada, South Africa and Australia at Twickenham.

After dropping the goal that won the World Cup in Sydney, the Newcastle outside-half missed the second half of last season following an operation to repair a ravaged nerve in his neck.

This latest injury, a haematoma in the upper regions of his right arm, is not of the same magnitude, but it is serious enough to warrant a lengthy spell of rest.