Injury may put Wilkinson out of the Six Nations

Jonny Wilkinson had to be helped off the pitch with a shoulder injury yesterday in his first game since he drop-kicked England to rugby World Cup glory.

Although x-rays showed that the 24-year-old fly-half had not broken any bones, soft tissue damage may rule him out of the Six Nations championship.

Wilkinson went down in a heap near the touchline in the 53rd minute after attempting a tackle for his team, Newcastle Falcons. He had treatment on his neck and shoulder for four minutes before getting to his feet, but he was unable to continue. His three penalties in the first half had given the Falcons a 9-6 interval lead over Northampton. Newcastle eventually won the Zurich Premiership game 23-19.