England and Sale star Jason Robinson has withdrawn from the Commonwealth Games 7s squad to focus on his long-term goal of the Rugby World Cup in 2003.

After 50 matches since switching codes from Wigan last season, Robinson is determined to have a complete break from rugby this summer as he looks to recharge his batteries.

Robinson, told the Daily Mail, "I don't want to wear myself out. I can't remember a year when I had more than three weeks off since I started playing and my body is saying to me: "Hang on, I need a break." I'm picking up a few niggles, which are signs of wear and tear. The Commonwealth Games is a massive event, but I've got to be smart and have a decent break.

"Next year will be very important with the World Cup in Australia. I haven't had a proper break for several years and it's imperative I get one. Two seasons ago, I played 35 games in rugby league before switching to union and playing a further 25 games through to the Lions tour."

Next season will be the most demanding England have faced as they seek to arrive at the World Cup with a 30-man squad capable of bringing the trophy to Europe for the first time. They will play 14 Tests between November and the following August. As well as the pre-Christmas series against the All Blacks, Wallabies and Spring-boks, their schedule will extend far beyond the five matches in the Six Nations.

Next summer they play further Tests in Japan, Australia and New Zealand before three matches in August, against Wales in Cardiff and France home and away.

Sale are "reasonably hopeful" that Robinson will make his comeback from injury in Sunday's Zurich Premiership clash at Newcastle.

Robinson missed England's record 50-10 Lloyds TSB Six Nations Championship victory over Wales last weekend because of an abdominal muscle problem.

"Jason is improving every day," said Sale coach Jim Mallinder. "We are reasonably hopeful that he will be able to start against Newcastle."

Robinson has been named in a 23-man Sale squad, which also includes fly-half Charlie Hodgson.

Like Robinson, Hodgson also missed out on the Wales game - he was selected as bench cover for Jonny Wilkinson - because of ankle trouble, but Mallinder added: "Charlie is definitely back to fitness."

Sale, currently third in the Premiership, know that victory over a faltering Falcons side, would mean another giant stride being taken towards Heineken Cup qualification next season.