Wilkinson set to make latest comeback

News in Brief

Scrum.com

March 23, 2009

Newcastle's Jonny Wilkinson is set to make his latest comeback against the Tigers this weekend © Getty Images

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Newcastle fly-half Jonny Wilkinson is set for his latest comeback in the Premiership side's clash with Leicester this weekend.

Wilkinson has been out for six months since suffering a dislocated kneecap at Gloucester. ''If things go well we will start by naming him on the bench against Leicester,'' said Falcons Director of Rugby Steve Bates after his side's 36-25 defeat at Bath at the weekend.

Bath wing Matt Banahan and Saracens forward Kris Chesney are both free to continue playing after their citings for foul play were dismissed by Rugby Football Union disciplinary chiefs.

Banahan was reported for an alleged body-check on Saracens centre Adam Powell during Bath's Guinness Premiership defeat at Vicarage Road eight days ago. Chesney, meanwhile, was cited for an alleged punch on Bath's Alex Crockett. Referee Chris White yellow-carded Chesney following the incident, and the panel decided that was a sufficient sanction.

France lock Sebastien Chabal and Italy prop Martin Castrogiovanni were allegedly involved in a nightclub brawl following their Six Nations clash in Rome on Saturday.

Chabal, who scored a try in Les Bleus' 50-8 romp, reportedly left Castrogiovanni with a bloodied nose in a row concerning the Italian's girlfriend before being separated by team mates.

According to South African newspaper Sondag, the Bulls have rejected the suggestion that former Leicester coach Heyneke Meyer may return to his old club as director of coaching.

Meyer's return was reportedly suggested to the Bulls board by current head coach Frans Ludeke, but was rejected along with suggestions that fly-half Derick Hougaard and centre Jaco van der Westhuyzen could also return to the franchise.

According to reports, the Australian Rugby Union is considering re-introducing traditional "probables vs possibles" matches at the end of the Tri Nations. With no regular nationwide club competition currently in operation the matches would afford the Wallaby management to view extra options as they prepare for their end-of-season tours to the northern hemisphere.

Website rugbyheaven.com.au speculates that the "possibles" selection would likely come in the form of an Australian Barbarians side drawn from Sydney's Shute Shield or Premier Rugby competitions in Brisbane - forging a link between club rugby and the international setup at the end of the season.

Cardiff Blues look likely to be without their Wales international No.8 Andy Powell for their Anglo-Welsh Cup semi-final against Northampton at the RICOH Arena on Saturday. Powell was ruled out of Wales' final Six Nations game against Ireland due to a torn thigh muscle, meaning that Kiwi powerhouse Xavier Rush will likely step in at the base of the scrum.

The Ospreys also look set to be missing a key member of their personnel as they take on Gloucester in the other semi-final. Fullback Lee Byrne looks set to be out for up to a month after injuring tendons in his ankle during Wales' loss to Ireland. Byrne is also a doubt for the Ospreys' trip to face Munster in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals on April 12.

Worcester forwards Chris Fortey and Will Bowley have both agreed new deals with the Guinness Premiership club. Former Gloucester hooker Fortey has signed a one-year contract, while lock Bowley will be at Sixways for at least another two seasons.

England Women retained their Six Nations crown with a crushing 72-3 victory over Scotland on Sunday. Victory also saw them become the first women's team to win the tournament four times in a row.

Wales claimed the Triple Crown for the first time since the national team was formed 22 years ago by defeating Ireland 13-10.

The second round of action in this year's Rugby Super League has been completed in the United States with Life University maintaining their unbeaten start to the season.

The RSL new boys beat New York Athletic Club 29-24 in their Blue Conference clash while Chicago Lions and Belmont Shore lead the Red Conference after victories over Chicago Griffins and San Francisco Golden Gate respectively.

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