Falcons hopeful for Wilkinson recovery

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Wilkinson was operated on by specialist Rob Gregory in Newcastle on Friday after dislocating his knee during Falcons' Guinness Premiership defeat against Gloucester at Kingsholm on Tuesday night.

Newcastle rugby director Steve Bates said: "Jonny has had his operation, and the reports are that it went well. They are optimistic about it, and we will have to see how it progresses."

Estimates about Wilkinson's recovery are that he is unlikely to play again before Christmas, ruling him out of England's autumn Test matches with the Pacific Islanders, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.

"It is a reasonably difficult injury, and it will take a bit of time to come back," Bates added.

"Jonny plays with 100% effort, and in that respect he is very vulnerable, but he is just the same as everyone else."

On the field on Friday, Bates had few complaints after Newcastle lost their opening EDF Energy Cup game 25-14 against Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade.

Former Newcastle captain Colin Charvis grounded the Falcons with a super-sub display. The 35-year-old flanker, now part of the Dragons' coaching staff, marked his first senior appearance this season by delivering a memorable second-half performance.

Bates added: "The three Dragons tries came from our turnovers, but some of our boys have played four games in 12 days.

"Colin Charvis stole the ball from a ruck five minutes after he came on. He is of those players who has a lot of experience who will do something like that."