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Rugby Union

Falcons coach: Wilkinson not fit to play

15/02/2007

Newcastle Falcons head coach John Fletcher has insisted the only reason Jonny Wilkinson has not been selected for this weekend's game is that he is not fit enough to play.

Fletcher's struggling team are at Bristol on Sunday, and the coach says that the England fly-half has simply not recovered after two gruelling Six Nations workouts.

Dismissing suggestions that Wilkinson was being rested ahead of England's crunch clash with Ireland on Sunday February 24th, Fletcher said: "The decision was that Jonny is not fit to play - he is carrying bumps, bruises and strains after two massive games.

"He is definitely not rested - he wouldn't have played for anyone this weekend."

The coach explained that the talismanic 27-year-old would definitely have been included in his team, who lie tenth in the Premiership, as they prepare to face high-flying Bristol.

"I'd have to be a stark raving lunatic to go in to such a game without one of the best players in the world," Fletcher added.

"I can see why some of our supporters are upset at the suggestion that we've rested him, but that simply isn't the case."

Fletched has included Wilkinson's England colleagues Matthew Tait and Tony Flood in his team for this Sunday's match.

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