Originally posted by BBC SPORT
England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson looks set to play for the first time since last November after being named in the Newcastle squad to face London Irish.
The World Cup winner has repeatedly delayed his return to action since undergoing groin surgery in November but will start on the bench on Sunday.
Newcastle director of rugby Rob Andrew said Wilkinson was fit but he would not be rushed back into the side.
"He last played in November, so the bench is best for him," he said.
"There is no premeditated plan of when to bring him on and, if things are going well with the personnel out on the field, then it may be that he doesn't come on at all.
"He wouldn't be in the 22 if he wasn't fit and he's done everything with the squad this week as well as coming in last week when most of the squad were rested.
"I'm very happy with Dave Walder starting at number 10, and we'll just make a decision during the game as to whether we need to bring people on from the bench in any position, not just Jonny."
