The optimism felt by Jonny Wilkinson following his successful comeback for Newcastle in Galway this week was echoed yesterday by a buoyant Sir Clive Woodward, who can now look forward to welcoming his prize asset back into the England fold next month.
Woodward has organised the first two-day England squad session of the new season for September 21-22 and expects Wilkinson to resume his Test career at the earliest possible opportunity after the fly-half's uneventful return to competitive match action on Tuesday.
"I'm absolutely delighted he's come through," said Woodward, insisting he had always been confident Wilkinson would re-emerge fit and well after shoulder surgery. "There was never any doubt as far as I'm concerned and I hope the rest has done him the world of good. I'm glad no one rushed it. He's had a long, long rest and that will be of benefit to him. We're obviously all looking forward to having him back for the autumn internationals."
Even a mere 40 minutes of pre-season rugby was enough to underline there is little wrong with Wilkinson's general fitness and, assuming he avoids any further mishaps, there is no doubt he will feature in England's first autumn fixture against Canada at Twickenham on November 13.
Woodward was swift to praise both the Newcastle and Rugby Football Union medical teams, well aware that Wilkinson's treatment and recuperation has not always been trouble-free. Rob Andrew, the Falcons' director of rugby, has meanwhile confirmed he intends to play his outside-half in both his side's remaining two pre-season games, against Munster next Monday and Pertemps Bees on Saturday week.
"Physically, he feels fantastic," insisted Andrew. "He took some pretty big hits, so there is no issue there. It couldn't have gone any better, to be honest, but we weren't concerned. He's as good as he ever was, and he's been absolutely on fire in training."
Wilkinson's drive and commitment also remain undimmed, judging by his post-match routine on Tuesday night. While his team-mates headed for the bar he headed back out on to the pitch in the gathering dusk for a skills session and he is clearly determined to add to his already weighty haul of achievements.
"You want to do things to make you proud and fulfil your potential," he explained. "I have tried to raise the bar but it will take until the end of my career to get where I want to be."
· Rotherham's legal proceedings against England Rugby Ltd and Worcester, scheduled to be heard next week, have been adjourned until further notice. The Yorkshire club will be wound up on Friday unless a new financial backer can be found.
