England flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson, who was rushed to hospital in Tokyo with an inflamed appendix earlier this month, has been told he can prepare for the English Premiership season with his club Newcastle Falcons.

Falcons director of rugby Rob Andrew said Wilkinson was cleared to start full contact work and would be "in contention" to play at Sale on Friday.

Wilkinson, England's 2003 World Cup hero, was hospitalised as a precaution after complaining of stomach pains while on tour in Japan with the Falcons.

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