England World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson will miss the forthcoming Six Nations Championship.
Wilkinson saw a specialist today and has been told he will need an operation next week on his injured shoulder.
The Newcastle and England fly-half is expected to need a six to eight-week recovery period following the operation on his right shoulder.
A statement on the Newcastle website, www.newcastle-falcons.co.ukread: "Newcastle Falcons announced today that Jonny Wilkinson will be having an operation on his right shoulder next Wednesday, February 11, 2004.
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"It is anticipated that there will be a six-to-eight week recovery period following the operation."