Record beckons Gregan

AUSTRALIA: George Gregan appears destined to smash Jason Leonard's world record and become rugby's most capped player after he yesterday agreed a new three-year contract with the Australian Rugby Union.

The deal will take Gregan, the Australia captain and scrumhalf, through to what would be his fourth World Cup, by which time he would easily have surpassed Leonard's Test record of 114 caps.

"I still feel that I can improve as a player and I am really enjoying my football," said Gregan, who will lead Australia on their November tour to France, Scotland and England.

Gregan overtook David Campese to become the most capped Australian international when he made his 102nd appearance for the Wallabies against South Africa in the Tri-Nations.

With his current deal expiring in December, it was thought this season could have been Gregan's last, particularly when he was replaced as captain of the ACT Brumbies by Stirling Mortlock.

But Gregan thrived with the reduced responsibility as the Brumbies stormed to the Super 12 title and he still has the hunger to continue, which is a blessing for Wallabies coach Eddie Jones.

Gregan has missed only 10 Tests since making his debut against Italy in 1994.

Chris Whitaker, his perennial understudy, is 31 next week with just 20 caps to his name. Matt Henjak, Harlequins' new signing, only started one Super 12 game for the Brumbies last year and Josh Valentine fell out of favour.

"George has already achieved a lot in the game over the last 10 years and it's terrific to see him continue his commitment to the Wallabies and Australian rugby," Jones said.

"His professionalism, experience and leadership is without peer, and it will be a huge asset to the team going into the upcoming tour to France and the UK and then into next season."

ENGLAND: Newcastle have declared Jonny Wilkinson fit to play in their Premiership clash against Saracens at Kingston Park on Sunday.

The England captain collected a heavy bruise to his upper right arm during Newcastle's defeat against Wasps last weekend.

Wilkinson then only took a limited part in England's two-day squad session at Loughborough University earlier this week, raising fears about his fitness.

But the Falcons have named their World Cup winner in a much-changed starting line-up as they look to end a worrying run of league defeats.