The injury happened when Wilkinson attempted to land a penalty kick in the 46th minute, leading the England star to believe it is not as bad as some fear.

He said: “I'm not sure if it's a cracked rib. It feels like a bit of a back strain - I will find out this week.

“At the moment it does feel a bit uncomfortable but I am not in a position where I am feeling dread in any way.

“From what the physio said, I am hoping it is quite run of the mill and that I can have some treatment and then be raring to go.”

But the 30-year-old has had a long list of injuries in recent years and England coach Martin Johnson will be waiting anxiously to hear the news on his World Cup-winning team mate.

Wilkinson will undergo a scan within the next 48 hours to determine whether he is fit to join up with England for their match against the Barbarians at Twickenham on May 30.

The squad then leave the next day for a five-match tour down under, with their first match against the Australian Barbarians in Perth on June 8, and the first of two Tests against the Wallabies on June 12.