The Newcastle Falcons star initially sustained the damage to his right shoulder while kicking England to World Cup glory in Australia and despite waiting over a month before resuming club duties, he aggravated the problem.

He lasted just 58 minutes of Newcastles Premiership clash with Northampton on December 28 before walking off clutching the problem area, which also includes his neck.

Although the initial prognosis was that the 24-year-old match-winner had taken one stinger too many and his condition would improve with rest, it was revealed last Friday that he would require surgery.

That was completed successfully and Falcons director of rugby Rob Andrew said: Newcastle Falcons can confirm that Jonny Wilkinson has been released from hospital. He is well and is now going away for 10 days.

The operation seems to have gone okay. He will begin rehabilitation as soon as he can.

Well take it from there to see when he is able to start training again.