Woodward resigned to being without Wilko Down Under

England coach Clive Woodward has confirmed that he will have to do without
star flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson for next month’s Tests in New Zealand and
Australia.

Wilkinson has not played for England since kicking the winning drop goal in
the World Cup final in November and had surgery at the start of this year to
correct a long-standing problem in his neck and shoulder.

“I met Jonny in Newcastle yesterday to discuss how he’s progressing,” Woodward
said on Friday.

“He hasn’t played a competitive game since last December and is clearly not
in a position to come back into the squad for the tour this summer. I’m looking
forward to welcoming him back in the autumn.”

Woodward is now hopeful the Newcastle star will be fit for England’s game against
Canada at Twickenham in November – the warm-up for the rematch against Australia
on the first anniversary of the World Cup final. England’s other long-standing
fly-half, Paul Grayson of Northampton Saints, has decided to retire from international
rugby with immediate effect, confirming he will not be available for the tour.

Paul Grayson, Wilkinson’s under-study at the World Cup, has meanwhile retired
from the international scene because of family commitments.

“I have absolutely no regrets,” Grayson said.

“I am delighted with my international career but I don’t want to leave my wife
and kids any more.” Grayson is the sixth member of England’s World Cup winning
squad to retire from the international game after scoring 400 points for England
in 32 internationals, leaving him second only to Wilkinson.

Woodward said: “I spoke with Paul earlier this week and fully understand and
respect his decision to retire. He has been a wonderful presence on the pitch
for England these past nine years and I hope to see him return in a coaching
capacity in the future. Grayson said he intended to play for his club Northampton
for one more season.

– AFP 2004.