Newcastle and England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson says his injury woes are behind him and that he feels like a teenager again ahead of the new season. The 26-year-old also claims long spells out of the game have taught him to take a more laid-back approach to life.
Wilkinson said: "I've recovered and I'm going out there as if I'm 18 again, only with eight years more experience.
"I can't change and I'll always be obsessive. But I have to be more relaxed about my rugby. I know that."
Wilkinson has been plagued by injury since kicking England to glory in the World Cup final back in November 2003.
He missed most of the 2004/05 season but played his way into contention just in time to be selected for the Lions tour.
Wilkinson played in the first Test but suffered a "stinger" injury, a nerve problem associated with shoulder and neck injuries, during the second match against the All Blacks.
 |  I still have enormous goals in rugby but maybe I'll be less afraid to wander into other areas |
He added: "The excitement is back for me now and the summer tour and the ups and downs have taught me how to relax as opposed to putting myself under enormous amounts of pressure.
"It ends up being counter-productive and maybe I wish I'd taken people's advice and had more time off while I was injured to understand there's more to life outside of rugby.
"I still have enormous goals in rugby but maybe in my spare time I'll be a little less afraid to wander into other areas.
"There is a balance between rugby and having a decent life and being away this summer has helped me understand where my life needs to change a little bit."
Meanwhile, Wilkinson said he is looking forward to playing under Colin Charvis, who has replaced him as Falcons skipper.
"I will play my own game but it's not as if I'm going to stop talking as much on the field or in the preparation.
"I think we'll benefit a lot with him in charge because he's clearly up to the job and I have no problem getting right behind him."
MMIX
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