Newcastle have revealed that England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson is suffering from an inflamed appendix. Wilkinson, currently on tour with the Falcons in Japan, was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure after complaining of sickness.
Tests revealed the inflammation and the 26-year-old is currently on medication to counter the problem.
The Newcastle squad, caught in a Tokyo earthquake earlier this week, play NEC Green Rockets in the city on Saturday.
Wilkinson was already ruled out of that match and is unlikely to take part in the second match of the tour against Toyota Verblitz on Tuesday.
Inflammation of the appendix, known as appendicitis, can cause acute pain, fever, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite, but can be cured easily by removing the appendix.
It is the latest affliction to strike England's World Cup hero.
Wilkinson had recently recovered from another "stinger" injury to his shoulder - suffered in the Lions' second Test defeat to New Zealand - after missing most of last season.
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Jonny isn't having any luck at all with regards to his health