Wilkinson sidelined for a month

The Newcastle and England fly-half, who is out with a groin complaint, also said he would have to lessen his training to avoid future injuries.

Wilkinson told the Times newspaper: "The reason this is happening is the shearing of the joints from the repetitive nature of the kicking.

"I understand that - I have put a lot of a strain on myself without a doubt."

Wilkinson has been dogged by injury since his drop goal sealed the World Cup for England more than two years ago.

I've got to find a way of working as hard without putting so much stress on my body Jonny Wilkinson

The 26-year-old has previously warned his training style may have been responsible for putting extra strain on his body.

"I always found it difficult to accept when I believe that the ultimate relationship for success is the more you put in, the more you get out," he added.

"There is a requirement for a bit of a change of approach. This change of approach was maybe something I needed.

"I've got to find a way of working as hard without putting so much stress on my body.

"The two-hour kicking sessions will always be with me. If I have a problem with the kicking, I almost feel I have no choice, it's a second nature to carry on until I've got it right.

"But for years I've been literally compounding two-hour session upon two-hour session. I'm going to have to be a bit cuter now, I know now that I cannot afford to think like that every single day."