High winds snapped a post at Kingston Park

The match was being billed as a showdown between England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson and his heir apparent, 20-year-old Wasps star Danny Cipriani.

But the match, which was a sell-out, must now be rearranged after inclement weather in the Kingston Park area.

With gusts of around 60mph, the high winds snapped a post and blew off part of a stand roof.

Newcastle director of rugby John Fletcher said: "A decision has been made with the safety of people foremost.

"That's what's important. The post snapped and there was some damage to roof of the stand and the safety officer and referee basically didn't have any option.

"I don't think Mat Tait would have enjoyed it had a post come down and whacked him on the head.

"I have no idea when we will get the game played. There was not real chance of it being played over the weekend with all that entailed so we have no real idea when it will be played now."