THE extraordinary sequence of injuries which has blighted Jonny Wilkinson's career since winning the World Cup 28 months ago is not over yet.

He was said to be fully fit when he sat on the bench for Newcastle Falcons' win at London Irish last Sunday, but he broke down in training this week.

Following a groin operation in November, Wilkinson was expected to return early in the new year but it has now transpired that he tore a groin muscle last month and the same thing seems to have happened again.

As Newcastle are clearly tired of giving medical bulletins with regard to Wilkinson they are making no predictions about when he will be fit.

Forwards coach Peter Walton said: "Jonny was absolutely flying in training and really buzzing with the prospect of a comeback. But he will be back at some point.

"Dave Walder put in a superb performance at London Irish. His tackle count was 100 per cent and he won a turnover, which is a big step in terms of his own development because he has worked incredibly hard on his defence."

Toby Flood takes over on the bench for Sunday's visit of Gloucester following his recovery from a knee injury. He has also been named in the England Under 21 squad for next Friday's match against Scotland at Falkirk.

The Falcons make seven changes to their starting line-up as they have one eye on next Friday night's home game against Leicester.

Colin Charvis and Jamie Noon are available on Sunday, but will not be able to play against the Tigers, while Mathew Tait is back from his England Sevens triumph in Los Angeles.

Hall Charlton starts at scrum half after acting as James Grindal's understudy since his return from injury, while hooker Matt Thompson, lock Stuart Grimes and flanker Mike McCarthy come into the pack.

Centre Mark Mayerhofler and lock Geoff Parling emerged from Sunday's win with soreness but are expected to be fit to face the Tigers.

McCarthy comes in for Australian Owen Finegan, with Walton explaining: "With two games in five days we need to manage the players' welfare and we want to make sure that guys like Owen and Andy Long are fresh for the Leicester game.

"Owen had a great game last week and he's increasingly turning it on for us, but having Colin Charvis back gives us the option of using Mike McCarthy at six and still retaining an experienced presence in the back row."

Both Darlington clubs are at home in National Three North tomorrow, with Mowden Park desperate to avenge their defeat at Fylde two weeks ago.

They felt the 39-3 scoreline was not a true reflection of the game and believe they can end their run of six defeats.

Eni Gisende should be available after leading the Newcastle Development XV to a 26-23 win against Worcester Warriors on Monday.

While Darlington-born flanker Ed Williamson crowned his man of the match performance with a try, the other three all came from players who have appeared for Mowden - Jason Smithson, Mark Laycock and lock Sean Tomes, who has won a year's contract.

The Mowden connection was strengthened by Shaun Richardson and Mark Wilkinson appearing at half back, while Danny Brown went on off the bench, as did Darlington's Phil Dawson.

Darlington face Leicester Lions, where they drew on November 5 after letting a good lead slip following a first half hat-trick by Alan Brown.

Winger Simon Crozier, flanker Del Lewis and centre Apenai Kororua all come back into the frame after missing last week's win at Hull Ionians.

Stockton have decided to follow RFU guidelines with regard to head injuries and have left skipper Brett Wildridge out of their side for the North Two East match at home to Sheffield.

Wildridge was knocked out at West Hartlepool last week and his place in the back row goes to Ian Todd.

Wayne Brown and Danny Muirhead are expected to return to the pack, while Dan Taylor returns at centre with Tom Armstrong moving to the wing