England World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson is set to make his comeback in Newcastle Falcons' Zurich Premiership match against Northampton at Kingston Park on Sunday.
The out-half, who kicked the drop-goal which won the Webb Ellis Trophy for England, has been nursing a fractured shoulder since returning from Australia.
"We're hopeful he will play this weekend," Newcastle Falcons director of rugby Rob Andrew said. He has been training with us and the medics have said they are not massively concerned.
"He is desperate to get out there. He hasn't done any contact work yet, but he has done lots of kicking practice."