Wilkinson told to take a break

Jonny Wilkinson took another hammering at Headingley yesterday as the avenging Harlequins fought their way into next month's European Shield final against Narbonne.

England's fearless fly-half had no sooner failed to go the distance with Newcastle for the third successive match than his club stepped in to end his domestic season at least a week early rather than expose him to further punishment before the Lions tour.

They immediately ruled him out of Saturday's Premiership play- off at Bath and out of everything else until the 10-match Australian expedition starts in June.

Even after requiring lengthy treatment for three separate blows to his neck, Wilkinson still had to be almost dragged off the field seven minutes from the end of a second all-English European semi-final of sustained ferocity within 24 hours. His latest battering will do nothing to ease the Lions' anxiety over a neck condition stemming from a narrow spinal canal.

Both club and player were quick to play down fears of further disruption once the Lions No.1 reaches the hard grounds of Australia after blows against London Irish, Saracens and now Quins in the past three weeks.

Newcastle manager Rob Andrew said: 'What Jonny needs is three to four weeks' rest from the big hits and that's what he will now get. We all know how tough a game this is and we do our best to look after him.'

Wilkinson, clutching an ice pack to the left of his neck, said: 'I've had this problem before over the years. The scans showed nothing abnormal and maybe I've just been a bit unlucky. It's difficult to treat and rest is really the key. That will now be the priority but I was desperate to stay on the field. There were only five points between us and we wanted to get to the final so badly.'