John Fletcher, the Newcastle boss, has denied that Jonny Wilkinson is being "rested" for Sunday's Guinness Premiership clash against Bristol.

Wilkinson, who will be on RBS 6 Nations duty in Ireland next week, is to miss the Guinness Premiership clash with his side strugglinmg in 10th place.

But Fletcher insists that decision was based purely on Wilkinson's physical condition, rather than any desire to give him a breather.

"I thought the statement we put out on Tuesday was pretty clear, but it seems to have been misinterpreted by a lot of people," Fletcher said.

"Nowhere in the statement did it say Jonny was being rested, and nowhere in the statement did it say the decision was made in consultation with England. It was a joint decision made between myself, Jonny and our medical team.

"The decision was that Jonny is not fit to play."

Brian Ashton, the England head coach, hopes the entire England starting line-up selected for Croke Park will not be involved in club games this weekend.

Howvere, the clubs are under no obligation to rest players and Newcastle have included England replacements Toby Flood and Mathew Tait in their side.

"He hasn't trained with the team this week. He is carrying bumps, bruises and strains after two massive (Six Nations) games, and the decision was that he was not ready for selection.

"That is the reason he hasn't been picked. Had he been available, he would have been involved, it is as straightforward as that.

"I have not had a conversation with England, other than to tell them what decision we had reached as a club."