Premiership: Mark Wilson returns to Newcastle Falcons as part of the coaching staff

Dylan Coetzee

Newcastle Falcons' captain Mark Wilson during the Gallagher Premiership match at Twickenham Stoop, London. Picture date: Saturday June 12, 2021.

Mark Wilson will make a return to Newcastle Falcons as part of the first team coaching staff for next season.

The former loose forward represented the Falcons on a whopping 237 occasions over 12 years in a legendary contribution to the club.

Coaching was always the option

Wilson, who earned 23 England caps, admits that retirement did come earlier than expected when he hung up his boots in February but was always looking towards coaching.

“Coaching was always in the back of my mind,” Wilson said.

“Retirement did come earlier than expected for me, but I knew it was the right time.

“For the last 18 months I’ve definitely explored coaching as an option for myself, and I’m looking forward to getting back involved with the team.”

The 32-year-old has had the opportunity to work with several world-class coaches and he believes that he can add value to the Falcons.

“It’s been a pleasure over the years to work with some great coaches at club and international level,” he said.

“I think for me, in my new role, the best thing I can do is just be myself and be authentic.

“When I was playing I would always pride myself on being the hardest worker in the team, and I think I can relay this effort and enthusiasm into my coaching and onto the players.

“I feel bad for the way it ended for me as a player, but I love Newcastle Falcons and I still have a lot to offer. I also feel as though I have unfinished business with the club, so I can’t wait to get back into it.

“It’s been a difficult couple of years for Falcons and this feels like a fresh start for us. There will be changes in the way we play, and I’m excited to get going.”

Wilson has helped coach at academy level and will look to draw on those experiences positively.

“During my playing days with the Falcons I helped coach the junior academy with Jimmy Ponton and Mark Laycock,” he added.

“I was part of the coaching set-up at England Students alongside Darren Fearn when we beat France Universities at Kingston Park earlier this season, which was a great week, and I have been coaching at Ryton RFC, which again has been a great experience.

“I’m lucky enough to know a lot of coaches in the game and have been meeting with them to talk it through. I’ve also been speaking to a lot of coaches across other sports, including basketball and swimming, and I’m excited about taking on the role. I’m just looking forward to getting started.”

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