Club legend Mark Wilson is looking forward to a ‘fresh start’ with Newcastle Falcons, having confirmed his return as part of the first-team coaching staff.
Scoring 42 tries in his 237 games as a Falcon, the former England flanker announced his retirement from playing back in February, but he will now return to Kingston Park ahead of the 2022-23 season.
“Coaching was always in the back of my mind,” he insisted.
“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 full make-up of the coaching team will be confirmed in due course, but Rugby World Cup finalist Wilson has a wealth of positive influences to draw on from his own playing career.
“It’s been a pleasure over the years to work with some great coaches at club and international level,” said the 32-year-old, who won 23 caps for England between 2017 and 2021.
“I think for me, in my new role, the best thing I can do is just be myself and be authentic”.
DID YOU KNOW? On 14 February 2022, he announced his retirement with immediate effect due to a problematic knee injury
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CONFIRMED NEWCASTLE FALCONS SIGNINGS:
- Tian Schoeman from Bath
- Josh Peters from Doncaster Knights
- Josh Thomas from Ospreys
- Sebastian de Chaves from Austin Gilgronis
- Josh Barton from Coventry