Mark Wilson could come of age

Nov 7 2009 by Nick Purewal, The Journal

IF Mark Wilson plays as old as he looks at Worcester today, the Falcons coaching staff will be delighted.

The abrasive back-rower wins his Newcastle bow at Sixways this afternoon (kick-off 12.30pm) after impressing in Falcons training and with National One club Blaydon.

Cumbrian Wilson bossed the back-row from No 8 as Blaydon dispatched Tynedale in Corbridge last weekend, but faces an entirely different proposition in the Anglo-Welsh Cup today.

Falcons rugby director Steve Bates said this is Wilson’s chance to prove the Kingston Park coaching staff should monitor his development very closely.

Just as 19-year-old Will Welch got his opportunity in the same competition down at Newport last term, so Wilson now has his.

Openside Welch’s stellar performances in the last two Premiership wins will no doubt fire the ambition of many young Falcons, and Bates hopes 20-year-old Wilson will prove himself worthy of close attention.

Assistant coach Alan Tait though, is still trying to reconcile Wilson’s age with his appearance.

“I didn’t realise how young he was at all,” said Tait, “when I first saw him in training I stopped him and took him aside because I just assumed he was about 25!

“But he’s only 20, so he’s a real physical specimen for that age.

“He’s a great big lump of a Cumbrian lad and someone with a lot of talent and potential.

“We had him in for a few sessions and we were impressed, so we asked him to come in as regularly as he can, and he has done well.

“He’s hugely committed, he wants to give his rugby a real go and he’s in great shape.

“He looks after himself and does all the right things – and players like that, who come in and impress, we will always give chances to shine.

“This is a chance for him now and everyone’s right behind him to do well.”