Is England’s squad down to the bare bones...?

Mar 20 2008 by Paloma Kubiak, The Journal

A LIFE-SIZE metal tribute to England star Jonny Wilkinson has tickled his funny bone.

The metal skeleton based on Jonny’s distinctive kicking position, was unveiled in front of the fly-half hero at Druid Park training ground yesterday.

Falcon players and Jonny stood amazed as the skeleton with its hands clasped and knees bent was unveiled.

Metal Jonny is the latest model in a series of skeleton sculptures made by a North Tyneside art student.

Dave Faulkner, 55, of Forest Hall, an art student at the Linskill Centre, North Tyneside, has been working with metal in the studio for more than 10 years.

Better known as “Metal Dave”, he said: “The skeleton idea originally came from a bike chain – I thought it looked like teeth and it spiralled from there.

“I created Jonny because of his recognisable position and I admire him for raising the profile of rugby here.”

Standing nervously at the side of the pitch, Metal Dave, who once played rugby at school, hoped that Jonny would see the funny side as his creation was unveiled.

Jonny said: “I didn’t know much about it until I came on to the pitch and saw something standing there. It’s intriguing and Dave is obviously a very talented person. I think the other Falcons quite enjoyed it and enjoyed poking fun at me. Its quite exciting and a bit of fun.”

The Falcons star was unable to say what would happen to the skeleton or whether it would find a permanent home at the training ground or at Kingston Park.

Metal Dave’s sculpture collection includes a grim-reaper, rock guitarist, lawnmower man, motorbiker, skull with dreadlocks, dragon and dinosaur.

Many are on show outside of hotels, cafes, shops and even a church exhibition centre throughout Tyneside.

The sculptor, a former Alcan packaging worker, said: “It helps me relax, lifts my spirits and I find it very therapeutic.”