'I've unfinished business': Mark Wilson becomes a Newcastle coach

Recently-retired England back-rower Mark Wilson is back in rugby after agreeing to become a coach at Newcastle under Dave Walder, who is being promoted to take over from the departing director of rugby Dean Richards. No exact role has been specified for Wilson with the Falcons stating that the full make-up of their coaching staff under Walder will be confirmed in due course.

What is certain is that Wilson will be back at Newcastle not long after he confirmed his retirement as a player at the age of just 32 in February following a single appearance in the 2021/22 season due to a knee problem. When he quit, there was no immediate suggestion on what he might do next but it emerged in recent weeks that he was being teed up for a coaching role back at the Gallagher Premiership club.

“Coaching was always in the back of my mind,” explained Wilson on Wednesday when news of his Newcastle return emerged. “Retirement did come earlier than expected for me, but I knew it was the right time. For the last 18 months, I have definitely explored coaching as an option for myself, and I’m looking forward to getting back involved with the team.

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

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