This weekend’s return of the Gallagher Premiership following a five-week hibernation was given its banner headline on Wednesday when Joe Marler confirmed he will retire from playing with immediate effect following Friday night’s Harlequins match at home to Bristol.
The Falcons are rooted to 10th and last place in the current Gallagher Premiership campaign, but the capture of Wilkinson is the club’s sixth signing ahead of what will be their first full campaign with Diamond at the helm following last January’s sacking of Alex Codling.
Tighthead Callum and loosehead Connor Hancock are currently involved with England Students, who take on France Universities this Saturday in Coventry, but they will soon be part of the Steve Diamond full-time set-up at the Falcons.
