Mark Wilkinson (rugby union)

Mark James Philip Wilkinson (born 21 October 1977) is an English former professional rugby union player. He spent his three-year professional career at Newcastle Falcons, alongside his brother, Jonny Wilkinson, predominantly playing as a Centre.[1]

Mark Wilkinson
Birth nameMark James Philip Wilkinson
Date of birth (1977-11-21) 21 November 1977
Place of birthWokingham, England
Height6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)[1]
Weight238 lb (108 kg)[1]
Rugby union career
Position(s) Centre
Amateur team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
2001–2002
2002		 Darlington Mowden Park
Gateshead Thunder		 10
?		 15
Correct as of 6 May 2013
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2002–2006 Newcastle 16 5
Correct as of 6 May 2013
This article is about the English Rugby Union player. For others with the same name, see Mark Wilkinson (disambiguation).

Career

Early career

Born in Wokingham, Wilkinson played for National League 3 North side Darlington Mowden Park during the 2001/02 season, making 20 appearances and scoring 3 tries.[2]

2002–2006

In August 2002, Wilkinson signed for the Newcastle Falcons, where his brother, Jonny, was captain.[3] He made his professional debut against Leeds Carnegie, playing as centre, but unusually, for that position, wearing the 15 shirt. His performance drew praise from then-manager Rob Andrew, whom stated "It was a pretty big debut for someone who hasn't played higher than Third Division North before."[4] He made his European Challenge Cup debut in a 27–8 defeat to Treviso,[5] His first appearance at fly-half, would not prove successful, as Newcastle lost 20–0 against London Irish.[6] At the end of the season, he had made six appearances in the league, and five in the European Challenge Cup.[7] He would feature far less the following season, making just four league appearances, and two Challenge Cup appearances, although he did score his first professional tries against Valladolid RAC in a 71–10 victory for the Falcons.[8] He made five Premiership appearances in the 2004/05 season,[9] with his Heineken Cup debut coming against Newport Gwent Dragons, playing at fly half in a 25–17 victory.[10] 2005/06 would see him make just one appearance, a brief appearance from the substitute's bench in a 27–18 defeat against Saracens.[11]

Post-retirement

In 2006, Wilkinson retired from professional rugby, aged 28, to become the academy fitness and conditioning coach at Newcastle, at the same time Rob Bowen joined the club's academy.[12] He remained in the post for three years, before departing the club in 2009.[13] Two years after his departure, he started the Fineside clothing range alongside his brother.[14]

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References
  1. "England/ Players & Officials / Mark Wilkinson". ESPN. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
  2. "Rugby / Newcastle Falcons / Mark Wilkinson: career stats". Statbunker.com. Archived from the original on 16 June 2013. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
  3. "Zurich Premiership Preview". The Telegraph. 25 August 2002. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
  4. "Oh brother, what a dream debut for Mark". The Evening Chronicle. 30 September 2002. Archived from the original on 6 May 2013. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
  5. "Benetton Treviso 27–8 Newcastle Falcons". Amlin Challenge Cup. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
  6. "Falcons at 10 – 2002/03 Survival Special". FalconsRugby.org.uk. 7 August 2005. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
  7. "Rugby / Newcastle Falcons / Mark Wilkinson: 2002–2003 season". Statbunker.com. Archived from the original on 16 June 2013. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
  8. "Result – Valladolid 10 vs Newcastle Falcons 71 6th December 2003". Newcastle Falcons. 6 December 2003. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
  9. "Rugby / Newcastle Falcons / Mark Wilkinson: 2004–2005 season". Statbunker.com. Archived from the original on 16 June 2013. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
  10. "Newcastle Falcons 25 v 17 Newport Gwent Dragons". Heinekin Cup. 16 January 2005. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
  11. "Guinness Premiership 2005/06 / Saracens VS Newcastle Falcons". Statbunker.com. Archived from the original on 16 June 2013.
  12. "Double Boost For Falcons Academy". Newcastle Falcons. 30 May 2006. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
  13. Tyler, Richard (29 August 2011). "Jonny Wilkinson to launch clothes range Fineside". The Telegraph. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
  14. Santi, Ana (2 September 2011). "Jonny & Mark Wilkinson". Drapers. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
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