Gazette Sport
Wilson pens contract extension at Newcastle Falcons
5:00pm Wednesday 22nd February 2012
KENDAL rugby star Mark Wilson has signed a new three-year contract at Newcastle Falcons after making his mark in recent games.
The 22-year-old back-rower has been in top form of late as he played a full 80 minutes the Kingston Park sides’ last six matches.
Kendalian Wilson said he was delighted to commit his future to the ambitious Falcons, who play in the AVIVA Premiership.
“Our owner Semore Kurdi wants me to stay here and be a part of the club’s future, and I was always keen to stay on board,” said Wilson, who scooped last season’s Academy Player of the Season award.
“I am happy in Newcastle, I am really enjoying my rugby with the Falcons and I am getting a lot first-team exposure.
“At my age that is vitally important, and the ambition of the club is there for everyone to see with guys like Jimmy Gopperth signing up for another three seasons.”
The Falcons are currently bottom of the Premiership but a 19-10 home victory against London Irish on Saturday has boosted morale as the club fight for top-flight survival.
Wilson has enjoyed a good run of games under new director of rugby Gary Gold, defence coach Mike Ford and specialist coach John Wells.
He added: “They have boosted confidence around the place and have given me lots of feedback - that is what I like as a player. “Regardless of what happens this season there is a great future in store here.”
“I already had two seasons left to run on my contract so there was never anything imminent in terms of looking elsewhere, but the coaches have said they want me to stay and be an important first team player.”
The Falcons will hope to continue their resurgence in the Premiership this weekend at Leicester Tigers before hosting Harlequins on Friday, March 2 (kick-off 7.45pm).