Newcastle Falcons captain Mark Wilson named in England squad
Newcastle Falcons captain Mark Wilson has been named in England's squad for Sunday's Quilter Cup match against the Barbarians.
The non-cap game is a 2pm kick-off at Twickenham.
Wilson has returned to Newcastle Falcons from his loan spell at Sale Sharks following the club's promotion back into the Gallagher Premiership.
This is another little boost for Mark Wilson. It proves that out of sight isn't necessarily out of mind. The 31-year old has been starved of rugby, for various reasons, since appearing off the bench for England in last year's World Cup Final against South Africa. His loan move to Sale Sharks was designed to keep him in international contention while the Falcons played in the Championship. It just didn't work out.
Wilson was dogged by injuries and only made a few appearances for the Sharks before all parties decided to end the arrangement early. The problem with that was it left Mark in Rugby Limbo. The Falcons were crowned Championship winners when Covid ended their season early - the "old" premiership season is only coming to an end now - the "new" premiership season doesn't start till the end of next month. So Mark has gone months without playing games. That's why a call-up from England Coach Eddie Jones is a boost, even for a fairly soft fixture like this Barbarians match.
It says to Mark Wilson "It's OK, you haven't been forgotten." For his part, Mark, who's been made Falcons Captain, can be relied upon to look after himself, as he's known on the circuit as a consummate professional.
He'll be ready if needed at Twickenham this weekend.
The Cumbrian has made 224 appearances for the Falcons and will be looking to add to his 19 England caps during their upcoming programme of autumn internationals against:
Italy (Oct 31)
Georgia (Nov 14)
Ireland (Nov 21)
Wales (Nov 28)
Wilson will also get the opportunity to add another cap in a further match at Twickenham on December 6.
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