Mark Wilkinson (rugby union)
| Full name | Mark James Philip Wilkinson | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 21 November 1977 | ||
| Place of birth | Wokingham, England | ||
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)[1] | ||
| Weight | 238 lb (108 kg)[1] | ||
| Rugby union career | |||
| Playing career | |||
| Position | Centre | ||
| Amateur clubs | |||
| Years | Club / team | ||
| 2001–2002 2002 |
Darlington Mowden Park Gateshead Thunder |
||
| correct as of 6 May 2013. | |||
| Professional / senior clubs | |||
| Years | Club / team | Caps | (points) |
| 2002–2006 | Newcastle | 16 | 5 |
| correct as of 6 May 2013. | |||
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]
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 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]
References
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