Mark Wilson named Newcastle Falcons captain

England back-rower Mark Wilson will captain Newcastle Falcons during the upcoming Gallagher Premiership season, the Rugby World Cup finalist having returned from his loan spell at Sale Sharks.

Wilson, 30, has scored 41 tries in his 224 appearances for the Falcons since coming through the club’s academy, the Kendal native taking over the role from last season’s co-captains George McGuigan and Michael Young.

“George and Micky did an absolutely outstanding job last season in leading us to promotion after an unbeaten campaign,” said director of rugby Dean Richards.

“They both remain extremely important parts of our leadership group, and can be proud of how they handled the role. Along with our other senior players they will be a great help to Mark as he takes on the captaincy for the new season, and we’re in the privileged position of having a wealth of leadership experience.

On Wilson, the 19-times-capped England international, Richards said: “I know how much this means to Mark, and what a great job he will do.

“He has captained the team many times on an interim basis, he’s a natural leader and someone who commands instant respect through his own actions. He has made the step up into international rugby on the back of sheer hard work over a consistent period of time, and it’s great to have him back.”

Speaking of his delight at taking on the captaincy, Wilson said: “I’m massively honoured to take on the role. I’ve been with the Falcons since I was 14, so to get the chance to captain the club is a privilege.

“Although I’ll have the ‘C’ next to my name it’s important to realise we have some unbelievable leaders within the team who have a lot of experience, and have played more than 100 or 200 games for us. It’s definitely not a case of one man being captain and taking on the whole thing without any help.

“Will Welch captained the side for years and I’m excited to work alongside him again, plus guys like Micky Young and George McGuigan, who led the team so well last season. It’s really interesting speaking to all of them to get their feedback on how they found things, and we’ve got a fantastic senior leadership group with guys like Toby Flood also involved.”