Rugby World Cup: Mark Wilson hopes England can ’thrill the fans’ at St James’ Park

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From Chris Jones
BBC rugby union correspondent
Hero Mark Wilson hopes the fans can delight when they face Italy at St James’ Park on Friday.
It is the very first time England have played a Test match along with the first they’ve hosted outside Twickenham.
Initially from Cumbria, Wilson is an”honorary Geordie” having performed more than 200 times for Newcastle Falcons.
“North-east lovers want to get amused,” Wilson told BBC Sport.
“That is the big thing for them. [You think] back into the nineties when Newcastle football were at their finest – .
“Hopefully we could entertain them on Friday night”
Prior to making his Falcons introduction in 2010 wilson joined the academy as a 14-year-old of Newcastle.
He will go to Sale on loan after the Rugby World Cup, before returning to the Falcons in time to get the 2020-2021 campaign.
He believes another generation will inspire, and states English rugby have to continue to encourage the match in the country’s north.
“It is important we still get behind rugby in the northwest,” he added.
“It’s crazy to think [there is a Test in Newcastle] – when I was a kid the only means to watch England was down in Twickenham.
“So for a whole good deal of these north-east lovers they are totally likely to be quite excited about seeing England in their doorstep.
“St James’ Park is a class place to perform with, and the atmosphere is wonderful. Hopefully people will come from their numbers and fulfill it.”
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