MARK WILKINSON - STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH

Mark joined the Falcons’ full-time coaching staff in the summer of 2006, having previously played for the club at centre and fly half.

Born in Wokingham, Surrey, his 20 competitive first team appearances included a vital man-of-the-match performance against Newport Gwent Dragons at Kingston Park which sent the Falcons through to the quarter finals of the competition for the first time in their history.

As well as representing the Falcons first team and development teams, Wilkinson has also played for Darlington Mowden Park and Gateshead Thunder RL.

Nicknames: Sparks, Sparksy, Sparkster, Sparticus, Sparko

Favourite TV shows: Simpsons, CSI, Criminal Minds, Extreme Makeover

Favourite films: Predator, Anchor Man, Today You Die, Smokey & The Bandit

Favourite food: Fajitas, Risotto

Most like to meet: Steven Seagal, Jean Claude Van Damme, Arnold Schwarzenegger

Least like to meet: Chris Machin and Andrew Holliday. Aka ‘Worst Bloke’.

Best moment in rugby: Playing in the Heineken Cup win over Newport to reach the quarter-finals

Best moment outside of rugby: Being an extra in the film ’28 Days Later’

Favourite place to visit: Mallorca or Norway

Team-mate least like to share a room with and why: Ian Peel. Everytime I have to put my mattress in the bathroom and sleep there cos of his snoring

I love: My cars, and I love lamp

I hate: Loan adverts, spiders and whispering