'It's Friday night in Newcastle - there will be some drunk Geordies and some entertaining characters'

Adopted Geordie Mark Wilson expects Newcastle to embrace its maiden England international as a valuable chance to grow the game in the North East. Eddie Jones’ World Cup hopefuls play their final warm-up Test against Italy at St James’ Park on Friday night before heading to Japan 48 hours later.

From a logistics point of view, it will be the easiest of England fixtures for Wilson, who lives 10 minutes from the ground. The Cumbrian moved to Newcastle as a 14-year-old and in 2010 began playing for the Falcons, ensuring a rousing welcome for the rugged flanker.

“Hopefully I will get an alright reception,” said Wilson, who has been loaned to Sale next season after Newcastle were relegated from the Gallagher Premiership. “We had photos the other day. I had to put both strips on so that might not go down so well!

“It’s Friday night in Newcastle. There will be some drunk Geordies and some entertaining characters. It will be a good atmosphere. My favourite games at the Falcons were always Friday nights because there is a bit of a buzz. Everyone’s finished work and had a few drinks.

“It will certainly be very special. All my youth, if you wanted to watch England you had to go down to Twickenham to see them. I’m sure it will be pretty special for young north-east kids who love rugby to be able to go to St James’ Park and watch England play.

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“For families up north, getting to Twickenham is quite a big effort. I never got the chance to go as a kid which is why this Friday night will be so special for youngsters in the north. I’m pretty sure a lot of families will make some pretty good memories.

“It will do good for rugby in the region. I remember the 2015 World Cup when games were played there. You could feel the excitement around the place, everyone was talking about it. There is a bit of a boost which will hopefully encourage a bit of a chain reaction in terms of boosting rugby in the area.”

‘You would be saying thank you because the pinnacle for rugby in England is for the national team to be successful and Saracens produce players that make England better’
– Brendan Venter tells @chrisjonespress exactly why @Saracens should be praisedhttps://t.co/ZkuEbkwJC6

— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) September 5, 2019

Wilson, who lines up in a back row that also includes Billy Vunipola and Tom Curry, will be watched playing for England by his mum for the first time in 15 outings.

“My mum never watches so she will be in the stands, which will be pretty special. She doesn’t like big crowds. With this one being in Newcastle I don’t think she had an excuse,” he said.

“My wife Amy’s family had season tickets at Newcastle. Her Dad actually took a penalty at Alan Shearer’s testimonial and missed. As long as I am more successful than him that will be alright!”

– Press Association 

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