Mark Wilson has been rewarded for his recent fine form by signing a new three-year contract at Kingston Park.
The 22-year-old back-rower has been in sublime form of late, playing a full 80 minutes in each of the Falcons’ last six games in all competitions.
And Wilson, who hails from Kendal, is delighted to commit his future to the ambitious Falcons, spearheaded by owner Semore Kurdi.
“Our owner Semore Kurdi wants me to stay here and be a part of the club’s future, and I was always keen to stay on board,” said Wilson, who scooped last season’s Academy Player of the Season award.
“I am happy in Newcastle, I am really enjoying my rugby with the Falcons and I am getting a lot first-team exposure.
“At my age that is vitally important, and the ambition of the club is there for everyone to see with guys like Jimmy Gopperth signing up for another three seasons,” added Wilson.
Wilson’s decision to sign on the dotted line is yet another boost for the Falcons, who ignited their Aviva Premiership fight-back with a 19-10 home victory against London Irish on Saturday.
That result narrowed the gap to just six points at the foot of the table with fans across the region showing their magnificent support during the match.
Wilson has enjoyed a good run of games under new director of rugby Gary Gold and the South Cumbrian admits he has been enthused by the incoming coaching trio.
Buoyed by the arrival of defence coach Mike Ford and specialist coach John Wells, the 6ft 2” hit-man said: “They have boosted confidence around the place and have given me lots of feedback - that is what I like as a player.
“Regardless of what happens this season there is a great future in store here.”
The former Northumbria University student joined the Falcons in the summer of 2010 having started his playing career at local club Kendal RFC.
Captaining England Students in 2009-10 season, Wilson made three appearances for the northeasterners that season in the LV= Cup before establishing himself as a first team regular the following term.
Wilson concluded by saying: “I already had two seasons left to run on my contract so there was never anything imminent in terms of looking elsewhere, but the coaches have said they want me to stay and be an important first team player.”
He added: “I hope I can live up to that expectation and repay the faith people have put in me, and the opportunity to be a big part of the club over the next three years is something really exciting for me.”
The Falcons continue their resurgence in the Premiership this weekend at Leicester Tigers before hosting Harlequins on Friday 2 March (kick-off 7.45pm).
Tickets for the Quins game are priced at just £10 (£5 for juniors) in all areas of the stadium. Tickets can be snapped up by calling the Falcons Ticket Hotline on 0871 226 6060 or please click here to purchase online.
