Jonny among stars in attendance for Tankie’s Battle on Friday
Van-Zandvliet, or ‘Tank’ as he is known, was an instrumental part of the Newcastle side which lifted the league title in 1998, but has recently received a diagnosis of inoperable cancer.
Former team-mates and the rugby community have rallied round to support the prop-forward with a fundraising match, World Cup-winning fly-half Wilkinson confirming he will be at Kingston Park to support the effort.
Wilkinson will not be playing in the game itself, tickets for the fixture available by calling 0871 226 6060 or clicking here [insert link]
Adult tickets are priced £10 and £20, with juniors for £5. Hospitality packages are also available, with further information via the ticket hotline.
Proceeds from the night will go to a trust fund set up for Paul’s eight-year-old daughter, Hope Elle, with Ward Hadaway managing the money while the trust is set up.
Numerous other good causes will benefit, the list of confirmed players including Premiership winners Garath Archer, Gary Armstrong, Dean Ryan, Jim Naylor and Stuart Legg.
Other Newcastle greats involved in the match include Stuart Grimes, Micky Ward, Dave Walder, Carlo del Fava, Michael Stephenson, Phil Godman and Jason Oakes – the North East Select XV drawn from clubs across Durham, Northumberland and North Yorkshire.
