20 Questions: Mark Wilson – Newcastle flanker

Enjoyed a bit of time off?
Yes. Four tough league games took their toll so it was good to recharge the batteries. And 30 of us had a couple of days at Cheltenham, which was good.
Any success on the horses?
Not me, but others made some money. Adam Powell followed Michael Owen’s twitter tips and was quite successful, while Ally Hogg also did very well.
Disappointed with those four league defeats?
Yes, but we should have beaten Harlequins and might have beaten Northampton if we hadn’t started so poorly, so there were positives and we were competitive against some top teams.
What’s the winning secret?
Believing we’re a good team and putting in a full 80 minutes. Fitness-wise we’re there and we’ve had good teams under the cosh, we just need to be composed and capitalise on our chances.
You’re 24 now, where did you start in rugby?
I’m from Kendal, but started my junior rugby at Penrith before playing senior rugby for Kendal. Then I joined Blaydon whilst at university in Newcastle.
Always been a flanker?
No, I played No.8 pretty much all the way through. But I’m happy anywhere in the back row, although sometimes it might be better to specialise.
Rugby idols growing up?
I was more into football as a kid and supported Liverpool. But Jonny Wilkinson and Richie McCaw became the guys I looked up to later.
Keep tabs on Kendal’s progress?
Yes. It’s a good old-school club with a great atmosphere. They’re in North West One now, which is disappointing, but hopefully they can get back to the National Leagues.
Got England ambitions?
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t thinking of the Saxons or England. But all I can do is keep performing well with the Falcons.
Hard for North-based blokes to get a look in?
It is a bit, but I can’t allow myself to get frustrated if other guys get picked ahead of me. You have to be patient and keep working.
If not rugby, what would you do?
Sport’s my life and I was into everything as a kid. I did a sports science degree and I’m doing a personal training course, so there’s a clue.
How do you chill-out?
By not doing a lot! I just try to switch off from rugby, whether it’s walking the dogs or watching a film. I’ve tried golf but prefer resting up.
Best film seen recently?
Lone Survivor starring Mark Wahlberg. It’s quite a good, manly sort of film which my missus recommended we should watch.
Enjoy cooking?
Getting better! Cooking duties are shared 50-50 with the missus and whilst her speciality is spaghetti Bolognese, I do a mean beef stir fry.
If you could invite three special dinner guests?
Micky Flanagan for the comedy; Beyonce for her music and a bit of eye candy; and Paul Merson as a bit of a character to mix things up.
Who are the characters at Falcons?
Scott MacLeod is daft in a good way and he’s got lots of great stories. And Alex Tait deserves a mention for his funny impersonations.
If you could be another sportsman?
Sebastian Vettel. To be an F1 driver would be class because it’s quite rock and roll, you’re jetting off here, there and everywhere and you’re allowed to drive at 200mph!
Artificial grass pitch for Falcons?
I’d go for it, particularly because of how successful the Saracens pitch has been. It’s a good, fast surface and games are much more entertaining for the crowd, rather than being a mud-bath where there’s not much going on.
Anything else you would change?
Get rid of scrums! To be fair, they’ve been a lot better this season but there’s still a lot of time wasted on them that spoils the game. Oh, and I wouldn’t mind rugby being a summer sport.
Pet hates or pre-match rituals?
Hate negative people who are always moaning and whingeing; Always have same pre-match meal – turkey bolognese! – and I’m a bit OCD with my kit. Everything must be in the right order.