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From Chris Jones
BBC rugby union correspondent
Local hero Mark Wilson expects England can thrill the fans if they face Italy in St James’ Park on Friday.
It is the very first time England have played a Test match in the north-east, and the first they have hosted in a couple of years out Twickenham.
Originally from Cumbria, Wilson is an”honorary Geordie” having performed more than 200 times for Newcastle Falcons.
“North-east fans wish to be entertained,” Wilson told BBC Sport.
“That is the major thing for them. [You think] back in the nineties when Newcastle football were at their finest – .
“Hopefully we can entertain them on Friday night.”
Wilson, 29, joined the academy as a 14-year-old of Newcastle prior to making his debut in 2010.
After the Rugby World Cup, he’ll go on loan After their relegation last season, prior to returning in time for the 2020-2021 campaign to the Falcons.
He says English rugby must continue to support the match in the north of the nation, and believes the conflict with the Azzurri could inspire the next generation.
“It is important we still get behind rugby in the northwest,” he added.
“It is crazy to think [there is a Test in Newcastle] – if I was a child the only means to watch England was down at Twickenham.
“So for a lot of those north-east fans they are totally going to be pretty excited about watching England on their doorstep.
“St James’ Park is a course place to perform , and the air is terrific. Hopefully folks will come out in their numbers and fulfill it.”
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