Falcons star makes his Mark as he goes back to school
PUPILS at Woodham Academy in County Durham enjoyed a rugby twist to home schooling as Newcastle Falcons flanker Mark Wilson hosted a memorable virtual assembly.
The event was part of the England Rugby assembly initiative aimed at providing support for students, teachers and parents during the current lockdown.
Schools and colleges going the extra mile to support their community and promote rugby union were selected, with players talking to students at state primary and secondary schools.
The assembly offering – which also saw George Ford, Dan Robson, Max Malins, Paolo Odogwu, Elliot Daly, Ben Earl, Maro Itoje, Anthony Watson and Jack Willis virtually drop into schools around the country – is part of England Rugby’s activity to support community rugby.
Dougie Patterson from Woodham Academy said: “We were hugely appreciative of Mark giving up his time to speak to our students.
“We are in the third year of the All-Schools programme which introduces rugby to non-rugby playing schools and the interest is growing really well.
“This opportunity boosted engagement even further and the students really enjoyed it and learnt a lot from listening to Mark.”
Wilson said: “We know lockdown is taking its toll on people’s mental and physical health so it was good to be able to provide some respite and support for students, teachers and parents.”
SUNDERLAND and Burton Albion have been charged by the FA following their onfield melee at the Pirelli Stadium on Saturday.
The FA have charged both clubs with a breach of Rule E20 - failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion.
The charge stems from the tussle between Sunderland’s Aiden O’Brien and Burton defender Hayden Carter, the players engaging in a pushing contest after the ball had run out of play.
That escalated to a scuffle involving a large group of players from both sides, with Burton’s Josh Earl bundling O’Brien over the advertising hoardings. Earl, who had earlier been booked, was shown a second yellow card followed by a red and was sent off. That left the Brewers to play out the remaining 35 minutes of the League One fixture with ten men. O’Brien was booked for his part in the initial incident with Carter, although the Burton man escaped any further punishment. The standard penalty for a breach of Rule E20 for a League One club is £2,500 if the charge is admitted or £3,750 if the charge is denied but subsequently found proved by an independent regulatory commission.
Sunderland and Burton have until tomorrow to respond to the charge.
The Wearsiders were leading 2-0 when the incident took place and went on to win 3-0.