Young Gun: Scott Wilson – Newcastle Prop

When London 2012 Olympian Lawrence Okoye hit the headlines for opting to remain in the discus circle rather than a rugby backline last week it brought back familiar memories for Newcastle Falcons prop Scott Wilson.
Despite being a highly-rated Falcons and England U20s tight head, Wilson's sporting prowess is far from one-dimensional.
The 18-year-old is a two-time Scottish age-group hammer champion who as recently as last summer spent his rugby off-season competing in the field-event world.
Despite the complementary nature of the power and strength-focused training, Wilson however was forced to make a choice for good this summer.
Having represented England from U16 upwards the Falcons front-rower insists Okoye's much-publicised agonising was absent in the Wilson household.
However that doesn't mean he won't be reaping the rewards of his hammer history in the seasons to come. “I chose rugby because that is the sport I have been playing since I was six,” he said.
“The two did go together quite well because there is a lot of strength work and I did have some success in the hammer.
“I think the work I did in that will definitely help me in the future because you have to be quite athletic for the hammer and I like to make sure I am a prop that gets all over the field.”
In this all-action approach Wilson has modelled himself on former All Black and Falcon Carl Hayman.
Wilson trained alongside Hayman when the Kiwi was in the North-east and he admitted it was a huge inspiration. Following in big footsteps is a subject in which the 18-year-old is well versed. In turning out for – and indeed skippering last season – Sedbergh School Wilson, trod the same path as Will Greenwood, Will Carling and Phil Dowson.
“It was such a big honour and something that I hadn't expected at all,” he added.
“Obviously playing international senior rugby is my ultimate goal and I'd love to achieve that but I just need to keep my feet on the ground and keep working hard.”
As a Melrose-born former Scottish champion with a thick borders brogue it might come as a surprise that Wilson is packing down in a Red Rose shirt but the man himself claims he's only ever had eyes for England.
“I qualify for England through my mother who was born in Berwick,” he explains. “Having been involved in the Falcons set-up and the support I've had I have enjoyed playing for England.
“I am looking forward to being part of the England U20s set-up this year and then hopefully going on to play internationally.”
But Wilson is not getting ahead of himself.
“The England coaches did a day with us on a four-day U20s camp and it was very technical and a lot of fun but I am just focusing on trying to break into the Newcastle team.
“If I can impress in the A-League games then I can push for a first team spot in the future.”