Black departure will not make up Wilkinson's mind

Jonny Wilkinson has insisted the departure of ’mentor’ Steve Black will be just one factor he considers when deciding whether to remain at Newcastle.

The England fly-half, 28, was left shell-shocked this week when Black left his role as the Falcons’ fitness coach.

It led some to suggest that Wilkinson could follow Black out of Kingston Park when his contract expires next summer.

But the World Cup winner has claimed there are many reasons to still want to stay in the north-east.

Asked if Black’s exit would see him quit Newcastle, he said: “It doesn’t work as simply as that.

“I’ve always been so, so happy at Newcastle – because I’ve always felt it is somewhere for me to get better and develop and to make things happen.”

“I’ve always assessed everything and I will do exactly the same thing – and I’m sure the club will do exactly the same thing – this year.”

Wilkinson did, however, reiterate his admiration for the former doorman who has had a massive impact on his career and helped him through an injury-ravaged three years following the 2003 World Cup triumph in Australia.

“He’s been there from day dot – we’ve always worked together,” Wilkinson told BBC Radio Five Live.

“It’s a relationship that will never stop. In my opinion, he’s the best at what he does by a country mile and he adds so much to everyone he works with.

“In professional sport he’s the closest person I’ve got and he’s everything to me.

“He’s a guy who I’d go to with advice about everything. He’s a person who helps me grow as an individual and helps me understand things.

“He will always have the same part in my life, wherever he is.”