Mark Wilkinson, older brother of England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson, made his professional debut for Newcastle in the 27-20 win over Leeds on Sunday.

It was the first time the brothers had played together since schoolboy days in Farnham, but Mark took the big step up to the Zurich Premiership in his stride, showing good hands and making the tackles expected of an inside-centre.

Watching his sons from the stands was Phil Wilkinson who confessed to feeling 'excited and nervous.'

"Mark had done everything but actually played and taken the hits," said Phil, a former Alton player, referring to his lesser known son's remarkable transition from fitness conditioner and trainer to a Newcastle professional.

Mark, like Jonny a former Farnham RFC junior, had always been a fine player. He turned out for Darlington Mowden Park in National League 3 and played three times for Northumberland, as well as trying rugby league for Gateshead Thunder.

But it seemed that would be as far as he would go when he was appointed assistant fitness conditioner at Newcastle, in charge of the first team's gym work and running the U/21s.

"He had a job, but it was always his wish to play," said Phil. "He worked extremely hard in pre-season and is now one of the strongest guys in the team. Most important, he got the backing of Steve Bates."

Bates, Newcastle's chief coach, clearly saw the potential of Wilkinson Snr, who, coming up to 25, is 19 months older than Jonny and built like a Sherman tank.

Rob Andrew, Newcastle's director of rugby, was also convinced and the upshot was Mark Wilkinson being offered a contract.

Jonny, one of the superstars of the English game, could take his pick of other top clubs, but seems to have committed his future to Newcastle.

Not only has Mark joined him in the team, but his parents, Phil and Philippa, have opted out of their financial services business, sold their house in Farnham and bought Jonny's old home in Newcastle.

Phil will divide his time between consultancy work and helping guide his sons' careers.

Farnham Rugby Club, meanwhile, are basking in the success of several former players. Apart from the Wilkinsons' success, Peter Richards has signed for Bristol as back-up scrum-half to Augustin Pichot.

Andrew Holloway, another scrum-half, has signed terms with Bedford in National League 2 and was on the bench for the match against Rotherham last week.

Holloway and both Wilkinson brothers are former I'Anson cricketers for Frensham.