The
then 46-year-old former Royal Marine, who was born in Tunbridge Wells (Kent) and
attended Huntley's School, played in the back-row for Plymouth Albion, Devon and
the Combined Services
He later took on the roles of IRB
Rugby Development Officer for the West Indies, and then coach at the South West
of England Rugby Academy (SWERA) based at Ivybridge Community College.
Arriving
at the Cornish Pirates from Premiership outfit Gloucester, where he was the club's
RFU Academy Manager, when his appointment was confirmed Mark admitted that he
was relishing the opportunity of linking up with the Pirates.
He
said: "Obviously I am very happy to be joining the Cornish Pirates,
as I'm from down this part of the world and the opportunity is too good to turn
down.
Both the club and myself are very ambitious,
and after speaking to Jim (McKay) I feel we share a similar philosophy on how
the game should be played.
Having been at
Gloucester, I've seen how a Premiership club operates and have a good understanding
of what is required to work at that level," added Mark, who filled the role
vacated by John McKee. "Working closely with Dean Ryan and Bryan Redpath
you learn a great deal, so hopefully I can bring some of these experiences to
the Cornish Pirates, as well as adding a few of my own ideas to things."
Long
before the end of his first season in Cornwall it was clear that Mark had made
just that - his mark! The forwards developed into a very useful unit, setting
the platform for some fine wins - none more so of course than the EDF Energy National
Trophy win at Twickenham.
During his full career in the
Royal Marines, where he reached the rank of Warrant Officer 2nd. Class, Mark was
lucky enough to play in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Europe,
the Middle East, and the Far East.
He also played for the
Royal Marines on Manhattan Island (USA), where they could have been forgiven for
thinking that the red carpet had been laid out for them. There were, in fact,
two such carpets - used on the occasion to cover two manholes that were in the
centre of the paddock!
A personal rugby highlight was playing
for the Combined Services against the Wallabies at the Aldershot Military Stadium
in 1988. International players alongside him were Rory Underwood, John Orwin and
Paul Hull (all England), Brian McCall (Ireland) and Rob Wainwright (Scotland).
Mark,
who lives in Plymouth with his wife Kerry and sons Richard and Curtis, has also
played water polo, representing Kent at U16s level and the Royal Marines.
Following
the resignation of Jim McKay in January, 2008, it was officially confirmed in
February that Mark had signed a 2-year contract to coach the Cornish Pirates.
Mark commented:
"These are extremely exciting
times in a passionate rugby area, the role providing me with a continuing opportunity
to ambitiously strive and work for the benefit of the Cornish Pirates, who are
quite clearly going in the right direction both on and off the field."
