Steve Black, sports psychologist and mentor to Jonny Wilkinson and Danny Cipriani, dies age 64

Steve Black, the acclaimed coach who was Jonny Wilkinson’s mentor and part of Kevin Keegan’s staff at Newcastle United, has died at the age of 64.

After starting his working life as a doorman in Newcastle, Black became a hugely influential figure for both Newcastle United Football Club and Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club but later also worked with the Welsh rugby union team, the British & Irish Lions and numerous other elite sportspeople. “He is the best at what he does,” said Wilkinson, who was coached by Black during the period he developed into the best fly-half in the world and then drop-kicked England to World Cup glory in 2003.

Black had earlier been part of Keegan’s staff during the period when they rose from football's second tier all the way to Premier League title challengers. He then switched sports and was pivotal in helping steer the Newcastle Falcons to rugby union’s Premiership in 1998.

In a statement, the Falcons called Black “the spiritual heartbeat of the Falcons from the very early days of professionalism”. They added: “Much more than his sporting achievements, Blackie was a friend to all of us - a proud Geordie who understood the value of people, and how to inspire them."

All at Newcastle Falcons are deeply saddened to learn of the death of our friend and former colleague, Steve Black.

Blackie, you were a true one-off. A Falcons legend who will never be forgotten.

Rest in peace.https://t.co/aTT2OK5n2E pic.twitter.com/jFNKhxIiGG

Very sad news, our thoughts are with his friends and family.

Rest in peace Blackie ⭐️ https://t.co/6kRf6QiXlM

Newcastle United also released a statement that outlined Black’s influence during what they called the “Entertainers era” alongside Keegan. He returned for a season at