YOU could read Jonny Wilkinson's life story to get a handle on England's World Cup-winning fly-half, but my goodness it's dull.

So why not learn about Steve Black, the man behind the man who won the World Cup for his country?

Black began his working life as a bouncer at some of the roughest pubs and clubs in Newcastle but, when violence began to become the norm, he attained an honours degree in sport and took up a post as fitness coach for the Newcastle Falcons.

That brought him into contact with a fledgling Wilkinson, and one of the closest relationships in sport began. Wilkinson attributes almost all of his success to Black, a father-figure whose motivational skills are a match for his coaching credentials.