30 Facts About Harry Wilson

Early Life and Rugby Beginnings

Harry Wilson's journey in sports began at a young age, setting the stage for his future success.

1. Harry Wilson started playing rugby at the age of four for the local junior Gunnedah Red Devils. His family moved to Brisbane when he was 10, where his father, Cameron, was appointed State Livestock Manager for Elders.

Education and Early Rugby Success

Wilson's school years were marked by significant achievements in rugby.

2. Wilson attended St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace, where he played two years of 1st XV rugby from 2016 to 2017. During this period, he won selection for both Queensland I Schools and Australian Schools.

National Rugby Championship

Wilson's talent shone brightly in the National Rugby Championship.

3. After graduating, Wilson played for Queensland Country in the National Rugby Championship. In 2018, he was named the Queensland U19s player of the year, a testament to his early promise in the sport.

Junior Wallabies and World Championship

Wilson's skills were showcased on the international stage with the Junior Wallabies.

4. In 2019, Wilson starred in the Junior Wallabies team that made the final of the World Rugby U20s World Championship. His performance in the backrow, alongside Fraser McReight and Will Harris, was particularly notable.

NRC Rising Star Award

Recognition for Wilson's talent came early in his career.

5. Wilson received the NRC Rising Star award in 2019 for his outstanding performance in the National Rugby Championship. The judges praised his ability to play nearly every minute for Queensland Country, highlighting his potential for future success.

Senior Debut for Queensland

Wilson's senior debut was a significant milestone in his rugby career.

6. In the 2020 COVID-interrupted Super Rugby season, Wilson made his senior debut for Queensland against the Brumbies in Canberra. His early form in the tournament impressed retired All Black and Crusaders coach Scott Robertson, who described him as a special player.

First Test Cap

Wilson's rapid rise continued with his selection for the Wallabies.

7. Dave Rennie selected Wilson to play his first Test for the Wallabies after just 17 senior matches. He made his debut against New Zealand in Wellington, playing at blindside flanker in a 16-16 draw.

Consistency Issues

Despite early success, Wilson faced challenges in maintaining his spot.

8. Despite his early success, Wilson faced consistency issues in his selection for the Wallabies. He was left out of the match-day squad for several Tests and the Spring Tour, which he saw as an opportunity to work on his game and improve his skills.

Improvement and Stan Pilecki Medal

Wilson's dedication to improvement paid off.

9. Wilson used the time off to focus on his weaknesses, particularly his power, speed off the mark, agility, and footwork. His hard work paid off when he topped the 2022 Super Rugby competition in carries and won the Stan Pilecki Medal as the Reds player of the year.

Representative Matches

Wilson's representative matches highlight his journey through various levels of rugby.

10. In 2017, he represented Australian Schools against Fijian Schools (W 39-17) and New Zealand Schools (L 11-34).
11. In 2019, he represented Australia U20s / the Junior Wallabies at the World Rugby U20s Championship in Argentina.
12. In 2020, he won his first Test cap at blindside flanker against New Zealand in a 16-16 draw.
13. In 2021, he started at No.8 for the first two Tests against France before being replaced by Isi Naisarani. He returned to the starting lineup for the first Bledisloe Test against New Zealand and picked up one further cap off the bench in Auckland.
14. In 2022, he started at blindside flanker in the third Test loss to England in Sydney and played at No.8 in the second Test defeat to New Zealand at Eden Park.

Physical Attributes

Wilson's physical presence is a key part of his game.

15. Harry Wilson stands at 196 cm and weighs 115 kg, making him a formidable presence on the rugby field.

Football Career

In addition to rugby, Wilson has also made a name for himself in football.

16. Born in 1997, he joined Liverpool at under 9 level and rose through the age groups to become a full-time member of the under 18s squad.

Liverpool Career Stats

Wilson's time at Liverpool was marked by several key appearances.

17. During the 2016-2017 and 2020-2021 seasons, he made 2 appearances in total for Liverpool, including 1 in the FA Cup and 1 in the League Cup.

Club Career

Wilson's football career has seen him play for several clubs.

18. He played for Crewe in the 2015-2016 League One season, making 7 appearances.
19. At Hull City during the 2017-2018 Championship season, he made 13 appearances and scored 7 goals.
20. During the 2018-2019 Championship season with Derby, he made 40 appearances and scored 15 goals.
21. In the 2019-2020 Premier League season with Bournemouth, he made 31 appearances and scored 7 goals.
22. At Cardiff City during the 2020-2021 Championship season, he made 36 appearances and scored 7 goals.
23. With Fulham, he made 41 appearances and scored 10 goals in the 2021-2022 Championship season, 29 appearances and 2 goals in the 2022-2023 Premier League season, and 35 appearances and 4 goals in the 2023-2024 Premier League season.

Fulham Highlights

Wilson has been a key player for Fulham in recent years.

24. One notable example is his dramatic win against Brentford, where he saved the day with a crucial performance.

Personal Life

Balancing sports and personal life is important to Wilson.

25. Despite his busy schedule, Wilson has spoken about the importance of maintaining a normal life outside of sports. This balance has contributed to his mental and physical well-being, allowing him to perform at his best on the field.

Career Challenges

Wilson has faced and overcome several challenges in his career.

26. Like many athletes, Wilson has faced challenges in his career. The inconsistency in his selection for the Wallabies has been a significant hurdle, but he has used these periods to work on his weaknesses and improve his game.

Coaching Praise

Wilson's unique abilities have earned praise from coaches.

27. Former coaches and players have praised Wilson for his unique abilities. Scott Robertson, a retired All Black and Crusaders coach, described him as a special player with exceptional footwork skills.

Team Dynamics

Wilson's partnerships with teammates have been crucial to his success.

28. Wilson has played alongside several talented teammates, including Fraser McReight and Will Harris. These partnerships have contributed to his success in both the Junior Wallabies and the Wallabies.

International Recognition

Wilson's performances have earned him recognition on the global stage.

29. Wilson’s performances have not gone unnoticed internationally. His selection for the Wallabies and his participation in major tournaments like the World Rugby U20s Championship have earned him recognition globally.

Awards and Accolades

Wilson's talent has been recognized with several awards.

30. He received the NRC Rising Star Award in 2019 and the Stan Pilecki Medal in 2022 for his outstanding performances.

Harry Wilson: A Dual-Sport Dynamo

Harry Wilson's journey in both rugby and football is nothing short of remarkable. From his early days with the Gunnedah Red Devils to his standout performances with the Wallabies and Fulham, Wilson has shown incredible versatility and talent. His rugby accolades, like the NRC Rising Star award and the Stan Pilecki Medal, highlight his prowess on the field. Meanwhile, his football career, marked by key contributions to clubs like Hull City, Derby, Bournemouth, Cardiff City, and Fulham, showcases his adaptability and skill.

Despite facing challenges like inconsistency in Wallabies selection and injuries, Wilson's determination and hard work have always shone through. His ability to balance two demanding sports while maintaining top performance levels is truly inspiring. As he continues to push boundaries, fans and coaches eagerly anticipate what’s next for this exceptional athlete. Harry Wilson is a name to watch in both rugby and football.