Waratahs outside back Harry Wilson wants to lock in as much game time as possible alongside his younger brother Teddy with the Waratahs in Super Rugby and with his new club Eastern Suburbs in the Shute Shield. 

Wilson, who made his Super Rugby debut last year, has followed his brother and his former coach Ben Batger to Woollahra Oval after playing the majority of his senior rugby at Eastwood. 

“I went to Eastwood for an opportunity three or four years ago and really enjoyed my time there under Batg (Batger),” Wilson told Rugby News. 

“He spent a lot of time working with me and taught me a lot over the years and with him moving to Easts, I wanted to play under him. 

“I also moved to the Eastern Suburbs recently so it’s a lot closer to home, plus my little brother Teddy is there as well and I want to play as much footy with him as I can. 

“I’ve been down at training a few times over the last few weeks and the boys are working really hard. The chat around the club is really positive. Everyone is loving what Ben has added to the club and the extra level of professionalism he drives.”

Wilson made his Super Rugby debut against the Chiefs in round five last year and said after getting a taste of professional rugby in 2023, he’s desperate for more minutes in any sky blue jersey he can get his hands on. 

“I think consistency is the biggest thing for me,” he said. 

“Last year, coming into the squad full time, it was great to get a taste of it but you quickly realise that it’s a big jump up and you’ve got to be playing well consistently, every week against the best players in the world if you want to hold your spot. 

“Last year I played a lot of No.13 because there were a few injuries, then moved across to the wing at Eastwood. 

“I think fullback is my best position though. Speaking to the coaches at the Waratahs, fullback and potentially wing, somewhere in the back three is where I think I’ll be playing. 

“I grew up playing flyhalf and never really thought I’d end up in the back three, but with my body shape, I’ve grown quite a bit over the last few years. 

“From that, I’ve got more confident in the air and with my running game and tried to turn myself into a reliable guy at the back that can own the air and then take opportunities in attack when the forwards tire.”

Wilson said he’s worked hard in the gym over summer to add even more size to his already large 23-year old frame, after noticing the impact bigger backs made at last year’s Rugby World Cup and in last weekend’s Six Nations fixtures.  

“If you look at league, the fullbacks are all small and fast, whereas in rugby it’s become more about big, tall guys that can get up high and look to carry the ball through the forwards when they get tired.”

The outside back had his first hit out of 2024 in last weekend’s trial loss to the Melbourne Rebels and will be looking for more minutes when the Waratahs travel to play the Queensland Reds in Roma on Saturday. 

“I really want to cement my spot in the Tahs’ 23. Whether it’s starting or on the bench, I really want to be a part of this team and have an impact in the club’s 150th season. 

“It’d be a pretty big honour and I’m hoping to put my best foot forward in the trials to earn that spot. 

“Away from that, there’s also a really good opportunity to have some success at Easts. It’s a really strong club that seems ready to take that next step. 

“To get the chance to win a Shute Shield with your brother would be pretty special and hopefully we can do that later this year.”