Former Gunnedah youngster Harry Wilson tasted success as he played one game on the recent Australian Schoolboys rugby union tour of Samoa and New Zealand.
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Gunnedah rugby legends Tony Clift and Stephen ‘Butch’ Campbell went on the tour along with Wilson’s parents Cameron and Mandy.
Wilson was originally chosen in the Australian Barbarians squad, before he earned a belated promotion to the Schoolboys squad.
Being the youngest in the squad, Wilson had the privilege of carrying the joey mascot which was with him 24/7.
The Australians won their opening tour match 50-10 against Samoan Schools at Samoa’s Apia Park, before the 16-year-old Wilson debuted for the Australian Schoolboys side against Fiji Schools in Auckland.
The ground was heavy and the weather was hot and humid following heavy overnight rain.
Wilson started in the second-row and had a good game against stiff opposition playing its unique brand of rugby.
Fiji led 17-10 at half-time before the second half proved a vastly different scenario as a dominant Australian team prevailed 39-17.
Although chosen for only one game, Wilson was honoured to represent his country.
The Australian team subsequently encountered the New Zealand Barbarians and the strong New Zealand Schools team. The Barbarians won 28-17 before New Zealand Schools won 32-22, but not before the tourists levelled at 22-all after trailing 22-3.
