Wilson was born in Queanbeyan, outside Canberra, and moved to New Zealand during his childhood.[1] He played rugby league while attending Western Heights High School in Rotorua and was a Junior Kiwis representative player.[1] Switching to rugby union, Wilson spent a few years playing in Western Australia after school and represented the state team.[2]
A utility back, Wilson started in New Zealand provincial rugby with the Bay of Plenty in 1998.[3] He earned NZ Sevens representation the following year and was in side that claimed the inaugural World Sevens Series title.[1] In 2000, Wilson replaced an injured Daryl Lilley in the New Zealand "A" squad touring Europe, where he played matches against Wales "A" and France "A".[1] He played six games for the Blues in the 2001 Super 12 season and once for the Hurricanes in the 2005 Super 12 season.[4] Before retiring, Wilson had a stint in Spain, playing with CR El Salvador.[5]