Since joining Selby midway through the 2024/25 season, Antun Wilson has quickly made his mark in the back row, bringing energy, physicality, and plenty of character to the squad.
Antun’s rugby journey began in the North East, where he first picked up a ball at age 11. He came through the ranks at Yarm RFC and spent time in the Newcastle Falcons Academy, before moving south to Leeds and enjoying several seasons at Moortown. His path eventually led him to Selby, and it didn’t take long for him to make an impression – not least when he scored against his former club in his very first meeting with them.
One of Antun’s standout memories so far in a Selby shirt was that game against Moortown, though Henry Wright’s last-minute penalty to beat Scunthorpe away comes a close second. His love for rugby goes back to school days, where he fondly remembers scoring a double on his first team debut aged just 15 – a moment that confirmed rugby was going to be a big part of his life.
Match days for Antun start with a pre-game haircut, a cooked breakfast, and some downtime in the changing room before the warm-up. His rugby inspiration growing up was Manu Tuilagi, and you can see flashes of that influence in his direct, powerful style of play.
When asked about his favourite teammate, there’s no hesitation – it’s his younger brother, Hola. The description says it all: “Bloke smokes six cigs pre-game, doesn’t stretch, then scores two tries and wins four turnovers – every game!”
Antun credits one of his early school coaches as a big influence, someone he’s still friends with today, and he often recalls the best piece of advice he’s been given: “Stop coasting and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.”
Off the pitch, he’s known for his dry humour and easy-going nature. Karaoke nights see him belting out Valerie or I Want It That Way, and if there’s a post-training feed on offer, he’ll go for chicken flatbreads or creamy chicken pasta.
He admits to steering clear of Liam Hogan or Big Joey in tackle practice, and reckons Poskitt would be the one to survive longest if the team were stranded on an island — “he looks like he knows how to fish.”
Ask him what he enjoys most about Selby RUFC, and his answer sums up the club perfectly:
“The community atmosphere – from minis to women to all levels of men. It’s one club with no hierarchy.”
And his advice for younger players coming through? Simple:
“Listen to your coaches and absorb everything they teach you.”
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