Wilson, who is currently on deployment with the Royal Australian Navy, was over the moon to be named in the Mark Ella coached side.

“I received an email from the tour manager about six months ago but I have been trying to make myself available with work, as I am deployed at the moment.

“They picked me up after my inclusion in the New South Wales County side last year. 

“To be honest, I had no idea I was in the running - so I was quite shocked with the selection, it came from very far left field.”

The team, which aims to provide an avenue for aspiring rugby players from rural and regional Australia to develop their rugby against international competition in a character building environment, will tour New Zealand and Argentina from October 21 till November 14.

“It's an amazing opportunity and honour, especially to be coached by the staff which includes Chris Roche, Tom Lawton and Mark Ella,” Wilson said.

“It will be a great chance for me to really gain some knowledge and experience from some true greats.

“Plus there is some quality in the team including some ex-Wallabies and a few Super Rugby players.” 

Between now and then, Wilson will need to keep his body in peak condition, despite his work with the navy.

“Being at sea, it's unbelievably hard to gain any sort of match fitness, but I have been working extremely hard on just about everything else,” he said.

“I was lucky enough to get off the ship a few weeks ago for a couple of games up in Brisbane for the Navy and I didn't feel too bad.

“Not as good as usual but better than expected.”