After being selected in June, Wilson has spent the past couple of months on deployment with the Royal Australian Navy in Asia.

During the months leading up the the tour, Wilson kept fit by spending plenty of time in the gym, on top of a number of sprint sessions.

“Heading into the tour, my expectations were to play some high quality rugby with some former Wallabies, while being coached by people of the same calibre and have a great time touring both New Zealand and Argentina,” Wilson said.

Wilson and his team opened the tour in Auckland with wins against Papakura Rugby Club (36-19) and Auckland Police Team (27-17) before heading to Argentina.

They opened their Argentinian leg of the tour against Los Tordos Rugby Club, winning 33-17, before taking on the oldest rugby club in Argentina, Club Atletico Del Rosario – celebrating its 150th year in 2017.

Despite the festivities, the Stockman extended their win streak to four, easily accounting for Atletico 62-nil.

Their final game of the tour was against Banco Nacion, with the Stockman going down 24-15. 

”I definitely found my form in the later matches, receiving man of the match in the final game,” Wilson said.

“Overall I was pretty happy with my performance, seeing as I did not get to play in the regular season due to my deployment.

“I also learnt so much about my position specific role as a scrummager and it was great to see that training pay off in the games and we rolled over all the scrums.”

The Australian Stockman rugby union team is a sporting side with a difference.

It’s comprised of remote, rural and regional players from all over Australia, aiming to provide these aspiring players athletic and personal development opportunities in a character building environment.  

By involving classic Wallabies such as John Eales, Chris Roche and Guy Shepherdson, players develop their rugby skills under the tutelage of some of Australia’s great players.

“Guy Shepherdson and former Reds and Sale Sharks prop Ben Coutts were included in the squad to develop the country props,” said Australian Stockman rugby union founder Shaun Mackin.

“We specifically went looking for a prop forward who could hold his own in the scrums, aspired to improve his rugby and could lead by example – we came up trumps when we found Alex Wilson. 

“As cross fit enthusiast, Alex’s mobility and fitness would be a perfect foil to the heavier set props on tour.  

“Stockman rugby uses a number of selection criteria to choose its players; playing ability, playing potential, strength and fitness and quality character – Alex ticked all the boxes. 

“Overall, Alex had a breakout tour, nominated for both the ‘forward on the rise’ award and the ‘best forward’ award.  

“Coach and classic Wallaby Chris Roche was particularly impressed with Alex and backed his chances to chase a professional opportunity should he ever wish too.”

This tour adds to Wilson’s already impressive resume, which includes stints with the Illawarriors and NSW Country Cockatoos in 2016.

“In terms of personal achievements, it's definitely up there,” Wilson said.

“It was high quality rugby, focused more in development as well winning.

“In saying that, I defiantly received more coaching, which I can bring back to my clubs.

“Coaches Chris Roche, Tony Melrose and Murray Hurst provided invaluable experience.

“On top of that, it was just amazing to hang out and be close to people that I view as legends of the game.”

Wilson hopes this experience acts a springboard for his career.

“For me, I am going to try and play as much as I can for Palmyra in Perth next year,” he said.

“If I can fit it in with my busy work schedule I will and then after this current sea posting expires, I will be moving to Sydney to try and play first grade Shute Shield.”

October 23 ASRU vs Papakura RFC (in Auckland)

Won 36-19. Tries: Jack Radford (two), Angus Windred, Tom Caskey, Josh Adams, Marcus Christensen, Conversions: Simon Newton (three)

October 25 ASRU vs Auckland Police Rugby Union (in Auckland)

Won 27-17. Tries: Ben Coutts, Angus Windred, Leonard Tubby Heron, Conversions: Simon Newton (three), Penalties: Simon Newton (two).

October 31 ASRU vs Los Tordos RFC (in Mendoza)

Won 33-17. Tries: Angus Windred, Kerwin Swanson, Freddie Austin, Conversions: Simon Newton (three), Penalties: Simon Newton (four)

November 3 ASRU vs Atletico Del Rosario (in Rosario)

Won 62-nil. Tries to: Kerwin Swanson (two), Marcus Christensen, Jack Radford, Josh Adams, Simon Newton, Tom Hewitt, Liam Wynn. Conversions: Simon Newton (five), Lachlan Howell (three). Penalties: Simon Newton (two).

November 7 ASRU vs Banco Nacion (in Buenos Aires)

Lost 24-15. Penalties: Simon Newton (five).