POSITION:
No. 8 / Flank
CLUB TEAM:
Saitama Wild Knights (Japan)
DOB:
April 18, 2001
CATEGORY:
Challenger
SPORTING CODE:
Rugby
Juan Wilson, a 24-year-old South African rugby union back row forward, is an emerging talent known for his athleticism and versatility in the loose forward positions. Standing at 1.90m (6'3") and weighing 108kg (238lbs), Wilson has transitioned from university rugby in Japan to professional leagues, representing the next wave of South African exports seeking opportunities abroad. While details on his early career remain limited, his path highlights the global reach of South African rugby talent.
Originally from South Africa, Wilson pursued higher education and rugby development at Rissho University in Saitama, Japan, a common route for international students to gain exposure in the competitive Japanese rugby system. Rissho University's rugby program has a history of producing players for professional clubs, and Wilson's time there (likely spanning 2021–2024) focused on building his physicality and skills as a back row player. Specific schoolboy achievements in South Africa are not widely documented, but his selection for university-level play underscores his potential as a promising prospect from the country's deep talent pool.
In January 2025, Wilson signed as a new addition to the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights ahead of the 2025 Japan Rugby League One season, marking his professional debut. Joining a powerhouse club that has won multiple League One titles (including in 2022), Wilson expressed enthusiasm about contributing to the team's success, noting his excitement to learn from experienced players and coaches. The Wild Knights, based in Kumagaya, Saitama Prefecture, provided an ideal platform for his transition, surrounded by fellow South Africans like Maurice Marks, another Rissho University alumnus.
Wilson made his professional bow in the 2024/25 season, appearing in at least one match for the Division 1 side, where he logged 6 minutes off the bench in a competitive outing (0 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss in that appearance). As a non-starter (0% start rate), he focused on acclimating to the professional pace, with no tries or points recorded in limited action. The team's season included strong performances, such as a 33-12 win over Tokyo Sungoliath in December 2024, though Wilson's role was rotational amid a deep back row.
Originally from South Africa, Wilson pursued higher education and rugby development at Rissho University in Saitama, Japan, a common route for international students to gain exposure in the competitive Japanese rugby system. Rissho University's rugby program has a history of producing players for professional clubs, and Wilson's time there (likely spanning 2021–2024) focused on building his physicality and skills as a back row player. Specific schoolboy achievements in South Africa are not widely documented, but his selection for university-level play underscores his potential as a promising prospect from the country's deep talent pool.
In January 2025, Wilson signed as a new addition to the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights ahead of the 2025 Japan Rugby League One season, marking his professional debut. Joining a powerhouse club that has won multiple League One titles (including in 2022), Wilson expressed enthusiasm about contributing to the team's success, noting his excitement to learn from experienced players and coaches. The Wild Knights, based in Kumagaya, Saitama Prefecture, provided an ideal platform for his transition, surrounded by fellow South Africans like Maurice Marks, another Rissho University alumnus.
Wilson made his professional bow in the 2024/25 season, appearing in at least one match for the Division 1 side, where he logged 6 minutes off the bench in a competitive outing (0 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss in that appearance). As a non-starter (0% start rate), he focused on acclimating to the professional pace, with no tries or points recorded in limited action. The team's season included strong performances, such as a 33-12 win over Tokyo Sungoliath in December 2024, though Wilson's role was rotational amid a deep back row.
