[4] Wilson was a product of the Newcastle Falcons Junior Academy and signed a professional contract after playing for Kendal RUFC in the national 3 level.

[6] Wilson started for the Newcastle side that defeated Bedford Blues in the 2012–13 RFU Championship final to achieve promotion back to the top flight.

[12] Wilson became a regular starter for England at the end of 2018, with Billy Vunipola and Sam Simmonds both ruled out because of injury, while Nathan Hughes had been suspended for foul play.

[15] In September 2019 Wilson started for England in a warm-up game for the 2019 Rugby World Cup against Italy at St James' Park.

[16][17] He was selected by coach Eddie Jones as one of five back-row forwards for the tournament[18] and played in the pool fixture against the United States[19] and semi-final victory over New Zealand.