John Skinner Wilson

Lieut-Commander John Skinner Wilson (10 March 1884 – 31 May 1916) was a Trinidad-born rugby player, who represented Scotland, United Services RFC and London Scottish FC. He enrolled in the Royal Navy in 1898. He was killed in World War I in the Battle of Jutland, serving as Lieutenant-Commander aboard HMS Indefatigable. He is remembered on panel 10 at the Plymouth Naval Memorial.

Rugby career

Wilson was a forward with a reputation for keeping busy and remaining close to the action. He played for United Services RFC, and was captain of the team in 1908 and 1909, considered to be his best years of rugby, according to E. H. D. Sewell.It was in 1908 that he earned his first cap for Scotland, against Ireland, on 29 February 1908. He was selected a second time for Scotland, to play against Wales at Inverleith on 6 February 1909. Ahead of the game, the Welsh were ’quietly confident’ of beating the home side. Wilson also played for the Navy against the Army 1907–1908 and again in 1913.

Off the rugby field, he was also a good oarsman and sailor.