Chronicle Editor
Brandon Moyo, Sports Reporter
THE dream of many young aspiring sports-persons is to play alongside their brothers at the highest level.
The world of rugby is awash with great names of brothers who have and continue to leave indelible marks on the sport. Iconic pairs of brothers, the world over have left an indomitable legacy because of their desire to partner in sport.
From New Zealand’s most recognised rugby siblings in the Barrett brothers, Beauden, Jordie and Scott to two of Zimbabwe’s finest, Richard and Kennedy Tsimba.
The two International Rugby Board (IRB) Hall of Famers are esteemed rugby icons.
One can say, rugby – globally – has indeed benefitted from extraordinary sibling duos who have created everlasting memories.
Zimbabwe – in particular Bulawayo – is today, witnessing the rise of two brothers who look destined for greater heights in Emilio and Ethan Wilson. The Wilson brothers have made a name for themselves in the local rugby scene.
The talented twins who both play for powerhouse Matabeleland Warriors have already, at just the age of 24 become household names.
Ethan plays scrumhalf while his brother, Emilio plays full back. Contrasting in stature, the two, however, possess similar talent. They were also a part of the Bulawayo Select team that did duty against Zimbabwe
A in a historic match played at Hartsfield Rugby Grounds on 14 September.
Zimpapers Sports Hub caught up with the two siblings who all enjoy one thing, playing alongside one another. They are each other’s keeper and have been since birth.
“Emilio and I have played together since primary school and I think we have a golden bond together. I don’t even need to look for him, I know where he is and we just put in the effort. We just push and push.
We have been doing it for a long time. It’s something good to know, I have my team, but I know my brother will always be behind me, always on my left shoulder. We are always pushing, we are always grinding, we put in the work and we are going to try and make it as far as possible,” said Ethan.
Emilio had this to say about playing rugby alongside his brother: “He is a phenomenal rugby player and that is where I get most of my inspiration from. In simple terms, I am nothing without my brother and my brother is nothing without me.
“Our rugby works together because we see each other, we have played together for so long that we understand the game. He makes me look good, I make him look good, that’s why I say we are a power team. That’s why they call us the Wilson brothers because we are together.”
As talented as they are, the brothers have not been walking the rugby journey alone as their parents have always been by their side, rallying behind them every step of the way.
Their father’s passion for the game also made them fall in love with it.
“I will give those props to my dad. He is someone that has always encouraged me to play rugby. I started playing rugby in Grade Three, he has been my main inspiration and also my mother, who has been on my sidelines, supporting us all the time and my girlfriend who has been with me through thick and thin through my injuries,” said Ethan.
Emilio said: “But the inspiration started from my father and my twin brother Ethan. Our parents are our biggest supporters, they have never missed a game of ours. Whether it’s a win or a loss, they still keep on encouraging us to do better, so I would say they are our superheroes and that’s why we drive and push to play the way we do.”
The two talented players started playing rugby when they were both doing their third grade at Primary School. Ethan’s journey saw him graduate all the way from Milton High School and Christian Boys College (CBC) to playing in South Africa.
Ethan has played for Zimbabwe junior age groups (including three consecutive Under-20 call ups).
Apart from that, he has played Craven Week, Varsity Shield, Blue Bulls Under-20 Currie Cup and Pumas Under-21 Currie Cup all in South Africa.
He has his eyes set on, one day, donning the iconic green and white strip.
“I came back recently because of injuries, but I’m still getting myself back, I’m still young. Our main aim is to try and get into Sables but that’s all up to God. For every young man, playing for Sables would be the biggest inspiration.
“Me and my brother are hoping to play for the Sables and attend more camps when we get called up.
God has been great in my career, everything has flown, I have played all the leagues I wanted to play. I have been humble, just quiet, get on the park and be an animal, that’s all I’m about,” said Ethan.
Just like his brother, Emilio also has his eyes set on representing Zimbabwe at international level.
“I have always wanted to make the Sables team, even through all my rugby games. I have played for Matabeleland. I have never made the Sables but maybe one day I would make the Sables side.
“Most people underestimate me because of my size, but I usually tell them that rugby is not all about size and I am pretty sure that I have proven that,” he said.
The two siblings are destined for greater heights and look set on writing their own piece of history as Zimbabwe’s next big sporting brothers and not just in rugby circles. — @brandon_malvin
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