Wilton Rebolo Bio
Wilton José Murilo Rebolo, known professionally as Wilton Rebolo, is a Brazilian rugby union player who has built a reputation as a powerful forward in both international and professional rugby. Born on 2 August 1995, he currently represents the Western Force in Super Rugby Pacific, where he plays as a prop or hooker. Standing 182 cm tall and weighing 118 kg, Rebolo combines size, strength, and mobility in the front row, making him a valuable asset in set-piece play and physical exchanges around the breakdown.
Rebolo first rose to prominence as a senior international with Brazil, earning more than 30 caps since his debut in 2015. His professional career has taken him across the Americas and into the Southern Hemisphere, including a championship-winning stint with Rugby New York in Major League Rugby. In 2023, he became the first Brazilian player to feature in the so-called “Top 4” professional rugby leagues when he debuted for the Western Force, marking a historic milestone for Brazilian rugby.
Early Life and Background
Wilton Rebolo was born and raised in São José dos Campos, a city in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. From a young age, he was introduced to rugby in his hometown, where the sport has been steadily growing alongside Brazil’s more traditional football culture. Playing for a number of local club sides during his formative years, Rebolo developed the physical foundation and technical understanding of the forward role that would later define his career.
His early commitment to the sport in a country where rugby remains a developing discipline set him apart from many of his peers. The combination of disciplined training, competitive amateur matches, and Brazil’s growing involvement in international rugby tournaments helped shape him into a player capable of competing at the highest levels of the game. By the time he reached senior international rugby, Rebolo had already accumulated significant experience through his domestic and youth career.
Path to Rugby
Rebolo’s progression from local club rugby to the international stage accelerated when he made his senior debut for Brazil in 2015 against Germany. The match marked the beginning of an international career that has since seen him accumulate over 30 caps for his country. His performances in the forward pack quickly established him as a reliable presence in the set piece, particularly as a prop and hooker.
Following his emergence with the national team, Rebolo began pursuing opportunities at the professional club level, eventually representing the Austin Herd in a pre-season fixture in 2020. Although injury and the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic ended that season before he could make a full impact, the experience positioned him to transition into Major League Rugby. In 2021, he made his official debut for Rugby New York, beginning the most successful and transformative chapter of his club career to date.
Wilton Rebolo Career
Early Career (2015–2020)
Rebolo’s senior career began on the international stage with Brazil in 2015, where his power and work rate in the forward pack earned him a steady stream of caps. He became a regular presence in the squad, contributing to the development of Brazilian rugby on the world stage during a period when the country was working to expand its competitive footprint. His reputation as a hard-working front-row forward grew with each international appearance.
Domestically, Rebolo continued to develop his game with Brazilian clubs while keeping an eye on opportunities abroad. In 2020, he linked up with the Austin Herd for a pre-season fixture, signaling his intent to test himself in professional rugby. However, an injury and the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic cut short his time with the Herd, delaying but not ending his ambitions of playing at the professional level.
Rugby New York Era (2021–2022)
Rebolo joined Rugby New York ahead of the 2021 Major League Rugby season, making his debut for the club in his first year with the team. Playing primarily as a prop, he quickly adapted to the pace and physicality of North American professional rugby. His performances in the forward pack helped establish him as a key contributor for the New York-based franchise.
In 2022, Rebolo returned for his second season with Rugby New York and played a central role as the team captured its first Major League Rugby title. The championship was the highlight of his time in the United States and confirmed his growing reputation as one of the most effective South American front-row players in the professional game. His efforts during the title-winning campaign attracted attention from clubs abroad.
Western Force Era (2023–Present)
Following his championship success in Major League Rugby, Rebolo made the move to Australia, joining the Western Force in Super Rugby Pacific. He made his debut for the side in Round 14 of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season against the Chiefs, a milestone appearance that made him the first Brazilian player ever to participate in one of the traditional “Top 4” professional rugby leagues. The moment was widely celebrated in Brazilian rugby circles and underscored the growing global reach of players from emerging rugby nations.
Later in 2023, Rebolo also signed with Northland in New Zealand to compete in the Bunnings NPC, further broadening his professional experience across the Southern Hemisphere. His continued presence in high-level competitions has helped raise the profile of Brazilian rugby on the international stage, and he remains an active member of the Western Force roster.
Driving Style and Strengths
Rebolo’s game is built around the core demands of the front row: powerful scrummaging, effective rucking, and disciplined defensive work around the gain line. His 118 kg frame and low center of gravity make him a difficult opponent to displace in set pieces, while his mobility allows him to contribute in open play. As both a prop and a hooker, he offers tactical flexibility, allowing coaches to deploy him in multiple forward roles depending on match-day requirements.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of Rebolo’s career are his 2015 international debut for Brazil, his role in Rugby New York’s 2022 Major League Rugby championship, and his historic 2023 debut for the Western Force, which made him the first Brazilian to play in one of the “Top 4” professional leagues. Each of these achievements has contributed to his standing as a trailblazer for Brazilian rugby at the professional level.
Wilton Rebolo Career Wins
Wilton Rebolo’s career highlights are anchored by his Major League Rugby title with Rugby New York in 2022, a championship that stands as his most prominent team success to date. Combined with his consistent international service for Brazil since 2015, the title reflects both his durability and his impact on winning sides. His trophy-winning contribution at Rugby New York was also the springboard for his move to Super Rugby Pacific with the Western Force.
Major League Rugby Highlights
During his two seasons with Rugby New York from 2021 to 2022, Rebolo established himself as a dependable front-row presence in Major League Rugby. His most significant achievement came in 2022, when the franchise won its first MLR title with Rebolo playing a key role in the forward pack. The championship remains the cornerstone of his professional club résumé.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his MLR success, Rebolo has accumulated more than 30 international caps with Brazil, a notable mark for any player from a Tier 2 rugby nation. His appearances for Northland in the 2023 Bunnings NPC further expanded his professional portfolio, while his debut for the Western Force in Super Rugby Pacific marked a historic first for Brazilian rugby on the global stage.
Wilton Rebolo Family
Family Background and Rugby Lineage
Wilton Rebolo was raised in São José dos Campos, Brazil, where he was first introduced to rugby as a young player. While detailed information about his parents and broader family background is not publicly documented, his upbringing in São Paulo state placed him within a region where rugby has been steadily expanding its presence in Brazilian sport.
Personal Life
Rebolo maintains an active presence on social media, where he shares updates about his professional rugby career. His professional journey has taken him from Brazil to the United States and then to Australia and New Zealand, reflecting a personal commitment to competing at the highest levels of the sport. Further verified details about his personal life are not publicly available at this time.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Wilton Rebolo continues his tenure with the Western Force in Super Rugby Pacific, where his experience in the front row remains a key part of the team’s forward rotation. Building on his historic 2023 debut, Rebolo is expected to play a continued role in set-piece execution and defensive work around the breakdown. His versatility as both a prop and a hooker gives the Force valuable tactical options throughout the campaign.
The 2025 season also represents another opportunity for Rebolo to represent Brazil on the international stage, adding to his tally of more than 30 caps for the national team. His presence in Super Rugby Pacific continues to serve as an inspiration for emerging Brazilian rugby players, demonstrating that pathways to the top professional leagues remain open for players from emerging rugby nations. As the season unfolds, Rebolo’s form will be closely watched by fans in both Australia and Brazil.