Wilkinson rose through the Sale ranks while attending Kirkham Grammar School in Lancashire, who boast an impressive alumni list including former Leicester Tigers player and Head Coach Richard Wigglesworth.

During a decorated age-grade career, he represented England at Under-16, Under-18 and Under-20s, with the latter seeing him feature alongside now club mates Nic Dolly, Ollie Hassell-Collins and Joe Heyes in the 2018/19 England Under-20s squad.

Wilkinson made 22 appearances for Sale in all competitions since his senior debut in 2018.