Moore the merrier as he heads back home
SAM MOORE may have represented England at four different age groups but now he is setting his sights on playing for Wales and the land of his father.
The 21-year-old back-row looked to be on the fast track to a senior career in Eddie Jones’ England set-up when he was called into a Six Nations training squad two years ago. But injuries struck and in January he moved in a different direction, leaving Sale Sharks and joining Cardiff Blues.
The Welsh capital is where both his father, Steve, and uncle, Andy, played for Cardiff and Wales and is where he was born. Warren Gatland tracked his progress at Sedbergh School, in the Sale Academy, and with England at junior level.
Now it could be Gatland’s successor, Wayne Pivac, who reaps the benefit of the Blues’ foresight in enticing the 6ft 6in, 17st 5lb ballcarrying No 8 to leave Sale and head ‘home’.
‘While I grew up in England and came through the system there it would be great to reach the same heights as my dad and uncle,’ said Moore. ‘When Eddie called me into the England squad I was only there for a few training days. He asked me why I thought I was there and then when I left he simply asked what I thought was needed of me to progress and get back into the squad.
‘They were the only conversations I really had with him over the three days. It was all about giving us an insight into what it was like in the senior England camp. It was tough but it was good.
‘The first bit of advice I was told was whatever time the meeting is, get there 15 minutes early because it always starts 15 minutes early. That was the best bit of advice I was given.
‘I’ve always believed in making the most of whatever opportunity you’re given. You have to grab it with both hands. I was happy to play for either and I took the avenue that opened up for me.
‘I played for England at age grade level, but I’d be honoured to play for Wales if that chance came around. First of all I’ve got to try to get things right with Cardiff Blues.
‘The Blues gave me an offer I really couldn’t refuse and things fell into place very quickly. The transition of coming home to Cardiff has been fine because I’ve got some family here. I still remember some of the city from when I was younger.’
Now fully fit, he is set for his Blues debut against Scarlets when Guinness PRO14 rugby follows the Gallagher Premiership in returning this weekend.
‘I want to get some game time to show what I’m all about,’ he said. ‘Lockdown was a bit of a blessing in disguise for me because it enabled me to get my knee right after surgery in December. I prefer playing at No 8 because it gives me more licence to get my hands on the ball.’