Moore: Sam eyes Test call after quitting England
SAM Moore trained with England under Eddie Jones and was identified as a future Red Rose international given his strong performances at age grade level.
The former Sale back row was called up by Jones as a teenage apprentice for the 2018 Six Nations and it looked like a long career in a white shirt beckoned, but two years on things have changed dramatically and Moore is now in Wales with Cardiff Blues.
A red rather than a white jersey beckons for the 21year-old who left Sale – where he used to share a house with Tom and Ben Curry – in January to sign for the Blues.
“When Eddie called me into the England squad I was only there for a few training days,” said Moore, who stood out for all of England’s age group sides despite being born in Cardiff.
“When I came into the camp 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 to 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 when it comes along.
“My family never put any pressure on me to decide which route to go down in choosing England or Wales. 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 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 over here.
“I still remember some of the city from when I was younger and everyone has welcomed me into the Blues environment and been very helpful.”
Moore’s arrival in Welsh rugby was welcomed by national head coach Wayne Pivac at the start of this year and his predecessor
Warren Gatland had been a long-term admirer of the player.
Now he has swapped playing with the Curry twins for Blues duties alongside the likes of Josh Navidi and Ellis Jenkins and is fully fit with PRO14 action returning this weekend.
A Blues debut against the Scarlets on Saturday awaits. “I want to get some game time to show what I’m all about,” said Moore.
“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. I’m certainly setting my sights on filling the gap left by Nick Williams’ retirement, but taking nothing for granted.
“These two games will be really good in trying to blow the cobwebs away after the last few months of not playing.”