EDINBURGH
SUSAN EGELSTAFF
SAM THOMSON had more than most to consider when pondering a move to the capital.
The 25-year-old second-row had been on Glasgow Warriors’ books for a short time in 2016 but had spent the past three years of his career in Australia playing for Greater Sydney Rams, NSW Country, Sydney and most recently, Warringah RC. And his stint Down Under meant that he was just a few months away from becoming eligible to play for the Australian national team.
Given the circumstances, the plan was not, admits Thomson, to return to his homeland. But out of the blue, news reached him that Edinburgh were interested, with Scotland assistant coach Matt Taylor playing no small part.
“I put some highlights together and sent them off. I knew Matt Taylor from my time at Glasgow and he said he passed them around so he jokes that he’s now my agent,” said Thomson.
“An agent got in touch with me and mentioned that Edinburgh were interested. I hadn’t really seen coming back as an option because I figured I was out of the picture but then they got in touch and within a couple of days I spoke to Cockers (head coach, Richard Cockerill) – he explained he wanted me back over and there was an opportunity there.”
Thomson has signed a one-year contract and so there is an element of pressure to ensure his performances are good enough to earn an extension. But the lock insists he’s happy to be in this position.
“This weekend will be my sixth game and considering it’s my first year I’m really happy with that,” he said.
“For me, it’s a case of consistency and my knowledge and making sure I nail my role, and then show what I can do and express myself.”