Last weekend marked a special moment for Sam Clarke as he made his long-awaited debut for Sale FC. The young recruit, who joined the club this season, gave a strong account of himself in what was a fast-paced and physical contest. Speaking after the game, Sam shared his thoughts on the experience, the step up to National League rugby, and even revealed a surprising fact about his life off the pitch. *insert dancing emoji*

“I was really excited to finally put on the Sale FC shirt and run out with the boys,” Sam said, reflecting on his first outing for the club. “At first, I felt a little nervous, but the lads around me made me feel confident and comfortable on the pitch. They’ve been great in helping me settle in, and I’m grateful for that support.”

The move to National League rugby has been a noticeable step up for Sam, but one he was well prepared for. “The step up to national rugby was definitely a lot faster and more physical, which I did expect,” he explained. “I felt the standard showed that it wasn’t about individual heroes but everyone doing their job. The accuracy of everything had to be to an elite level, and that’s something I’m looking forward to improving on with the team.”

One of the standout moments for Sam leading up to his debut was the advice and encouragement he received from teammate Tom Brady. “Tom Brady helped me by saying just play your game and be relaxed,” Sam shared. “He said I’m good enough to be selected, so just play my game. He even sent me a very nice message prior to the game, which really meant a lot.”

Looking ahead, Sam is focused on giving his all both on and off the pitch. “On the pitch, I will always give it 100% effort and never let my head drop. My mentality is to never quit,” he stated. And while he’s serious about rugby, there’s a lighter side to the young player too. “Off the pitch, I used to breakdance and even went on Got to Dance when I was younger!”

It’s clear that Sam Clarke brings a unique mix of determination and personality to Sale FC. With his debut behind him, supporters can look forward to seeing more of this exciting player as the season progresses. Potentially again this Saturday vs League leader Richmond RFC.

Stay tuned for more updates on Sam Clarke and the rest of the squad as the season unfolds. Come on, the Dogs!