Born, bred and grew up in Melbourne, Sam went to Melbourne Junior School followed by Derby Grammar School. His rugby started at Melbourne M&Js with Joe Bryant and Jack Ord, coached by Theresa Ayre and Simon Ord. From 13 years old he continued his rugby at Burton.

A Levels were followed by a BTEC in Sport at Hartpury College alongside Dan Robson, followed by a Sports Science degree at Nottingham Trent University. Whilst at University Sam continued playing for Burton 1st Team on the wing.

Aged 23 and University done and dusted Sam had 2 years in National 1 at Coventry playing inside centre, 2 years at Moseley and a year at Hinkley before Covid put paid to any rugby for a while. Covid decided Sam to return to playing for Melbourne.

An apprenticeship as an Employer Engagement Executive led to employment as an Accounts Manager for an IT Company for a year. Two years working for the family firm in the water business followed. Now Sam is Operations Director for a New York based Licensing Company.

His hope for the future is to have his own Company to do with sport. And to coach Melbourne's up and coming players when he retires from playing.

1. First position you played in rugby: Scrum half
2. Worst injury: Fractured eye socket

3. Best player you played with at MRFC or elsewhere: Dan Robson/ The Nugget

4. Best person for post-match drinks, fun and frolics: Ben Rosamond

5. What should your nickname be: Smithy

6. What bad habit do you have: Biting my nails

7. Your sporting hero: Sonny Bill Williams

8. Your non-sporting hero: My Mum

9. Favourite food/meal: Lasagne

10. Favourite TV programme/film: The Godfather/The US Office

11. Favourite book: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

12. Who dead or alive would you like to have a conversation with: All of my Grandparents

13. You can take either a book, music or a tool to a desert island. Which, and what would it be: Swiss Army Knife

14. Dream job: Film Critic

15. Tell me something about you that no one knows: I’m half Scottish

16. A phrase that reflects your life: It will All Work Out in the End

17. What sport do you wish you’d tried: Boxing

18. Who would you like to see interviewed for this article: Pete Welsh or Matt Derbyshire

19. Your wish for the future of MRFC: To play level 5 Rugby with a team of MRFC Academy graduates
20. Your Melbourne Dream Team of players past and present:
Pop
Alex Parnall
Roger Lucas
Pete Welsh
Will Judge
Tom Warren
Devon Iliffe
Ian Lucas
Olly Page
Euan Holden
Ashley Stringer
Deano
Andy Gates
Jack ‘The Unstoppable’ Nugget Pearce
Jack Fisher