Chobham RFC are proud to announce that 19-year-old Sam Davies has signed a season long contract to go and play rugby for Pro Recco in Genoa, Italy. The Sharks play in the second tier of Italian rugby and he will be one of their two international players. Sam is primarily a fly half or full back, who is also especially useful on the wing or at scrum half – his boot is one of his greatest assets.
Sam Davies leaves the UK on the 15th October 2020 to fly to Genoa, with his first scheduled game on the 8th November, in the same league as them are the Italy Under 20 Academy and Sardinia.
Sam played at Chobham throughout the Minis and Juniors, the only sojourn he had was playing rugby at Godalming College. He is currently part of Chobham Rugby’s Academy coaching team, as well as a qualified referee. Sam played at fly half for Surrey Under 18s and last season he was the 1st XV Young Player of the Season, as well as his try against Tonbridgians being nominated for the Grassroots Try of the Month.
When we asked Sam what his career highlight to date it was “last season’s away win at Winchester as a Senior and winning the Land Rover Trophy at U12s and then we went to Premiership Final to see Quins win. He feels his biggest influence on his rugby career was his Dad, James, while the most influential coaches have been Kelly Hill (Godalming) and Robbie Kennard (Chobham). When told of his move, Chobham Backs Coach Robbie said “Huge congratulations to Sam. It was a real pleasure to see him grow as both an individual and as a rugby player last season. What a fantastic opportunity for him to go and play in that environment. I would like to wish him the very best of luck and will certainly be keeping a close eye on his progress!”
We asked him, apart from playing professionally, what his career ambition is? “To become a Chobham Centurion as I will be back at Chobham”! Sam is looking forward to the actually playing rugby and Italian culture in North West Italy on the Mediterranean Coast. Sam will be sharing a house with three other fulltime players, as well as training evening with the rest of the Semi Pro players four nights a week.
Chobham Head Coach, Billy Davison said “All the best and congratulations to Sam Davies who embarks on a rugby adventure to Italy. Sam travels with the best wishes of all at Chobham Rugby – I am certain that this talented young player will prove a great success and a fine ambassador for our club. Go well Sam!”
It was the father of one of the academy players at Chobham, Eugeno Androne, who initiated the contact with Callum McLean, Technical Director and Head Coach at The Sharks and following discussion throughout September Sam signed for Pro Recco.
We asked Callum what he was looking forward to with Sam joining their squad, he said that “his understanding of the game is exciting for us and we see the potential in him, I have watched some of his videos and his knowledge will be an asset to us.” Callum is also excited that Sam has a coaching and referee background, which will help Pro Recco.
The Pro Recco ground is named the Androne Stadium, after Eugeno Androne’s younger brother Carlo who died prematurely at 16 – the Androne family have played rugby in Pro Recco since 1959. That Is not the only Chobham connection with The Sharks, Kiwi Callum McLean is from New Zealands North Island, he is a couple of years younger than our long time Player Coach Corey Kennett and both played Horowhenua Kapiti Rugby.
Director of Rugby Harry Norman-Walker said “I am so excited for Sam and he is getting an opportunity few will realise; he has the strength and knowledge in his game to make an impact in Italy. I’ve known Sam since he was born and to see the man, he is now is great compliment to his parents, Chobham are sending Pro Recco a great representative for the game and our club. Sam, savour every moment and I’m looking forward to watching you on the big screen at Chobham!!”