The 18-stone, 6’2″ prop started playing rugby at 12 when a friend suggested he join Rhyl RFC, and since then Wainwright has risen through the ranks at RGC, joining the senior side after finishing his studies at Coleg Llandrillo. Although very young in tighthead terms, he has been a regular in the Principality Premiership this year.
“I was a late starter, but I’ve benefited from the help of a lot of good people,” says Wainwright. “Whether that be at Rhyl, college or at RGC. Once Mark Jones and Phil John came to RGC they brought a structure and patterns to our play, which has made us a strong side.”
Some might refer to North Wales as a hotbed of football, and Wainwright doesn’t disagree that this has historically been the case: “For a few years, rugby was overshadowed, but thanks to the hard work of a lot of players and coaches, the region has been pushed forward. I’m just lucky enough that I was at an age where in my first year at RGC they made it into the Premiership.”
The last RGC player to represent Wales U20 was Rhun Williams, whose eye-catching turns in the red jersey drew widespread acclaim (not to mention the attention of Cardiff Blues). “Rhun has given a lot of players here hope, making them realise it is possible,” Wainwright says. “Players like Afon Bagshawe and Dion Jones helped to set the bar for us, and Rhun showed that just because we’re so far away, it doesn’t mean we’re off the radar.”
He describes his gratitude to Shaun and Linda, his parents, for their support. “They’ve played a massive role in everything I’ve done, and I’m grateful to have a good family behind me, including my sisters,” he explains. “Being down in South Wales a lot has been tough, but they’ve always backed me when I thought it wasn’t possible.”
Wales U20 assistant coach Chris Horsman hopes Wainwright is one of a number of props in the current squad who can follow the likes of pathway graduates Nicky Smith, Dillon Lewis and Leon Brown. “Sam’s got a good frame for a tighthead, and he’s in physically good condition,” says the coach. “He’s got a willingness to learn and he’s improving steadily as we move forward.” Horsman, a former tighthead who played at the highest level for his country, should know a thing or two about the position.
“Sam’s coaches in North Wales had nothing but good things to say about him,” he says. “He’s fit in well with the squad and got his head down and worked hard.”
Knowing the RGC crowd like he does, Wainwright expects a special night at the Stadiwm Zip World (formerly Parc Eirias). “The fans are like a tight-knit family, which is really nice,” he says. “Before games we’ll have activities on the indoor pitch with the kids. They’re the next generation, and you can see the participation numbers in North Wales have increased quite a lot. My nephew Levi is six and he’s just started playing minis rugby. To see the amount of kids coming into the system is fantastic.”
Wales U20 face Scotland U20 at Stadiwm Zip World tonight at 20:15, as part of a double-header with their Women counterparts (18:00). Tickets available at Colwyn Bay Leisure Centre.
