Moore is the son of former Wales second row Steve and his uncle is Andy, a fellow Welsh international lock. The 23-year-old was born in Cardiff before his family made the move to the north of England, where he excelled at football and rugby.
He stands at 6ft 6ins and weighs in at 17st and was on the books of Everton FC before he switched to rugby with Sale Sharks and represented England at Under-20 level. An athletic ball carrier, Moore is Welsh-qualified and trained with the senior England side in 2018.
“I am really looking forward to getting started at the Ospreys and pushing to get some game time,” said Moore. “I had some good conversations with my Dad and my uncle about the Ospreys and they both said it would be a really good move for me.
“Toby (Booth) talked to me about the brand of rugby the Ospreys want to play and it should really suit me and bring my game on to a higher level. He wants me to bring my physicality and the ball-carrying part of my game.
“To have the opportunity to train with and play alongside some of the players at the Ospreys is really exciting. It’s a chance to show what I can do.”
Moore has been plagued by a series of injuries since he joined Cardiff in January 2020, but impressed in their recent Champions Cup clashes against Toulouse and Harlequins respectively. And Ospreys head coach Toby Booth believes the region have signed a top class player.
“Sam will add to our strength in depth and is a multi-position player across the backrow and that is a real asset for us,” said Booth. “His determination and appetite to prove himself was really evident in our discussions.”
Cardiff Rugby director of rugby Dai Young paid tribute to Moore’s efforts during his time in the Welsh capital, and wished him all the best for the future.
“I would like to thank Sam for all of his efforts at the club,” said Young. “With the resources we have in the back row next season we cannot guarantee Sam regular game-time and he leaves with our very best wishes.”
