Wellington U19 profile: Fox flying high in New Zealand

The Wellington U19's won the inaugural Graham Mourie Cup at the National Jock Hobbs Memorial event in 2014. Last year they underwhelmed and finished fifth. Leading up to the 2016 tournament, Club Rugby will profile some of the young Lions who are likely to feature in the tournament and who are the future of the game in the capital.

"It was unbelievable, quiet surreal really to be playing in front of thousands of people on Sky TV," Sam Fox recalls of last year's National Top Four final between Scots College and Rotorua Boys' High School.

In April 2015, Fox attended the Sanix World Youth Tournament in Fukuoka, Japan with Truro College, England. He returned with Scots and has remained in New Zealand since.

"There was an opportunity to come here which was only supposed to last three months. I thought why not. My parents were initially shocked, but supportive," Fox recalls.

Fox comes from a strong sporting background. His father is a salesman and trialled for the England Schools' rugby team. His mother works in learning support and was extensively involved in various codes. Sam's sister has recently been selected for an English development hockey squad.

"Sport runs in the family I guess. Mum and Dad have always encouraged us to be involved in sport and make the most of the opportunities that arise," Fox explains.

Truro College is based in Cornwall. In 2014 they won the AASE (Achieving Academic and Sporting Excellence) League Plate. The competition is split into a northern and southern conference of six teams each. Everybody meets in a home and away fixture before the top four teams qualify for the finals.

"English competition is more Academy based. In New Zealand it's much bigger and very tribal.There is more emphasis on coaching skills in New Zealand. The skill level of the New Zealand players is unbelievable," Fox says.

Scots played a high-octane style of rugby to win 20 out of 24 games and score 155 tries in 2015. Fox played 13 games and the first-five was the perfect counterpoint for the flair of the Umaga-Jensen twins and Alex Fidow.

"At first it was a big culture shock the way Scots played. I couldn't believe the size and skill of the Island boys, but they were so welcoming and helpful. I learned a lot and believe I have become a better person for the experience," Fox enthuses.

Despite the fact Scots lost the National final to Rotorua the match remains a special memory.

"To be a part of something like that was amazing. To think I might have played in a match against or alongside future All Blacks is surreal. The hype, speed and physicality of that game is unlike anything I have experienced," Fox reflects.

Fox was selected for the Wellington U18's and offered a job at Scots as a gap tutor. He stayed on to play for Poneke this year and earned 11 appearances for the vastly improved Premiers. Poneke was fifth in the Jubilee Cup missing the semi-finals by a single point.

"I have found Poneke to be a real strong family club. We have some great players to. Guys like Greg Foe and Greg Mullany are a joy to watch when they are in top form," Fox marvels.

Fox laughs cheekily, however, when he explains he is not allowed to greet the Samoan players as "uso."

He recently steered the Poneke Premier Reserves around the Petone Rec in the Ed Chaney Cup final, peeling off big metres with his boot in windy conditions and slotting some important kicks including a sideline conversion. Poneke were leading 20-18 late in the final, but HOBM scored a winning try wit time almost up to clinch the title.

Fox's form for Poneke earned him selection for the Wellington U19's. Last Saturday he scored 21 points in the win against the Hurricanes Barbarians. He is desperately keen to make the final tournament team.

"There is a lot of competition for places because the level of talent is so good, but I will try my best and to make the final selection would be fantastic," Fox concludes.