Sam Cordingley

The Grenoble-bound SAM CORDINGLEY enjoyed a new lease of life after unexpectedly finding himself a member of the Qantas Wallabies in 2008. Having signed to re-join the French club at the end of the year, Cordingley had resigned himself to having completed his international career, after he gained two caps at last year’s Rugby World Cup. Not only was the international door not shut for Cordingley, the long-serving Reds halfback found himself in the hot seat as Australia’s starting halfback for the tail end of the Tri-Nations, after a training mishap removed Luke Burgess. The New South Welshman’s absence allowed Cordingley to experience first Test starts against both South Africa and New Zealand in a year which saw him gain eight further caps – which represented over one third of his entire career tally. Cordingley played his final Test for Australia at the same venue – in Paris against France – that he had made his first run on start. The Wallabies won both matches by the identical score-line, 18-13.

1996-1997   Represented the Australian Under 21s alongside fellow Reds star Chris Latham.

1998   Made his Super rugby debut against the Highlanders in Canberra, where he played seven matches for the Brumbies after George Gregan suffered a season ending injury.

1999   Relocated to Queensland to join the Reds for further opportunities. Established himself as the first choice scrumhalf over the next two years under then Queensland coach John Connolly. He was later a member of the Wallabies World Cup training squad.

2000   Made his Test debut against Argentina as a replacement in Brisbane. He then started in three Tests on the Spring Tour of Japan, France and the UK.

2001   While injury interrupted his Super 12 campaign, he returned for the Reds semi final loss to the Brumbies and also played in the tour match against the British and Irish Lions before signing to play in the Northern Hemisphere.

2002-2005   Spent three seasons in the UK and France with Swansea and Grenoble.

2006   Linked once more with the Reds and forced his way into the Test team with an outstanding return season. After starting at scrumhalf against England in Melbourne, he earned five more Test caps as a replacement. His season was cut short by a lisfranc foot injury.

2007   Was sidelined for the Super 14 season with injury, but fought his way back into the Wallabies Rugby World Cup squad after strong performances in the Australia A programme.

2008   Completed his Queensland career, signing off after raising his 50th cap for the Reds. Then received an unexpected Wallaby call up where he featured in seven of the nine matches in the domestic programme, while also appearing off the bench against France in Paris.