Scottish-born lock Sam Thomson is ready for his long-awaited debut after being named to start for the ACT Brumbies against the Fijian Drua.
The 29-year-old will partner Darcy Swain in the second row as Stephen Larkham freshens up his side, resting Cadeyrn Neville whilst Nick Frost comes onto the bench.
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Ironically, Thomson was initially brought into the squad due to an injury to Swain, only for a knock to Tom Hooper to keep him in Stephen Larkham's mind for selection.
“He’s played all around the world in multiple competitions,” Larkham said.
“He’s been in a lot of programs and he’s got a lot of experience out of that. He’s reads the game really well and can be that line-out caller if we need him to.
“Sam is that older head that can bring composure to big situations or games and he’s got a real good ability to put himself in the right position when he needs to be.”
The 29-year-old has experienced the world and is the definition of a Rugby 'journeyman.'
He played Rugby at Uni in England before moving to New Zealand for a year of club football with Southbridge Rugby Club, the home of legendary All Black Dan Carter.
Stints in France and Scotland were followed by his first stint in Australia, winning a Shute Shield title with Waringah to go with sporadic stints in the NRC.
It's this Waringah connection that delivered Thomson to the Brumbies in the first place, lined up by then-coach Darren Coleman.
With no definite answer from Super Rugby clubs, the lock's decision to move back to Scotland and Edinburgh was short-lived, hungry to get back to Australia, only to be stopped by COVID.
This led to a stint in Japan before moving back to the Rats, getting the tap on the shoulder to join pre-season at the start of the year.
“I’m definitely a journeyman,” Thomson remarked.
“I’ve played all over (the world) but I’ve enjoyed the opportunity Rugby has given me to see the world.
“…I initially came back to play for (Warringah) Rats but the opportunity came up for pre-season (at the Brumbies) and I took it. Darcy’s injury then gave me the opportunity to come back in and get a game.
“It’s a lot (laughs).”
Thomson knows his journey to Super Rugby has been far from conventional, so it's only fitting this is his second crack at a Brumbies debut after being left on the bench a fortnight ago against the NSW Waratahs.
When asked about the opportunity to start, he could barely hide his emotions.
“I’m pumped. Obviously wasn’t ideal being left on the bench, a lot of emotional energy especially for ‘Tahs having played in Sydney for three years,” Thomson said with a smile.
“I was gutted not to get on but really excited to get this opportunity.”
BRUMBIES (1-15): James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa, Darcy Swain, Nick Frost, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Pete Samu, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Ben O'Donnell, Ollie Sapsford, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
RESERVES: Billy Pollard, Blake Schoupp, Rhys Van Nek, Nick Frost, Luke Reimer, Nic White, Jack Debreczeni, Declan Meredith
