Sam Tomkins switches from full-back to winger in Rugby Union for one Test
The Wigan Warriors’ full back, Sam Tomkins, is all set to make his debut in the alternate code of rugby as a winger for Barbarians on Saturday, November 26. The one-off Test appearance in the Killik Cup match is scheduled to take place in Twickenham, where
Barbarians will take on Australia.
The match will be a crucial showdown for the player because this way he will not only gain experience in Rugby Union but will also get to meet Australia yet again. Tomkins is fresh from his Gillette Four Nations' 30-8 defeat, where the Wigan’s ace badly
failed to deliver his usual best form. However, by participating in this cross-code match, Tomkins is expecting to undo his sloppy performance during the Four Nations Final at Elland Roads in Leeds, by testing his skill-set in union games.
However, the Australian side is equally strong in either code of rugby, as records reveal that Australia have knocked out Barbarians in their seven previous matches, which is not much different from the Roos sixth successive wins at Elland Roads against
England.
According to roumours, Sam has signed a pledge, which will make sure that he will continue playing for Rugby League for at least next three years. Rugby Football League (RFL) is taking measures to control the out flux of the players to alternate code of
rugby.
Rugby League is upset with the exodus of players from League platform, which has gained dangerous heights. Recently, Sam’s older brother, Joel Tomkins, is also one of the Rugby League stars, who has switched his allegiance in a bid to play for Saracens in
the opposite code. This move of Joel has also created doubts in the minds of league officials
Meanwhile, Barbarians’ commercial director Mike Burton is very happy with his Sam’s uptake. He expressed his delight and said, "We are delighted that Sam, with the support of the coaches and management at Wigan, has accepted this opportunity to play in such
a high-profile union match. In recent years the likes of Mat Rogers, Lote Tuqiri, Wendell Sailor and, a few months ago, Willie Mason, have all made a mark when playing for us on the big stage. We are confident that Sam will be equal to the challenge this week."
Ian Lenagan, the chairman of Wigan Warriors, also gladly accepted Barbarians' invitation. While talking about Sam, Lenagan acknowledged the player’s exceptional skill in either code of rugby and said, “His selection shows the growing mutual respect between
the codes of rugby league and rugby union in England.”
He further added that the opportunity is too good to miss. By participating at Twickenham, the player will take his talent to a whole new level.
Sam considered taking part in the game, only because he had no further rugby league commitments until the start of next year’s pre season training sessions in December.
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