At four years old, Sam Low didn’t enjoy the rugby practices his father brought him to. But once contact was added, he began to love the sport.

Low, a Syracuse sophomore from a village called Castle Carrock in England, played soccer his entire life. Low’s background in soccer helped him become a valuable member of the Syracuse club rugby team, which began its season with four wins.

Low started out playing flag rugby, which is a non-contact version played with flags, similar to flag football.

“My dad is a big rugby fan,” Low said. “He went to the school where rugby was invented by William Webb Ellis.”

By the time Low searched for colleges, he considered playing Division III soccer, but decided he didn’t want his time dictated by a sport. Low instead came to Syracuse, and after attending a few rugby practices, joined the team. He still plays soccer at the intramural level.

It was apparent to the Hammerheads that Low was an experienced player.

“Immediately I was like this guy is really good,” junior wing and fullback Jake Fegan said. “Way better than a lot of people here.”

Low plays the fly-half position — behind the forwards and the “quarterback” of the offense —  and performs the kicking duties for Syracuse.

Low’s kicking is used in four parts of the game: kickoff specialist, punts, field goals and kicks in play, head coach Robert Wilson said.

“Having played soccer all my life, I can kick the ball very well,” Low said. “So I can give us a territorial advantage and kick penalties which give us three points and the conversions after a try will give us two points.”

Low’s ability to effectively kick the ball helps Syracuse get out of tough situations. When the Hammerheads are backed up in their defensive end, a kick can get them out of trouble.

“We know if we give it to Sam he will get the ball up the field and relieve the pressure,” Fegan said. “Soccer definitely helps him out with his kicking.”

Low believes that rugby is gaining popularity in the United States. Rugby grew 82.4 percent in popularity in the U.S. from 2011 to 2016, according to rugbywarfare.com.

Low helps out players on his team who are playing the sport for the first time. Wilson said that Low uses his experience to lead his teammates by example.

When Low returns to the United Kingdom on vacation, he plays soccer, not rugby. He stays in shape and practices his kicking skills, which translate over to the rugby field.

Low has high hopes for the rest of SU’s season. The Hammerheads last took the league title in 2015, before Low arrived. Wins in their final two games would clinch the title for Syracuse again.

“Hopefully we can keep the momentum going,” Low said. “I think we have a good shot at winning our division this season.”

Published on October 23, 2018 at 6:17 pm