By Sam Stuart
May 25 2012

This season we have decided to use some of the Quinssa Academy fundraising money towards sending Sam Stuart down to play in New Zealand. 

As well as being a fantastic experience for Sam the opportunity to play a club season in a demanding environment is just what Sam needs. Having missed so much of the last two seasons it gives him a great opportunity to get back up to form so that he hits the ground running for Quins next season. Sam is based at Nick Evans old club in North Harbour, East Coast Bays. Sam's most recent update is below:

'Now right into the rugby side of things here in New Zealand. Unfortunately 5 games in and Bays have no wins! I started off in the 2nd's and coming off the bench for the 1st's and have now started the last three games at 9 for the 1st Team. We have a few players out through injury who are returning soon so hopefully this will help us get back into form for the start of the competition proper on the 19th May. Definitely enjoying being back out on the field and playing! One of the losses was, however, against Western who were coached by Harlequins legend Tani Fuga, and it was great to catch up with him and his Nando's restaurants!

I am also working hard off the field. 4 days a week labouring is certainly making me thankful for the life of a professional rugby player! Cutting 500 wooden stakes with a circular saw is an experience…Also managing a little golf to keep the handicap down.

Good luck to all the boys in the final.'

Cheers

Sam