Wasps Scrum half, Sammy Wong has been invited to play for Barbarians FC this Saturday at Twickenham Stadium in a double header where the Women take on South Africa and the Men face Samoa.

The invitation to play Barbarians is regarded as one of the highest honours in Rugby and is a well sought after opportunity. The Women's Barbarians is now in its 5th year and with Fiona Stockley running the show, players unite from all over the world to showcase the game of rugby. Since 2017 the Women's side has featured many decorated internationals from England's Nolli Waterman to Ireland's Claire Molloy, New Zealand's Steph Fox to France's Gaelle Mignot.

Amid the many international's, each Barbarians side features an uncapped player and this year Sammy Wong joins Simi Pam and Sonia Green to form the ultimate uncapped trio!

"Sammy Wong is a true student of the game. Her tireless work ethic to improve her game over a number of years sees her selected to be in the Barbarians game against South Africa at Twickenham this Saturday. There is no more deserving player and Sammy will consistently fizz the ball away from the breakdown to allow her teammates the space they need to display the magic the Barbarians is famous for. Joining her is fellow Wasp Katie Mason whose pace and dazzling footwork out wide will cause the Springboks real problems. Both Sammy and Katie are also top tourists and both will definitely add to the mix on and off the field!"

Giselle Mather, Wasps Women DoR

Sammy Wong grew up playing Rugby in Balclutha- a small town in Otago, New Zealand. "Girls" rugby hadn't quite made it onto the scene so she started out playing School Boys Rugby for Clutha Rugby Club and then later, representative School Boys Rugby for Otago.

Sammy is one of two uncapped Barbarian's from Balclutha. Matt Faddes, now New Zealand International and Highlanders Rugby Star, featured in the 2016 team that faced South Africa as the only uncapped player. Sammy and Matt grew up down the road from each other, attended the same primary school and started chasing eggs together in the tiny town of Stirling. Now if that's not special, I don’t know what is!

"Sam was always into sport, Touch rugby, cricket, and of courses Rugby which she has played since she was a young primary school girl . She did well at most sports but rugby is what she loved most. She always loved her rugby families whether the Pirates here in NZ or the Wasps in London they have always been like family to Sam and she has made a lot of friends over the years from her rugby. She was always very proud and dedicated member of the rugby teams she played for and would give it her all. We have travelled a lot of miles over the years watching Sam play rugby and although we would love to we can’t be there with you for this, we will be watching with pride and will be there in spirt! It is a real honour to be asked to play for the Barbarians and you have a very proud Mum & Dad back home in NZ. Miss you heaps but we know you're doing what you love in London."

Ted and Pat Wong, Sammy's parents

Later, Sammy played Rugby for South Otago High School, along with arguably every other sport! But it wasn't until sister Baylee got a dead leg and roped her in to replace her that Sammy made it onto the Senior Club scene to play for Pirates Rugby Club, and some say the rest is history! Sammy currently sits on 97 caps for Pirates and vows she will claim the 100th. As well as Pirates, she also represented Otago in the provincial competition - Farah Palmer Cup, most recently in 2020 just before moving back to the UK to re-join Wasps.

"Sammy arrived at Pirates Rugby Club, Dunedin, New Zealand, as a teenager from South Otago. She was brought along by her older sister, Bailey, who was soon to retire and had decided that Sammy would be the new half back for the Pirates Wāhine (Women’s) team. Sammy, who was probably 14 years old at the time and already fully grown, fitted into the team easily. Sammy was keen, attentive and a committed team player right from the beginning. Sammy had a quick mind and smart mouth which are valued attributes of every great halfback. On the field Sammy fronted up to players three times her size and although she may have come off second best at times, her resilience and grit became apparent as she always got herself back up, onto her feet and off to the next break down. Over the years Sammy earmarked much of her time to developing her knowledge of the game and perfecting her skills, particularly her passing and her box kick. This diligence helped develop her into the player she is today, she put in the hard work and has reaped the rewards. Sammy’s confidence as a player was particularly apparent after playing abroad for the Wasps. After being overseas it was evident that she had also returned with some fine-tuned leadership skills and stepped into a senior player role, coach and mentor for younger and less experienced players. Sammy has grown from strength to strength over the years as a player and leader on and off the field. To be named in the Barbarian team to play against South Africa is an honour and testament to the dedication that Sammy has put in to her rugby playing career over many years."

Jess Tuhega, former team mate and friend at Pirates Rugby Club, Dunedin

Sammy joined Wasps in 2016 and since then she's cemented herself in the black and gold squad playing scrum half for Wasps, first in the premiership which then became Allianz Premier 15s. With 64 Wasps Caps to her name and just 5 points shy of 50 she's an integral part of the squad, a much respected team mate and most highly rated friend.

" I have played many games along side Sammy Wong and one thing for sure she is an incredibly strong tiny human. You can guarantee she will deliver for every minute she is on the pitch (and off it to). She absolutely suits the Baabaa's call up as she is a diverse and passionate player that can adapt to any type of game you want to play. I’m incredibly excited to watch Sammy be able to express herself in the black and white shirt and I’m unbelievably proud of her she never gives up and forever is trying to better herself. This call up proves determination pays off. Go well Sammy you deserve this"

Sarah Mitchelson, former Wasps Team Mate

On Saturday, Sammy will join former Wasps team mates Katie Mason, Isabel Rico Varez and Rocky Clarke as they all pull on the black and white hooped jersey, and don't forget the token club socks! We are honoured to have another Wasps Legend invited into the Barbarians and cannot wait to see what Sammy brings to the field!

Tickets available here: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/rfu/EDP/Event/Index/2785