Sam Darry

BIOGRAPHY

A promising lock from Canterbury who enjoyed sporting success in Christchurch for Christ’s College where he captained the 1st XV and was a member of the school rowing eight that won the Maadi Cup.

He was also selected as the Canterbury Under-19 player of the year and selected for the New Zealand Schools as well as a New Zealand Under-20 trialist with Covid-19 ruling out the 2020 World Rugby Under 20 Championships.

Boasting a 2.03m frame, Sam progressed to the Canterbury team for the 2020 NPC campaign, making his debut in the Ranfurly Shield defence against North Otago. He went on to play six times for Canterbury.

In a desire to develop his game and be more self-sufficient, Sam made the bold move to sign a three-year contract with the Blues from 2021 although will continue to play provincial rugby for Canterbury.

His mother Katrina is the nutritionist for the All Blacks and a number of the family have been international rowers.

Sam made his debut for the club in Round Three of Super Rugby Aotearoa in a dominant performance against the Highlanders.

With Patrick Tuipulotu on sabbatical in 2022, Darry featured more in the Blues pack putting his clear physical attributes to good use. This hard work was rewarded with further game time throughout the middle part of the 2023 Super Rugby season where Darry’s voice and presence on and off the field grew.  After turning out for Canterbury in the 2023 Bunnings NPC, Darry made big strides for the Blues in their championship-winning 2024 season.

Darry impressed All Blacks selectors and made his international debut against Fiji in San Diego.