Sam Costelow is likely to start his eighth game for Wales this weekend in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Argentina. Photo: Getty Images/Paul Harding
Courage, resilience, bottle, humility; A recurring theme in conversations about Sam Costelow betrays his Leicester Tigers career. In the East Midlands these qualities are valued above most others. Ian Smith, the Leicester legend who coached Costelow at Oakham School, sums it up. “I choose three things: attitude, attitude and attitude. Sam was one of the best I've ever met in this regard.»
The gifted midfielder is preparing for his eighth cap for Wales in the World Cup quarter-final against Argentina this weekend. He joined the Tigers five years ago after Ged Glynn, the club's then chief scout, watched him at Bridgewater & Albion RFC in 2017. Costelow started for Wales Under-16s against England, which included a certain George Martin. Simon King, his teacher at Pencoed Community College, kept in touch with Glynn and Simon Cohen, Leicester's chief executive. Costelow followed the path of Tommy Reffell, another of King's pupils at Pencoed, to become a Tiger. He quickly made an impression.
As part of the same team as Martin, Freddie Steward and Jack van Poortvliet, Costelow led the Tigers U18s to back-to-back Premier League academy titles. Then in 2019, aged just 18, he represented the first team in a European Challenge Cup match at Cardiff Arms Park. As opposition winger Aled Summerhill moved towards the try line, Costelow rushed into the danger area and forced the carrier into contact. The Tigers won 14-11.
“I remember him playing for Oakham at Roslyn Park Sevens,” adds Smith, who moved across Rutland to become director of rugby at Uppingham School. “No one saw what happened, but suddenly Sam's ear dropped. He went to the hospital and luckily there was a plastic surgeon on duty. Lewis Moody [another Oakham old man] was next to me on the touchline and said, «If it were me, you'd tell me to tape this.»
Costelow was sometimes used at center in school matches, and his manner, modest but energetic and passionate, reminded seasoned observers of George Ford at the same age. He progressed through the Wales age groups, taking several A-Levels while in Argentina for the 2019 Under-20 World Cup.
“I mentioned once that there might be a chance upside in the England team. Smith says, grinning. “He didn't say anything, but the way he looked suggested it might not be on his radar!”
Although there was never any danger of Costelow whiteshirting, Tigers claimed compensation when Scarlets swooped in to return it across the Severn Bridge in 2020.
Great example of what can be achieved by joining PencoedRFC Mini & Juniors. Sam Costelow's rugby journey began with @pencoedrfc U7's-16s before moving to Leicester. Sam won Wales Under-20 cap and signed a professional contract with the Scarlets. Yes Sam and good luck 🔴⚪🔵 pic.twitter.com/4sjlgSvcez
— Lucy Davis (@lucy_c_davies) April 25, 2021
“I actually made a claim to World Rugby,” says Ian McGinity, Leicester’s former head of human resources. «You are entitled to about 10K per year on a player's contract for effective efforts to develop and train him… I have no idea if the Tigers ever received that 20K or 30K.»
< p >With competition for places, Costelow gradually established himself at the Scarlets. Lee Blackett, Dwayne Peel's assistant last season, has seen the playmaker blossom.
Costelow's focus and dedication were praised. Photo: Getty Images/Damien Meyer
“He's really strong mentally,” Blackett says. “I'll give you an example. Dwayne knows him very well, and in one of the first games after I got there, Bones missed a 40-yard kick forward. He was not an absolute banker, but Pili addressed him in front of the whole team: “Bones, your job is to get this shot, score three points and give us the lead.”
“I remember coming out of that meeting and saying, 'Pili, I wouldn't talk to him like that.' But I didn't know Bones. Pili did just that. And I believe Bones missed a shot or two the rest of the season. He is persistent, determined and purposeful; sponge too. When I announced that I was leaving, he came over and asked me everything I thought about the game and how he could improve in the next couple of years.»
Since making his Test debut from the bench against New Zealand a year ago, Costelow has shown brilliant class at the highest level. He was confident and energetic against England in the first warm-up match in August, setting up Gareth Davies' try with a pass to Aaron Wainwright. A few days later, the Welsh Rugby Union released a behind-the-scenes video. It shows Costelow speaking at a meeting and pleading with his teammates not to allow Steward, his old Tigers colleague, to populate England by collecting frivolous opponents.
Brought into the starting line-up last weekend against Georgia due to Gareth Anscombe's withdrawal, Costelow crossed Liam Williams with a beautiful pass to score 13 points. Everyone agrees that it is made of the right stuff. The only problem that is puzzling is finding a player to compare him to.
Sharp footwork by Liam Williams and the second goal! #RWC2023 | #WALvGEO pic.twitter.com/nLTR0LsBDd
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) October 7, 2023
“I wish I could give you a name, but it’s different,” Blackett muses. “He's brave. There aren't many dozens willing to put their bodies on the line on defense. He carries, he's a threat on the line. His management of the game is getting better and better.”
At 22, Costelow could be an important figure for Wales beyond the tournament in France. Those who have worked with him up to this point are understandably excited.
“His name is not Barry John, Phil Bennett or Dan Biggar,” Smith adds. «This is Sam Costelow and I can't wait to see what he achieves.»
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