Cornwall RLFC confirm third signing ahead of 2022 season
Cornwall RLFC have confirmed their third signing ahead of their inaugural season in hooker Sam Gilder.
The 22-year-old was born in the Duchy and raised in the Cornish fishing village of Mevagissey.
Following the same path as his Cornwall RLFC team-mate Henry Symons, the front row forward played regularly for his University side in British Universities and Colleges Sport.
Sam Gilder excited to be joining Cornwall RLFC
“It’s amazing and I can’t really believe it,” he said.
“Everyone knows that as a Cornishman, you want to represent your county. Rugby is such a proud part of our heritage. I have been playing rugby union since I was a kid. I was lucky enough to put on the black and gold jersey when I was playing Under-18s. But to do it as a professional, in a game that I have grown to love over the past four or five years is absolutely amazing.
“I have fallen in love with rugby league. I think it is class and the best game in the world.”
Another local talent added to squad for 2022 campaign
General manager Gareth Reid said: “In continuing to fulfil our commitment of signing local Cornish players to the club, I am very pleased to secure Sam Gilder as our latest addition.
“Signing Sam to play for Cornwall was an easy decision for us to make. He fits the bill nicely for what we want in local Cornish talent. Sam comes with a solid and developing rugby league pedigree. He has previously represented both South West and South England Universities after strong showings for the University of Gloucestershire.
“We have the utmost faith that under Ned Kelly’s guidance, Sam will develop into a well-rounded player that represents Cornwall for years to come.”
Head coach Neil Kelly impressed by new signing
On his latest addition, joining Anthony Mullally and Henry Symons, head coach Kelly added: “Sam is a player that has impressed playing University rugby league after only taking up the game when his further education began.
“To have someone local in Cornwall with a rugby league background, who has potential within the professional game, was something that I was keen to make the most of.
“His signing also reaffirms the club’s ethos of giving Cornish players an opportunity to develop in a game which prior to Cornwall RLFC’s inception, would have passed them by.”
The club are hosting an open player trial taking place this coming Sunday, January 9.
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