Ross Samson says his UAE debut is the perfect way to top off a successful and enjoyable season at club level with Jebel Ali Dragons.
The Scotsman has been selected in Apollo Perelini’s squad as the traditional end of season international calendar takes a twist with the UAE opting not to travel to the Philippines to take part in Division I of the Asia Rugby Championship.
Samson, 30, has played international rugby for his homeland in the sevens format and played professionally for Edinburgh and London Irish in his youth, and now qualifies for the UAE via the three-year residency rule.
He is in the squad to play an uncapped international against Gibraltar on Friday. And even though it is an unofficial Test for a talented squad assembled by Perelini, Samson is still buoyed to be on the cusp of a debut for his adopted nation.
“From a personal point of view, I’m delighted to be in the squad. Although I don’t think it’s counted as an official cap, it’s still a huge honour to be selected and it’s a nice way to finish off what’s been a really enjoyable season,” said the Dragons’ scrum-half.
It’s been an cracking season for Samson at Dragons, with the club winning the West Asia Premiership after a feverous pursuit between them and rivals Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Dubai Exiles and Bahrain.
It was a first trophy for Dragons in four years and Samson is now looking forward to working with players he is trained to dislike for the most part.
“It’s a great opportunity to play alongside all the guys that we are trying to smash week in, week out,” he added.
“Saturday was a good session, it was more about getting to know each other and the detail and structure the coaching team want to play.
“There’s a lot of quality in the squad and it’s exciting to get the chance to put in a good performance against Gibraltar, throw the ball around and play some nice rugby.”
