Educated at Pocklington School before moving to Oakham School, Sam was a promising rugby player, having played for our U13 team which won the East Yorkshire Cup in 1995/96. At Oakham he was captain of the 2nd XV.

Whilst at Bradford University, Sam played two seasons in PRUFC 1st & 2nd XV’s 2001-3
One highlight playing against Hull RUFC was when he played against Leslie Vainikolo’s two cousins in the opposition back row. The previous week they had played for Samoa against Wales at the Millennium Stadium

Sam, an avid Leicester Tigers fan, lived in Leicestershire and played for Oadby Wyggestonians for several seasons under captain Neil McBride and Director of Rugby Andy Beevers.
He qualified as a chartered surveyor with Fuller Peiser in Birmingham and set up his own firm Phillips Sutton Associates (property agents), over 10 years ago.

A huge fan of rugby, Sam had many sporting interests as a player and supporter, having been on the New Zealand 2017 Lions Tour, the 2015 Masters, 2017 Ryder Cup and the Open Championship in 2019. His great passion was horse racing and he had many successful race horses in France and the UK.

His family will be holding a private family funeral and a celebration of Sam’s life will be held next year.

Hope Against Cancer is the nominated charity and if anyone wants to make a donation in memory of Sam please go to: Hope Against Cancer