Sam Skinner (rugby union)


Sam Skinner is a Scotland international rugby union player for the English Premiership Rugby side Exeter Chiefs. He can play as either a second row or back row forward.

Rugby Union career

Amateur career

While studying at the University of Exeter Skinner captained the University side to the 2016 BUCS Championship. He would go on to graduate with a first in business and economics.
Skinner started his career with Taunton Titans. While with Taunton he was picked up by the Scottish Exiles programme.

Professional career

He joined the Exeter Chiefs during the 2014/15 season. On 14 November 2014, Skinner made his first-team debut in the LV Cup against Gloucester Rugby before making his Premiership debut against Northampton Saints.
He scored his first top try for the Chiefs in a 36-14 home win over Newcastle Falcons in February 2017 before starting his first game against Wasps RFC in September 2017. His debut was called the ‘performance of the weekend’ in The Daily Telegraph.
In May 2018, Skinner was a second-half replacement for Mitch Lees as Exeter lost to Saracens in the Premiership Grand Final at Twickenham Stadium. Described as one of Exeter's ‘standout players this season’.

International career

In June 2015, Skinner scored a try for the England Under-20 team against Wales in the pool stage of the 2015 World Rugby Under 20 Championship. Skinner came off the bench for the last five minutes in the final as England finished runners up to New Zealand.
Qualifying through this father, in October 2018 Skinner was called up to the senior Scotland squad for the Autumn Internationals.
On 10 November 2018 he was given his Scotland international debut, starting at lock against Fiji at Murrayfield Stadium. Skinner received the Man of the Match award; making 7 tackles and 44 metres in the game.