Sam Stanley (born 8 November 1991)[1] is a British rugby union player. He played rugby sevens for England during the 2013/14 and 2014/15 World Rugby Sevens Series. At club level, he previously played for Saracens F.C. (2010–2014) and the Bedford Blues (2011–2014).[1][2][3] In 2015, he signed with the Ealing Trailfinders.[4] He can play at centre or fly-half.[3]
Personal life
editStanley comes from a rugby playing family. His brother is Michael Stanley, who plays for Samoa, and his uncle is Joe Stanley, who played rugby for New Zealand.[2]
In August 2015, Stanley became the first English rugby union player to come out as gay.[5][6] In 2017, he announced his engagement to his long term boyfriend, (Laurence Hicks): they had met seven years previously on a dating website.[7]
References
edit- ^ a b "Player statistics: Stanley Sam". It's Rugby. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
- ^ a b "Sam Stanley is first English rugby player to come out as gay". Sky Sports. 22 August 2017. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
- ^ a b "Sam Stanley". Esher Rugby. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
- ^ "Stanley swaps sevens for 15's at Vallis Way". Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club. 2015. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
- ^ Jones, Stephen (30 August 2015). "England Sevens star: I'm gay". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
- ^ "Sam Stanley becomes first English rugby union professional to come out as gay". The Observer. 29 August 2015. Retrieved 3 December 2017.
- ^ Haigh, Joshua (1 May 2017). "Exclusive: Rugby star Sam Stanley hits back at criticism surrounding his engagement". Attitude Magazine. Retrieved 3 December 2017.