\n<\/p>\n
Wainwright’s family were in the stands when he won his first cap in Wales’ historic 13-12 win against South Africa in Bloemfontein – the only time the men’s national team has won a game against the Springboks on their soil.<\/p>\n
The prop from Prestatyn, then with Saracens after earning a move from Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (RGC), helped win a scrum penalty that set up field position for Josh Adams’ late try that was converted by Gareth Anscombe.<\/p>\n
Wainwright was able to celebrate with his father, who was instrumental on his rise to Test level.<\/p>\n
“He was a huge influence,” said the prop. “We were best friends and he did everything with me.<\/p>\n
“He was one of the biggest support networks for me and when I got the call-up I thought about him a lot, it was quite emotional.<\/p>\n
“We’d speak about everything and he’d watch every game. When I was at the Scarlets he would tell me what to pick up on after every game.<\/p>\n
“He was unbelievable for me and that’s why getting this call up was a bit emotional for me. He would have been proud of me – 1,000%.”<\/p>\n
A former rugby league player and a construction worker, Shaun ensured that Sam was able to give RGC his full attention.<\/p>\n
“I told him I wanted to follow his route and have the rugby alongside it, but he would never let me do it,” said Wainwright, whose exploits earned a chance with Saracens in 2019.<\/p>\n
“He said ‘I do this, not you – you just focus on the rugby’. I was part-time at RGC and got a wage, but my dad just told me to eat and sleep rugby.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n