The Vikings are delighted to announce our first extension of the new season, as second-row Sam Wilde, sponsored by Skin Deep Aesthetics, re-signs on a one-year deal for 2024.
Having been at the club for the past two seasons consecutively, Wilde has established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet, playing 54 matches and scoring 20 tries.
He’s been remarkably consistent too, featuring in 27 matches and crossing for 10 tries in each of the 2022 and 2023 seasons, and is hoping to build on this strong form going into 2024.
“2023 was challenging, we obviously wanted to finish in the play-offs, and after a lull in the middle of the season we gave ourselves a real chance, but fell away in the final 2 games which was really disappointing.”
“However, that’s only given us more motivation for 2024, and with new coaching staff coming in our goals are to reach the play-offs at an absolute minimum.”
“I’m really looking forward to getting going under Allan Coleman, and hoping we can all buy in to his philosophy and style of playing the game.”
Our new head coach also commented on Wilde’s re-signing, saying; “I had the chance to watch Sam a few times this season, and I think as a player, he is very underrated.”
“On our edges, he is going to be a real handful for opposition defenders, and I think he’s someone who will thrive under new leadership at the club this year. He’s exactly the kind of player we need at the Vikings.”
Turning 28 towards the back end of the season just gone, Sam is also hoping to play a leadership role in 2024, saying “I’ve played a fair bit for the club now, and I’m coming to an age now where I feel I can take on more responsibility.”
“With myself and other senior players like Jack Owens and Tom Gilmore, I think we’ve got the right balance of youth and experience to really make an impact next season.”
With Sam on board in 2024, there’s plenty more to come, so keep your eyes peeled for further announcements, arrivals and re-signings over the coming days.
#COYV!
