Samuel Thomas Grierson Carter

When Sam Carter made his Test debut against France in 2014 he joined his father David (Wallaby #666) as the first father / son combination to represent Australia at Test level in more than 20 years.

Sam earned man-of-the-match honours in that Test, one that was made more impressive by the fact that he tore ankle ligaments inside the opening ten minutes of the game.

A lock who was well known for his impressive work rate, Carter also showed as a dominant force in the lineout and a strong scrummager.

Born in Quirindi on the north west slopes of New South Wales, Carter was educated at The Scots College in Sydney from where he played his club rugby with the University of Sydney until the end of 2010.

He then signed with the ACT Brumbies and made his Super Rugby debut against the Melbourne Rebels in 2011. Due to the presence of Nathan Sharpe, James Horwill and Rob Simmons, Carter endured a three year wait before he earned a Test debut against France in Brisbane.

Sam Carter played 16 Tests for Australia in a four-year international career. 

Highlights

2014

Carter won his first Test cap as a starting lock in the 50-23, 1st Test victory over France in Brisbane. Torn ankle ligaments on debut saw Carter miss the final two matches of the French series before he returned to play in ten of the final eleven internationals of the year.

2015

Carter's season was curtailed by a serious knee injury however he was a late call up to the Wallabies’ Rugby World Cup squad following a pectoral injury to Will Skelton. He played in the warm-up fixture against the United States in Chicago however he was not included in the match day 23 for any of the tournament’s matches. 

2016

He earned a solitary Test cap when called into the starting XV for the 7-23, 2nd Test loss to England in Melbourne. 

2017

Carter was selected for each of the domestic June Tests against Fiji, Scotland and Italy only to be overlooked for both the Rugby Championship and the end-of-season Spring Tour squad.