by Rachel Spencer
WHEN lifelong Wolves fan Stephen Rutter was given the chance to sponsor up and coming Wigan star Sam Tomkins he swallowed his pride and got right behind him.
The builder, who lives in Thelwall, had been a diehard Warrington fan all his life, as had the rest of his family including his uncle Bob who’s been their kit man for the last 10 years.
Then the chance to sponsor Sam came when Stephen’s late pal Danny Tomkins, who was Sam’s uncle, spoke proudly about his nephew over a pint the Ram’s Head pub in Grappenhall.
As they chatted with pals about overpaid footballers, Danny mentioned Sam and how he was looking for a business to back him and that’s when Stephen stepped in and decided to help.
Stephen, 37, explained: “I was torn, I have to admit. I’d been thinking of sponsoring a rugby player for a while and Sam’s name came up in conversation.
“It was back in 2008 when he first started playing for the first team and I guess it just felt right.
“Although he didn’t play for Warrington, Danny was a friend of mine so there was a family link and he seemed like a good lad so I agreed to sponsor him.”
Stephen, who runs building and plumbing firm Samica, named after his son Sam, five, and daughter Jessica, six, thought scrum half Sam, 21, looked a bit weedy to be a rugby player when he first saw him.
But now he’s a rising star in the England squad, equalling the scoring record of four tries in one match against France last weekend and Stephen is eating his words.
He said: “Sam is amazing. When I first saw him I remember thinking he was a bit lanky, but he’s done so well.
“He’s a really nice down to earth lad and appreciated me sponsoring him and has thanked me for the support.
“I’ve seen him at a few games and he’s met the kids. My son Sam really looks up to him and it’s nice for him to have a famous role model who we know as a friend too.”
Stephen does find himself torn when Wigan Warriors play Warrington Wolves because while he wants Sam to shine, he wants his own team to win.
During the last game between the rival clubs in February, Sam set up the match winning try for his brother Joel that saw Wigan beat Warrington for the first time at home in seven years.
Stephen said: “I knew before the game that it would be close and Sam would play a big part in it. Sadly, they beat us.
“To be honest I was devastated. My mates have a bit of a go at me for sponsoring Sam but it’s nothing to do with my allegiance to the team, I just wanted to help him out.
“I’d never sway from the Wire though.”
Sadly, Sam’s uncle Danny died of a heart attack last summer, aged 39. Stephen says he hopes to continue to support Sam as a tribute to his pal.
He said: “It was a shock to everyone when Danny passed away. I feel like he left a legacy when he put us in touch with Sam and this is something I’d like to carry on.”
Tomorrow (Friday) Stephen will have his heart in his mouth as he watches Sam and his brother Joel’s team take on Warrington again.
He said: “I want Sam and Joel to do well, but I hope Warrington manage a win this time. At least it’ll stop me getting grief in the pub.”
Sam said: “Ste’s been really good to sponsor me for the last few years and I appreciate his support.”
Picture: Divided loyalties – Stephen Rutter with Sam Tomkins, his sponsored Wigan player.
