Sam Nemec-Vial

Sam Nemec-Vial
Full nameSamuel Nemec-Vial
Born (2004-03-18) 18 March 2004 (age 22)
Invercargill, New Zealand
Height186 cm (6 ft 1 in)
Weight94 kg (207 lb; 14 st 11 lb)
SchoolKing's High School, Dunedin
Rugby union career
Position Wing / Fullback
Current team Highlanders / Otago
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2025– Otago 23 (55)
2027– Highlanders 0 (0)
Correct as of 8 November 2026

Sam Nemec-Vial (born 18 March 2004) is a New Zealand rugby union player, who plays for the Highlanders. His preferred position is wing or fullback.

Early career

Nemec-Vial was born in Invercargill and attended King's High School, Dunedin. Following school, he originally played club rugby for Zingari Richmond before transferring to Green Island. His performances at club level earned him selection for the Highlanders U20 side in 2024, before earning selection for the New Zealand U21 Barbarians side in 2025.

Professional career

Nemec-Vial has represented Otago in the National Provincial Championship since 2025, being named in their squad for the 2026 Hilux NPC competition. In October 2026, he was named in the Highlanders wider training group for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.

References

  1. ↑ "Sam Nemec-Vial". Ultimate Rugby. Retrieved 8 November 2026.
  2. ↑ "Playoffs arrive for Otago and the most unique name in the NPC". Rugby Pass. 9 October 2026. Retrieved 8 November 2026.
  3. ↑ "Sam Nemec-Vial following the footsteps of his idol Ben Smith". Otago Daily Times. 7 August 2026. Retrieved 8 November 2026.
  4. ↑ "Former Kingsmen play in Highlanders U20 team". Kings High School. 26 March 2024. Retrieved 8 November 2026.
  5. ↑ "Everything you need to know: 2025 Super Rugby under 20 tournament". Chiefs. 13 March 2025. Retrieved 8 November 2026.
  6. ↑ "Otago NPC 2026 squad announced". Otago Rugby. 3 July 2026. Retrieved 8 November 2026.
  7. ↑ "Highlanders name Otago NPC standout in Wider Training Group". Highlanders (Press release). 29 October 2026. Retrieved 8 November 2026.