Sam Gilbert

Sam Gilbert (born 21 January 1999) is a New Zealand rugby union player who plays primarily as a fullback and centre. Since 2025, Gilbert has played for Irish club Connacht in the United Rugby Championship (URC).

Career Highlanders In 2020 Gilbert made his Super Rugby debut for the Highlanders in the first round of the inaugural season of Super Rugby Aotearoa against the Chiefs. Gilbert started on the right-wing. The Highlanders won 28–27.

In 2021, Gilbert earned more match-time with the Highlanders and became a mainstay for Otago during their 2021 campaign, which saw them reach the NPC Championship Grand Final. In 2022 Gilbert became a first-team outside back for the Highlanders, playing twelve of their fifteen season games. In Round 14 of the season, Gilbert, playing at first five-eighth for the Highlanders against the Waratahs, performed a "tip tackle" on opposing player Michael Hooper, who subsequently landed on his neck. Gilbert was given a red card and later received a five game suspension. The Highlanders went on to play another two matches in the season without Gilbert (Round 15, Quarter-finals). beginning in Round 10 of the season. It was the 2023 season that Gilbert became the team's primary goal-kicker. Gilbert, overall, kicked 33 conversions and 12 penalty goals for the Highlanders. 2024 was Gilbert's most consistent season at the Highlanders since debuting in 2020. he started in 11 of their 15 fixtures, and played in 14 overall.

Connacht In May 2025, it was announced that Gilbert had signed for Irish club Connacht in the United Rugby Championship (URC). His term with the team began in the 2025–26 season following Gilbert's obligations with Otago. Gilbert was selected in New Zealand U20s squad for their match against Fiji U20 in the 2019 Oceania Rugby Under 20 Championship. Gilbert, starting on the left-wing, scored one try in a 53–7 victory. In the teams first of two fixtures, Gilbert came off the bench against a Japan XV team, replacing Jack Goodhue in the 67th minute. The All Blacks XV won 6–38. In the second fixture in Japan, Gilbert replaced fullback Ruben Love in the 59th minute. The All Blacks XV won against Japan 27–41.

Player profile Gilbert is credited with his versatility skills and rugby intelligence, making him a valuable asset on the field. Known primarily for his role as a fullback with kicking duties, Gilbert has also demonstrated strong capability at inside centre, wing, and increasingly, at "out-half". His rugby journey began with Canterbury, where he was primarily deployed as a first-five eighth, giving him a foundational understanding of game management and tactical kicking. Over the past two seasons (2024, 2025) with the Highlanders, Gilbert cemented his reputation as a dependable "everyman" across the backline, seamlessly filling in at various positions when needed.