Sam Clarke holds a unique place in rugby history as the first player from the Chatham Islands, a remote archipelago of around 600 people located 800km east of the South Island New Zealand, to wear an All Blacks jersey in over a century, following in the footsteps of midfield back Robert Mathieson, who last represented New Zealand in 1922. Clarke, came through the Wellington system before moving to Taranaki in the NPC. His path to the jersey came via the Ignite Sevens, where he impressed selectors enough to earn his international debut in the 2025–26 SVNS season.

A versatile forward with strong mobility, Clark's progression in the international environment has reflected his athleticism, work ethic and ability to adapt to the speed and physical demands of sevens rugby.