By Aaron Wilson
One of the most versatile and instrumental chess pieces on the Houston SaberCats’ deep roster is fullback Drew Wild.
Wild is tied for third on the defending Western Conference division champions in scoring with 25 points with teammate Nathan Den Hoedt.
Wild is tied for second on the squad behind Den Hoedt with four tries.
He ranks second in carries and meters made behind Samuel Tuifua, and he’s first on the squad with 26 defenders beaten
This season represents yet another step in Wild’s development.
The veteran fullback is in his third season with the SaberCats, playing for veteran coach Pote Human.
“I’m really enjoying my rugby,” Wild said this week. “I’m playing a bit better, and the credit goes to everyone around me. I’m having fun. We all want the best out of each other.”
At age 24, Wild keeps getting stronger and stronger. The Feilding, New Zealand native is hitting stride for the SaberCats, who are in third place in the Western Conference heading into a road match against the San Diego Legion this weekend.
“I’m another year older in the game,” Wild said. “I feel like I’m getting more experience and learning the game more and more each time I’m out there on the field. I’m having fun. Pote gives us the license and confidence to express ourselves. It’s a great situation.”
Nicknamed ‘Drewza,’ Wild has an extensive rugby background.
A first captain at his high school in New Zealand, Wild won regional titles and tournaments before joining the Feilding Yellows and Manwatu Turbos club teams.
He later played for the New Zealand Barbarians.
At each stage of the game, Wild has been attentive to how he can adapt and continue to gain knowledge.
“You should never feel like you’ve got rugby figured out,” Wild said. “It’s always about improvement. You should never be satisfied. You want to stay truly hungry.”
Wild has gotten better and better in the kicking game.
This season, he’s visibly stronger. Especially in his upper body, spending a lot of time diligently working on his strength and flexibility in the SaberCats’ weight room.
“Fitness is a huge thing for this squad,” Wild said. “We’re always challenging each other and keeping it fun in the gym. That’s where you can gain an edge is in your training.”
Playing rugby in the United States is a stark contrast to his homeland, but Wild is loving Houston and how the SaberCats’ faithful fans embrace their home team.
After every game, Wild can be seen interacting warmly with fans as he signs autograph after autograph.
“It’s good,” he said. “It’s quite different than back home in New Zealand. Back home, rugby is everything. It’s very heartening. Here in Texas, everything is bigger. Everything is a little more intense. I’m enjoying it all.”
