mens
bunnings-npc
Sam Nemec-Vial, 22, may have the most unique name New Zealand first class rugby.
In the second edition of Clive Akers’ giant New Zealand Rugby Register 2025, which totals 975 pages and over 40,000 biographies of every New Zealand first-class player, Otago defender Sam is the only German-Vial.
“My mom, Marcela, is Czech. She had my grandfather’s last name, Nemec, and she changed her name to the female version of it, Nemcova,” Nemec-Vial explained to RugbyPass.
“When I was born I took my grandfather’s last name, while Vial is my father Wayne’s last name. The funny thing is the only thing I really talk about with my dad is rugby. He always helps me set goals and gives me advice on how to improve. My mom hated it at first, but now she’s the first voice I hear shouting from the sidelines.”
Ironically, German literally translates to German; figuratively, it means mute. Early Slavic peoples used this term to describe Germanic neighbors whose language they could not understand. For the Slavs, someone who spoke an incomprehensible foreign language sounded “dumb” or unable to speak. The name carries a long history of national pride.
Vial, meanwhile, is of Latin and French origin and means “pertaining to life” or “vital.”
Proud, lively, vital – these attributes apply to the form of Nemec-Viale in his 2026 NPC campaign.
He ranks in the top ten in the competition for most tries scored (8), run meters gained (626), defenders beaten (40) and clear breaks (15).
Otago won seven of ten games in the round. Back in the play-offs, they host Hawke’s Bay, who have lost four in a row after beating Otago 35-24. Can Otago emulate their 2025 team and return to the finals or even go one better and win the NPC for the first time since 1998?
“The feel of the atmosphere is pretty similar to last year, although a couple of new boys are showing their products. The coaching staff is pretty much the same. You could throw a blanket over the top six. It’s the same. North Harbour from last to almost first. You can’t take anything for granted, but the guys are in a hurry for the playoffs – said Nemec-Vial.
“I think continuity is important. It builds strong bonds. North Harbor has almost the same team as last year, except they’re a year wiser.”
Nemec-Vial is a year wiser after taking an unorthodox route to professional rugby. A product of King’s High School where director of rugby and former Otago representative Glenn Dickson nicknamed him “Mini Bender” (a reference to former All black people full-back Ben Smith, 84 Tests, 74 wins, 40 tries), Nemec-Vial followed his father to the currently struggling Zingari Richmond. After a disastrous season in which they were “killed” in every game, Nemec-Viala was persuaded by his boss, Blair Bezett, at Steel and Tube to move to Green Island.
Something was brewing for “The Grizzlies” in 2024. A generational team that also included Otago representatives Finn Hurley, Sam Gilbert, Oliver Haig and James Arscott claimed their first senior championship since 1978. The Nemec-Vial freestyle was suddenly on the radar. In 2025, Otago offered him a contract to develop the NPC.
“I kept my leg because I like it, especially the teammates around me,” Nemec-Vial said.
“For Otago, I started on the wing in a pre-season game against Southland. It shouldn’t have happened but injuries meant I stepped up. Then I made my NPC debut against Southland. I haven’t missed much since.”
“Coaches are great. They let you express yourself. NPC is full of legs. I like that.”
Nemec-Vial played 10 games in 2025. He secured a place in Otago rugby folklore when he scored his first try for the province in their successful 38-36 Ranfurly Shield challenge against Canterbury in Christchurch. Down 36-21, Otago rallied to win the Shield challenge in the Garden City for the first time since 1948.
Otago lost the 2025 NPC final 36-28 to Canterbury, their last game at their makeshift fortress, Apollo Projects Stadium, where they won 69 of 84 games. To make matters worse, Otago then surrendered the Ranfurly Shield to Canterbury 19-15 on 8 August. Since then, there haven’t been many bleps. Nemec-Vial scored tries in wins against Manawatu (29-27), Wellington (61-22), Waikato (43-38), Counties Manukau (50-21) and Auckland (45-42). Still, the Otago Daily Times complained: “Could do with a few more meat pies to fill those skinny legs.”
“I’m not known for size, am I?” Nemec-Vial laughed.
“I’d love to play Super Rugby. Hopefully some options will come up. Right now I’m focused on NPC, one game at a time”