 Sampson helped England's Sevens side to victory in Dubai recently |
Jonny Wilkinson was not the only player who spent most of 2004 wondering if and when he would experience competitive rugby again. A year ago the career of Paul Sampson - like Wilkinson, an England debutant in 1998 - had unravelled so far that he eschewed the usual restraint of the professional athlete over the festive season.
"I had far too much to drink on New Year's Eve because I didn't have much else to do," he recounted to BBC Sport.
"My mates were gutted when I told them I wouldn't be joining them this year because I have a game, but I am far happier."
Happily for those who recall Sampson's early promise (he was called up for England training as an 18-year-old playing for third division Otley), he has resurfaced at Worcester.
The offer last month of a contract until the end of the season ended nearly two years of torture following a serious knee injury sustained playing for England's Sevens side in Dubai.
 |  When no-one wanted me it really hit me that maybe it was time to quit |
After being told he might not play again, Sampson battled back to fitness in nine months. But the 26-year-old was then forced to endure the pain of rejection and frustration at training alone.
Despite some second-team games with his club Wasps, he no longer featured in coach Warren Gatland's first-team plans.
He went out on loan to Bath in November 2003 and rejoined the west country club in March until the end of last season.
But when a new deal failed to materialise at the Recreation Ground, Sampson was left "high and dry" just before the new campaign started.
"I thought I had done everything I could so to hear I didn't have a contract was quite a low point," he recalled.
 Three years ago Sampson looked set for an England career |
"When you are fit and healthy and can't get a club there is nothing more frustrating than training on your own and not having a real purpose to your day. "Being injured is boring but at least you have targets to hit every few weeks - getting off crutches, walking again, walking quicker, running, getting on the bike.
"I never felt I wouldn't play again but when no-one wanted me it really hit me that maybe it was time to quit and do something else."
Unwanted in union, Sampson turned to rugby league, training with the London Broncos and playing several matches at the end of the Super League season.
He also had an unhappy spell on trial with Wigan, but left with little opportunity to shine.
"It was tough living out of a hotel, and the lads up there didn't make it easy. They were a bit territorial amongst themselves," he said.
Sampson returned south where he continued to play a "waiting game" as salary cap restrictions limited the options of interested clubs.
"The depressing thing was keeping myself fit but not knowing how long it was for, and whether there was any end to it," he said.
| Mike Friday said he had faith in me. It was the first time I had heard that in a long time |
It was only when Ben Gollings opted to leave Worcester last month to emigrate to Australia that a gap appeared in the club's pay structure for Sampson.
He is now contemplating a New Year's Day clash with London Irish after a first start against Leicester on Monday following four replacement outings.
But if it wasn't for England Sevens coach Mike Friday inviting him to join the squad in training, Sampson might now be contemplating life outside rugby.
"I never thought about another career seriously but I was probably still in mourning that I had even considered finishing the game," he reflects.
"But being involved with the Sevens squad just kept me going a bit longer, to see what might happen.
"Mike Friday said he had faith in me and that was the first time I had heard that in a long time.
"Playing in Dubai was a massive boost. It was strange being back where the injury happened and it played on my mind, but afterwards there was a degree of closure.
"It was a great first step and proved I was back to where I was." Three years ago, that was a prospective international regular, having been capped three times by England.
Now though, as he divides his time between a flat in Cheltenham and the house he shares in London with Sky television presenter Kirsty Gallacher, Sampson is reluctant to look too far ahead.
"England is only in the back of my mind now," he added. I just want to play well for Worcester and then, who knows, maybe some 'A' team recognition might follow.
"But I am not going to be greedy after the year I have had."
MMIX
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