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Playoffs arrive for Otago and the most unique name in the NPC
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Sam Nemec-Vial, 22, might have the most unique name in New Zealand first-class rugby.
In the second edition of Clive Akers’ behemoth New Zealand Rugby Register 2025, totalling 975 pages and over 40,000 biographies of every New Zealand first-class player, Otago fullback Sam is the only Nemec-Vial.
“My Mum Marcela is Czech. She had my grandad’s surname Nemec and changed her name to the female version of that, Nemcova,” Nemec-Vial explained to RugbyPass.
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“When I was born, I took grandad’s surname, while Vial is my dad Wayne’s surname. The funny thing is the only thing I really talk to Dad about is rugby. He’s always helping me set goals and giving me tips on how to improve. Mum hated it at first, but now she’s the first voice I hear shouting on the sideline.”
Ironically, Nemec literally translates to German; figuratively, it means mute. Early Slavic peoples used this term to describe Germanic neighbours whose language they could not understand. To the Slavs, someone speaking an unintelligible foreign tongue sounded “mute” or unable to speak. The name carries a long history of national pride.
Meanwhile, Vial is of Latin and French origin and means “pertaining to life” or “vital.”
Proud, lively, vital- those attributes apply to the form of Nemec-Vial in his 2026 NPC campaign.
He rates in the top ten of the competition for most tries scored (8), metres gained on the carry (626), defenders beaten (40) and clean breaks (15).
Otago won seven out of ten games in the round robin. Back in the playoffs, they are hosting Hawke’s Bay, who’ve lost four in a row after beating Otago 35-24. Can Otago emulate their 2025 team and return to the final or even go one better and win the NPC for the first time since 1998?
“The vibe feels pretty similar this year to last, though a couple of new boys are showing their wares. The coaching staff is pretty much the same. You could throw a blanket over the top six. North Harbour went from last to almost first. You can’t take anything for granted, but the boys are fizzing for the playoffs,” Nemec-Vial said.
“I think continuity is important. It establishes strong connections. North Harbour have pretty much 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 rugby director and former Otago representative Glenn Dickson called him “Mini Bender” (a reference to former All Blacks fullback Ben Smith, 84 Tests, 74 wins, 40 tries), Nemec-Vial followed his dad into the presently struggling Zingari Richmond. After a disastrous season in which they were “hammered” in every game, Nemec-Vial was persuaded by his work boss, Blair Bezett, at Steel and Tube to move to Green Island.
Something was simmering for “The Grizzlies” in 2024. A generational team which also included Otago representatives Finn Hurley, Sam Gilbert, Oliver Haig and James Arscott delivered a first senior championship since 1978. Free-running Nemec-Vial suddenly was on the radar. In 2025, Otago offered him an NPC development contract.
“I kept at footy cause I love it, especially the teammates around me,” Nemec-Vial said.
“For Otago, I started on the wing in a pre-season game against Southland. That wasn’t supposed to happen, but injuries meant I got upgraded. Then I debuted in the NPC against Southland. I haven’t missed much since.
“The coaches are great. They allow you to express yourself. NPC is eyes-up footy. I love 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 a 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. Worse, Otago then surrendered the Ranfurly Shield to Canterbury 19-15 on August 8. Since then, there haven’t been many blips. 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 out those skinny legs.”
“I’m not renowned for size, am I?” Nemec-Vial laughed.
“I’d love to play Super Rugby. I hope some options arise. Right now, I’m focused on the NPC, one game at a time”
1 YEAR TO GO
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