Wainwright’s family were in the stands when he won his first cap in Wales’ historic 13-12 win against South Africa in Bloemfontein – the only time the men’s national team has won a game against the Springboks on their soil.
The prop from Prestatyn, then with Saracens after earning a move from Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (RGC), helped win a scrum penalty that set up field position for Josh Adams’ late try that was converted by Gareth Anscombe.
Wainwright was able to celebrate with his father, who was instrumental on his rise to Test level.
“He was a huge influence,” said the prop. “We were best friends and he did everything with me.
“He was one of the biggest support networks for me and when I got the call-up I thought about him a lot, it was quite emotional.
“We’d speak about everything and he’d watch every game. When I was at the Scarlets he would tell me what to pick up on after every game.
“He was unbelievable for me and that’s why getting this call up was a bit emotional for me. He would have been proud of me – 1,000%.”
A former rugby league player and a construction worker, Shaun ensured that Sam was able to give RGC his full attention.
“I told him I wanted to follow his route and have the rugby alongside it, but he would never let me do it,” said Wainwright, whose exploits earned a chance with Saracens in 2019.
“He said ‘I do this, not you – you just focus on the rugby’. I was part-time at RGC and got a wage, but my dad just told me to eat and sleep rugby.”