SAM Stanley cannot wait to see big brother Mike lining up in the Rugby World Cup for Samoa.

Former Southend and Thurrock fly-half Mike has enjoyed a rapid rise to stardom to be selected for the tournament which gets underway this Friday.

And Sam, who is from Grays, remains incredibly proud of Mike’s achievements.

“As you would expect I’m extremely proud of him and what he’s achieved so far,” said Sam, 23.

“He’s had a great few years and after his performances in the Pacific Nations Cup I wasn’t surprised at all that he made the World Cup squad.

“I felt he’d done more than enough to warrant a spot but you just never know what the coaches are thinking so it was a relief more than a surprise that he was selected.”

Samoa start their campaign against USA at Brighton’s Community Stadium on Sunday and will also take on South Africa, Scotland and Japan in the group stages of the competition.

However, Sam is not sure whether or not he will in attendance.

“The tickets were put into a ballot and I never got round to applying for any of them unfortunately,” said Sam, an England sevens interntional.

“Maybe Mike will be able to hook me up with some but if not then I’ll definitely be watching on the television.”

Sam is therefore hoping Mike will be selected in the matchday squad.

And the fly-half will be keen to show the talent he started to show from a very young age.

“Mike always had a natural ability and was a big step ahead of most of his age group growing up,” recalled Sam.

“We would kick and pass a hell of a lot together and I feel that helped us both a lot in improving as players from a young age.

“Our eldest brother also played as well as dad helping us and teaching us a lot of skills which was great.

“It is brilliant how things have progressed since then and, as a family, we’re all really looking forward to the World Cup now.”