LYNDSEY Stanley has described seeing her son Mike playing in the Rugby World Cup as a dream come true for her family.

The former Southend fly-half, who helped Samoa beat USA 25-16 last weekend, will come face to face with former World Champions South Africa this weekend.

And nobody will feel prouder at Villa Park than Mike’s mother who has seen him enjoy a rapid rise to the very top of the game.

“We’re all proud beyond words,” said Lyndsey.

“After years of hard training and dedication it was a dream come true and we hope to be at all of his games in this World Cup.

“When I’m watching it’s a mix of excitement along with a few nerves but it’s just fantastic to see.”

Mike kicked a fine penalty from the left touch-line during Samoa’s win against USA.

But it was with Thurrock at the age of just six that he first began to play.

“He just seemed to have a natural flair for the game,” recalled Lyndsey, who lives in Grays.

“It was probably due to the hours he would spent playing with his dad and brothers from a very young age but he also used to play football and cricket and did athletics as well.

“But he always wanted a career in rugby and he was picked up by the Saracens Academy at the age of 13.

“He’s been a professional player since he was 16 and has gone on from there.”

However, Mike’s journey to the top has been far from straight forward.

Just three seasons ago, the 25-year-old was playing for Southend in National Two South before he headed off to play in New Zealand.

From then on, Mike’s talent started to take centre stage and soon resulted in his first Samoan call up.

But Lyndsey believes plenty of other people also played a major part in Mike’s amazing achievements.

“I'd have to say his family unit, with all the support and dedication has been a big help,” said Lyndsey.

“Also having role models within the family has been a great influence.

“Uncle Joe Stanley and two cousins played for the All Blacks and cousin Tim Cahill is an Australian footballer who were all inspirational.

“But there were lots of others including several managers, coaches, headmasters and team mates.”

They will now also have taken great delight in Mike’s World Cup appearances.

However, they may now find themselves cheering for another country, with Mike lining up for Samoa – the nation of his father.

“We actually have an allegiance to three countries in this household but it’s only natural to support Mike and Samoa, said Lyndsey.

“We will always be England supporters.

“The boys played for England in the younger age groups and Sam was with England sevens.

“But we’re all obviously right behind Samoa.”