Sam Stoop has no doubt he made the right decision to leave social rugby and join Chinnor.

The versatile back spent the previous three seasons with pub team Blue Boar despite having had a professional contract at Wasps and appearing for England Students.

But a new job gave him the chance of competitive rugby in National 3 South West.

“I am getting another crack at it,” said the 27-year-old.

“I think life is too short to have ifs and buts, so I made the decision to play national rugby and I’m loving it.”

Stoop explained: “I was teaching at Summerfields School in Oxford and through my commitments there I was able to play on a Saturday.

“I have just taken up a new role as director of sport at Winchester House in Brackley.

“The headmaster said to me ‘you have an opportunity, you are still young, go and do it.

“I always had a desire to play National League rugby again.

“Locally, it was either Oxford Harlequins or Chinnor, but I knew Jason Bowers well from coaching.

“I have signed for two years and I would quite like to stay here until I finish playing.”

Stoop played for Wasps at sevens, second-team and under 21 level, but did not quite make it in the pro ranks.

“I was full time for two years and played on loan at Rugby Lions in National 1 after that,” he said.

“Then I had to make a decision. I had done a lot of coaching when I was playing and decided to go into teaching.”

Stoop played briefly for Oxford Harlequins while at Oxford Brookes and also toured with the Penguins.

He added: “I think Quins is a lovely club, but it is a lot more professional up here with all the facilities and structure. That is why I moved.”

Stoop scored a superb solo try with his first touch as a Chinnor player in December, but put in plenty of effort first.

“I had been keeping myself fit and strong, so that wasn’t too much of an issue,” he said “I trained down here for three to four weeks before I made myself available for selection.

“I wanted to get to know the players and fit in.

“I do feel I am playing quite well. My preferred position is 12.

“I like to hit the gaps and spaces and enjoy the flowing rugby that Chinnor play.”

As for the rest of the season, Stoop said Chinnor knew promotion was out of reach, but there was still a lot to play for.

He said: “I don’t see why we can’t turn Old Patesians and Taunton over. We are a very talented side.

“We need to lay a marker down for next season by finishing third and show we are serious about promotion next year.

“I think we have got the squad and the talent to do it.”

Stoop watched his former side Blue Boar lose to Oxford in Oxfordshire Shield.

He said: “It was nice to catch up with the boys, but I’m more than happy with where I am.”