And in the third part of a four-fold interview reflecting on an extraordinary 29 years at the club, Tom – who was picked in the National League Rugby website Team of the Season last term – talks about his some of the people he has had the pleasure working with.
First up were the other two members of the ‘Holy Trinity’ back row which proved an incredible force, Jamie Guttridge and Robbie Stapley.
Tom said: “It was an absolute pleasure to play with them – they made my life so easy! Jamie would go round doing the hard, dirty yards, smashing rucks, being an absolute nuisance, deadly in the maul but also making breaks,. I’d played with him in Berkshire Under 20s and we just knew each other’s game.
“Then when Robbie came back, weirdly when I was younger I’d seen what he was about, to be alongside someone who did the relentless ball-carrying, the try-scoring – can I describe it as athleticism – it helped me do what I had to.
“I could get on with what I was good at which was making my tackles, trying to get turnovers and managing to score the odd try from a metre out. If you added up all my first-team tries cumulatively they won’t be more than one metre!”
Ridiculously modest, Tom continued “I’m not that fast, I’m not agile but something I learnt early was get behind the big guy and then a top tip for the next generation – there’s a chance for a pick-and-go. Alternatively, get yourself as the back of the maul and you might be able to bag one that way.”
More class acts
Having played with hundreds of players during Rams’ rise through the leagues, a few came to Tom’s mind beginning with: “Joe Duffelen – he was a class player. When he ran he glided, effortless and annoyingly fast.
“Stevie Bryant was always there to come up with a big moment, he made himself into the best defensive centre in National One.
“Ben Henderson, who I played with in county, had skills I’ve never seen before – able to chip and chase and do other ridiculous things for a hooker.”
And then to the coaches.
Tom began: “(Director of Rugby) Seb (Reynolds) was just retiring as I was coming in and he’s been fantastic for me. He’s such a great bloke as well as a coach – so professional and helped push my ability on.
“(Defence coach) Danny (Batty) was one of the biggest reasons we’ve moved through the ranks. He implemented his defensive structure and it helped us turn our defence into an attacking structure – we were going and closing teams out.
“Teams were put under pressure rather than absorbing the ball, he was unbelievable and then (Forwards coach) Owen (Root).
“I might have played with him once before he retired, but his influence on the forwards is just unbelievable.
“Everyone has so much respect for him, and it was a pleasure to be coached by someone who knows as much as he does.”
