T. J. Anderson (rugby union)

Thomas "T. J." Anderson (born 3 March 1987)[1] is an Irish former rugby union player who played flanker for Ulster, Connacht, and Ealing Trailfinders.

Thomas "T. J." Anderson
Date of birth (1987-03-03) 3 March 1987
Place of birthDerry, Northern Ireland
Height1.93 m (6 ft 4 in)
Weight107 kg (16 st 11 lb 235 lb)
Notable relative(s)Willie Anderson (father)
Jonathan Anderson (brother)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Flanker
Amateur team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
Dungannon ()
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2007–2011 Ulster 20 (5)
2011–2013 Connacht 10 (0)
2013–2014 Ealing Trailfinders 17 (5)
Correct as of 4 April 2022

The son of former Ireland rugby international Willie Anderson, he played Gaelic football for St. Patrick's GAC Loup and rugby for the Ireland national under-20 rugby union team,[2] winning an under-20 Grand Slam in 2007.[3] He played his club rugby for Dungannon, where he was spotted by Ulster coach Matt Williams, and joined the Ulster academy ahead of the 2007–2008 season.[4] He was soon training with the senior squad, and put his law degree on hold to sign a development contract ahead of the 2008–09 season.[5]

Having captained the Ulster Ravens in the British and Irish Cup and made 18 appearances for the senior team in the Celtic League, he signed for Connacht ahead of the 2011-12 season.[3] After playing for Connacht for two seasons,[6] he joined Ealing Trailfinders ahead of the 2013-14 season, and was named the team's vice-captain.[7] He played there for one season[6] before injuries forced him to retire. He went on to become Operations Director at JW Anderson, the fashion label run by his brother Jonathan.[8]

References
  1. "Magners League 09-10", News Letter, 4 September 2009
  2. PJ Browne, "Best of 2021: My son played GAA and Rugby. He Met People from all Aspects of Northern Ireland", Balls.ie, 27 December 2021
  3. "Connacht sign Anderson from Ulster", The Irish Times, 7 March 2011
  4. "Anderson poised to sign contract", Belfast Telegraph, 14 August 2008
  5. Gavin Mairs, "'It's like having your own personal coach by your side'", Belfast Telegraph, 8 October 2008
  6. Thomas Anderson appearance stats at It'sRugby.com
  7. "TJ raring to go ahead of big kick off", Ealing Trailfinders, 12 September 2013
  8. Jonathan Bradley, "Thomas Anderson on swapping Ulster Rugby for the world of high-end fashion: ‘It was sink or swim’", Belfast Telegraph, 23 August 2021


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