Tom Staniforth

Tom Staniforth (born 13 August 1994) is an Australian rugby union player who currently "plays" as a lock for the Waratahs in the international Super Rugby competition.[1][2]

For Gordon Staniforth's son, see Tom Staniforth (footballer).

Tom Staniforth
Full nameThomas Staniforth
Date of birth (1994-08-13) 13 August 1994
Place of birthCanberra, Australia
Height1.98 m (6 ft 6 in)
Weight113 kg (17 st 11 lb; 249 lb)
SchoolCanberra Grammar School
Notable relative(s)Scott Staniforth (cousin)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Lock
Current team Brumbies
Amateur team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
2013 Canberra Royals ()
2018-2020 Eastern Suburbs 16 (0)
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2014–2017 Brumbies 22 (0)
2014–2016 Canberra Vikings 15 (5)
2015−2019 NSW Country Eagles 22 (0)
2018−2020 Waratahs 40 (10)
2021− Castres Olympique 8 (0)
Correct as of 20 May 2021
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2013 Australia U20 5 (5)
Correct as of 20 May 2021

Career

Staniforth was involved in the Brumbies pre-season plans ahead of the 2014 Super Rugby season, however he was unable to win a contract with either then senior squad or the wider training group. As a result, he was forced to take up part-time work as a glass-collector to supplement his rugby earnings.[1]

His big break came ahead of the Brumbies clash with the Reds in Brisbane as injuries to both Sam Carter and Leon Power left head coach Stephen Larkham short on second-row options. As a result, Staniforth was handed a two-week contract to provide injury cover. Surprisingly he found himself named in the starting line-up for the match at Suncorp Stadium which his side won 23–20. He played the first 65 minutes of the game and put in a credible performance against two experienced Wallabies in the shape of James Horwill and Rob Simmons. Indeed, Horwill was quoted after the game as saying: "He's a guy I imagine will have a big future. It's always good to see a young guy come through."[1][3]

The Brumbies moved swiftly to tie Staniforth down to a longer-term deal, with the player signing a contract in May 2014 to tie him to the Brumbies until 2016.[4]

International career

Staniforth was part of the Australia Under 20 side which competed in the 2013 IRB Junior World Championship in France.[5][6] He was once again included the following year, also being named one of the vice-captains.[7] He Scored a try against ireland.

Super Rugby statistics
As of 22 July 2016[2]
SeasonTeamGamesStartsSubMinsTriesConsPensDropsPointsYelRed
2014Brumbies110660000000
2015Brumbies00000000000
2016Brumbies131123350000000
Total142124010000000

References
  1. "Brumbies rookie Tom Staniforth wants to 'go gangbusters' after Super Rugby debut". Sydney Morning Herald. 12 April 2014. Retrieved 12 April 2013.
  2. "Tom Staniforth itsrugby.co.uk Player Statistics". itsrugby.co.uk. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
  3. "Reds vs Brumbies 11 April 2014 Match Breakdown". SA Rugby. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
  4. "Brumbies sign young guns Allan Alaalatoa and Tom Staniforth". Canberra Times. Fairfax. 14 May 2014. Retrieved 14 May 2014.
  5. "Tom Staniforth IRB JWC Player Profile". IRB.com. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
  6. "Australia U20 Media Guide 2013" (PDF). Rugby Australia. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 January 2014. Retrieved 12 April 2014.
  7. "Australian Under 20s announce squad for Junior World Champs" (Press release). Australian Rugby Union. 5 May 2014. Retrieved 14 May 2014.
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