This week in our Citizen Watches Spending Time series, we catch up with former Rebels flyer Tom Kingston.
What has post-Super Rugby life looked like for you?
After finishing up with the Rebels in 2015 I played another 2 years with the Australian 7s team before “retiring” (if you can say that at 27). Since leaving the game I have finished my law degree that I started when I was down in Melbourne, been admitted as a solicitor in NSW and am now working for a corporate law firm in Sydney.
I am also now engaged, set to be married in December this year, so wedding planning is slowly ramping up.
How exciting was it to be part of Rio 2016?
I must admit that the Rio Olympics feels like a lifetime ago now.
It was exciting to be involved in such a big sporting event (albeit our performances showed the magnitude may have got the better of us). It was special to be able to be able to attend so many events throughout the period - the rugby finished quite early so we were able to go to watch swimming, basketball, volleyball, athletics and many others (something I am definitely not taking for granted with no live sport at the moment).
One experience that stands out was watching Wayde van Niekerk break Michael Johnson’s 400m athletics world record, a record that the sporting-nerd in me thought would almost never be broken.
Have you been following the Rebels performances?
I definitely still keep an eye on rugby with so many Rebels alumni playing in competitions around the world.
As for Super Rugby I feel as though it can be tricky at the start of the year figuring out the best side and the style each team wants to play, but it felt like the Rebels were just finding their groove.
Hopefully they can pick up where they left off when things resume.
What were some of your favourite memories during your time at AAMI Park?
My favourite memories of my time at the Rebels probably come from the people.
I was fortunate to play with some incredible players, but even better people, as well as some of the true characters of the game. Names that spring to mind include Tom Sexton, Laurie Weeks, Sam Jeffries, Tom English, Ben Meehan, Telusa Veainu, Nic Stirzaker, Mitch Inman, Max Lahiff… the list could go on and on.
What do you miss the most about playing for the Rebels?
There are so many things I probably took for granted while playing.
Being in the best shape of your life, instead of finding an hour for exercise every day for one (probably not as difficult at the moment compared to when I’m in the office I’ll admit). But the thing I think I truly miss the most is being able to spend all day every day with your mates.
