Our Best Wishes to Tom English

Wed, Oct 21, 2020, 6:11 AM
Rebels Media
by Rebels Media
English became a beloved fan favourite during his nine seasons with the Rebels ( Photo: Getty Images).
English became a beloved fan favourite during his nine seasons with the Rebels ( Photo: Getty Images).

The Melbourne Rebels bid farewell to one of its most adored and accomplished players last month, when it was announced Tom English would be departing the club after nine seasons at the Stockade.

English has since joined Top Challenge League club Kurita Water Gush, based in Astugi, Kanagawa Prefecture, in advance of their 2021 playoff season.

After playing three games in the ‘original’ 2020 Super Ruby competition earlier in the year, English sat out the Rebels’ inaugural Super Rugby AU campaign, in preparation for his overseas move and for the arrival of his first child, Frankie Grace English, who arrived on September 26.

Hailing from Cronulla, New South Wales, English began his first-grade XV career playing for Sydney University in the Shute Shield, before venturing to Melbourne and joining the Rebels as an Extended Playing Squad member in 2012.

Making his Super Rugby debut in the Rebels Round 4 clash with the Reds, English would go on to play ten matches in 2013, scoring five tries and storming home with the Club’s Rookie of the Year award in a breathtaking first season.

The agile outside centre carried this impressive form into the 2014 season, making a career-high 16 Super Rugby starts and playing over 1,200 minutes in the process.

English’s strong form led to selection in the Barbarian’s 2015 tour of the United Kingdom, where he would be joined by fellow Rebels, Mike Harris, Luke Jones and future groomsman, Dom Shipperley.  

Roommates whilst on tour, Shipperley spoke glowingly about the impact his close friend had on the way he approached the rigors of playing professional rugby. 

“We roomed together for two weeks straight, so we certainly made some good memories just from spending a lot of time together there,” said Shipperley.

“Tom really showed me how to bring more enjoyment to such a competitive environment and not take everything too seriously.

“He was just great for boosting team morale and organising random events, like locker room lost property auctions for example.

“Even though we spent most of our time on opposite sides of the field - Tom was left wing and I was right - we still found a way to joke and enjoy training together.”

In 2018, English’s strong standing among his peers would be recognised by being appointed as the Rebels’ fifth captain in club history.

The accolades for the twenty-seven-year-old continued into the following season, when English became the Rebels’ greatest point scorer, trading positions atop of the chart with fellow back, Reece Hodge.

In an exciting eighth season, English also became the Club’s most capped player, surpassing Rebels Foundation Squad member, Laurie Weeks’ 85 games. 

Teammates over six seasons, Weeks said English’s passion for his teammates was contagious and proved a huge asset for the club both on and off the field.

“Tom has been a huge addition to the club since the day he first arrived,” said Weeks.

“He has a special way of encouraging and leading those around him to succeed, while finding a way to put a smile on your face at the same time.

“He is an energiser and you cannot fault his passion for his craft and for his teammates.”

Former Melbourne lock and close friend, Sam Jeffries, seconded Weeks’ sentiments.

Jeffries believed English’s impact on the Rebels was widespread, reaching far beyond just the playing fields of AAMI Park and Gosch’s Paddock.

Reflecting on his six seasons alongside English at the Stockade, Jeffries says the memories he’ll miss most, were the early morning coffee runs in Richmond, where the two would chat about all things outside of the rugby world.   

“The memories I cherish the most were our daily early morning coffees at Cheerio cafe in Richmond before heading into training at AAMI park, discussing life, relationships and our futures,” said Jeffries.

“To put it simply Tom provided the link between what determines a sporting club and a family.

“He embodies what sporting clubs are about, always putting the needs of the team above his own, even if it comes at a cost.

“I still remember watching Tom make his debut for the Rebels in 2013 from a pub in Sydney with our Colts’ teammates, so to watch him go on and become the most capped Rebel of all time has been truly special.”

While the first day of pre-season will look a little different this year, the Melbourne Rebels wish Tom English all the very best for his upcoming season in Japan and for all his future endeavours.

From everyone at the Rebels, our loyal fans and supporters of this great game, we can’t wait to see what the future holds for one of our most accomplished and adored players.

Good luck ‘Engo’ – we look forward to the day you return back to the Stockade, once again.

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