Player Profile: Tom Palmer

By Richie the Rhino
December 14 2003

Tom Palmer

	Nickname	TP
	Position	Lock
	Date of Birth	26/03/79
	Previous Club
	Height	6' 6"
	Tykes Debut	26/09/98
	Honours	England Scotland U21 New Zealand Schools

Tom Palmer is undoubtedly one of the rising stars of English rugby, whose talents have already been noticed by England coach Clive Woodward, when he was awarded his first England cap , making his appearance v USA in San Francisco.

Tom is the epitome of the modern lock forward. Strong, athletic and fast around the paddock, but also not afraid to do the dirty work when its needed. Several posters have sung Tom's praises: 'He was everywhere, loads of donkey work, number of tackles in open play was fantastic' wrote Nix. Mull has commented 'Supreme in the lineout and around the park', and Oopnorth has highlighted his 'heavy duty tackling'. Tom was in awesome form in the recent victory over Leicester Tigers, as Gazz stated, Tom 'really rattled Johnson and Kay'.

His importance to the Leeds set up cannot be overstated. Palmer missed half of last season with a broken leg, picked up on England A duty. Without Palmer, Leeds did not win a game. But he has come back and hit top form
immediately.

Tom is a product of the Tykes academy, when PD spotted him playing for Leeds Uni. As a physics graduate, Tom will know all about momentum and impact forces. He originally played for Scotland U21's before throwing his hat into the ring with the England camp. Lock forward is arguably the most keenly contested of positions in the English game, and the fact that Tom has risen through the ranks so quickly is testimony to the man's ability and tenacity.

With a certain Mr. Johnson due for retirement soon, Palmer will very soon be wearing the red rose on his chest on a regular basis. If he puts in more performances like he did against the Tigers, that call could come all the more rapidly. Clive Woodward has already confirmed that Tom is in the England training squad. A glittering career will surely follow.

What do you like to do away from rugby?	Play on the Playstation (favourite at the moment is the Tiger Woods Golf).
Who is the hardest opponent you've come across?	Tim Rodber
Who would you pay to see?	The NZ backs.
Which is the best ground / stadium you've played at?	Eden Park
Which is the worst ground you've played at?	On a school pitch - the broken glass and other nasties had to be swept off the pitch before we could play.
Who is your sporting hero?	Serge Blanco
What is your most memorable rugby moment?	Playing in a Dunedin Schools match against local rivals.
Do you have any pre-match superstitions?	No! (although he did later change his mind and mentioned some lucky undies)
Who is the worst room-mate you've had on an away trip?	No-one in particular, but anyone who snores!
What are your expectations for the coming season?	To have a successful Heineken cup campaign.

Last updated 01/10/03