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]

Tom Staniforth

Full name	Thomas Staniforth
Date of birth	13 August 1994
Place of birth	Canberra, Australia
Height	1.98 m (6 ft 6 in)
Weight	113 kg (17 st 11 lb; 249 lb)
School	Canberra 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 () Senior career Years Team Apps (Points) 2014–2017 Brumbies 14 (0) 2014 Canberra Vikings 8 (0) 2015− NSW Country Eagles 5 (0) 2018− Waratahs 0 (0) Correct as of 22 July 2016 National team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) 2013 Australia U20 5 (5) Correct as of 3 December 2014

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]

Season	Team	Games	Starts	Sub	Mins	Tries	Cons	Pens	Drops	Points	Yel	Red
2014	Brumbies	1	1	0	66	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2015	Brumbies	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2016	Brumbies	13	1	12	335	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total		14	2	12	401	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

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.