Tom Wilkins Rugby League for Southern Universities

Ironsides power and skills help Southern Universities to historic win over the North.

Power, courtesy of Jason St Clair’s athletic development programme, and skills gained from many seasons of exceptional coaching by Ellen Walsh and her junior age group team, undoubtedly equipped Tommy Wilkins with the ”tool kit” to help Southern Universities record their 1st ever Rugby League win over their Northern rivals, in this year’s Universities Origin Game.

Tom, a familiar face both playing on the pitch and serving behind the bar at Ironsides, is currently enjoying playing Rugby League in his second season at Exeter University, having taken the decision to switch codes at the start of his undergraduate studies.

The South, in front of a knowledgeable and enthusiastic crowd, won 26-20, at the Olympic Legacy Park Stadium in Sheffield. A game that they led from the start and didn’t release their grip on despite a tense end.

Addressing both sets of players after the game, England Universities Head Coach Kevin Deighton told the players,

“This is the best Origin game I have seen so far. The level of talent and commitment has been exceptional and whilst there is only one winner, all of the players today have shown how much the University game has to offer.”

We look forward to welcoming Tom and all of our under-graduates, back in the Spring to play for Paddy Flynn’s Ironsides U23 squad in their Easter Fixtures.