Cardiff Blues have confirmed the signing of young back-row forward Tom Brown.
The former Wales U21 international played for the Wales under 21 side in the Six Nations and was followed by selection for the U21 World Cup in 2004 playing against South Africa, England, France and Russia.
That same year Tom represented Wales in rugby league, at the European Nations Cup, having previously played rugby league for conference side Gloucester Warriors before getting involved with England Lionhearts.
The former Sports Conditioning and Coaching student at Hartpury College, Gloucester, qualifies for both Wales and England through his parents.
Danny Wilson, former Skills Coach at the Blues Academy who is now the London Welsh Head Coach said,
“It will be difficult to replace a player of Tom’s calibre but we are pleased that he is going on to bigger and better things.”
“He has worked hard here at London Welsh for the past two years and fully deserves his chance with Cardiff Blues.”
“He’s going to my former club which will be a great place for him to learn and take the next step up in his playing career.”
Speaking of the signing Cardiff Blues Director of Rugby, David Young added,
“Tom is a young back row forward with bags of potential and we are delighted that he is joining the Blues from London Welsh.”
“We are keen to have more youngsters in the squad who bring that energy, hunger and desire that all squads need and Tom certainly fits that bill.”
“He’s a strong ball carrier and will provide a platform for us going forward.”
Tom Brown said, “It’s great to have signed for the Blues and I’m really looking forward to getting my opportunity to both train with them and, hopefully, play for them.”
“Playing for the Blues will be a massive challenge, but one that I’m really looking forward to. It will be a step up in intensity and physicality but that is one of the reasons why I joined.”
“It will be great to train and play alongside international players, and I’m also looking forward to playing against international players in the Magners League and Cup competitions.”
“I’ve been following the team for some time and recently they have had a great month with their performances in the cup competitions.”
“I’ve been down to see the Stadium and Training Facilities and they are brilliant. I’ve been really impressed with everything I’ve seen.”
“Having been raised in Hong Kong and attending University in Gloucestershire, I’m looking forward to living in Wales and I can’t wait to move down to Cardiff.”
“I know Andries Pretorius through University friends so it will be good to catch up with him again.”
Tom Brown
Position: Back-row Forward
DOB: 20/5/1983
Height: 6ft 2
Weight: 17st 4lbs – 110Kg
Previous Clubs: Coventry, Worcester Warriors, Newbury Blues, London Welsh
Rep Honours: Wales (RL), Wales U21
