It’s week five of Inspire to Aspire, and we’ve got some more exciting rugby talent coming your way.
Tom Chapman is a promising wing/scrum half who is a product of the Saracens academy. He was a regular for the England U18 squad before joining Worcester this season, where he made his first team debut before being loaned to Nottingham. There, he made a number of Championship appearances on the Wing.
But that’s more than enough from us. Let’s get the low-down from the man himself.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself and your sporting journey so far.
Coming from a family of rugby enthusiasts, I was pretty much brought up in a rugby club and spent all of my spare time running around with a rugby ball as a kid! This led to me captaining my school side up until 1st XV level and having the privilege to represent my country a number of occasions, being part of the under 16, 17 and 18 squads whilst also being a member of the Saracens Academy. In my senior career I’ve had spells at Old Colfeians and Blackheath, where I was one of the youngest players to ever represent the sides, aged 17. Since then, I’ve moved onto Worcester via Bath.
2. What do you hope to achieve this year?
This coming season, the goal is to get back to playing regularly after a bit of a stop start season at Worcester, when injuries and loan spells provided an undulating year in the midlands. So maybe to be more of a key figure in a side, score a few tries and also to develop as a coach, as that’s something I’m interested in.
3. What is the ultimate goal?
Ultimately, I’d like to continue playing professional rugby to the highest level I can, whilst enjoying my life off the pitch as much as I do on it. I play at my best when I’m at my happiest, so this is a crucial area for me.
Budding rugby star Tom Chapman
4. What events of note have you got lined up in your diary for the rest of the year?
The off-season is a nice time of the year for me. It allows me to play a bit of 7s, which I enjoy immensely. So weekend trips to Amsterdam, France and Ibiza are on the cards, as well as touring the UK with various invitational sevens sides. Bournemouth is always a good weekend away.
5. What is your biggest achievement to date?
Probably winning the FIRA European Championship with England U18.
6. How much time do you spend training?
In a full time environment, it’s not as much as you may think. Usually we start early and we’re finished by lunchtime.
7. What do you like to do in your spare time?
I spend my spare time doing a variety of things! I like to give back to the sport that has already provided me with so many good memories, so I help out as a coach at my old school. A couple of my friends are starting up their own companies, so I’ve been helping them out recently. To relax, I like going to the gym, the driving range and the cinema. I saw Bad Neighbours last week and it was very funny!
8. Describe your personality in a few words
Loyal, realistic, shallow, honest.
9. Who inspires you in life?
My girlfriend. She plays rugby too, for England. And sometimes when I’m not in the mood to train I can see how driven she is to get better and it makes me want to improve myself too. We went on holiday recently to The Gambia and seeing how upbeat and passionate people out there are when that have next to nothing was very humbling. I also look to my family for inspiration, as my parents worked hard to provide for my brother and me and to send us to independent schools and take us on plush holidays!
