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Tom Croft
Tom Croft
Tom Croft
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Key Information

Tom Croft (born 7 November 1985) is an English former rugby union player. He played 173 games for Leicester Tigers between 2005–17, winning four Premiership Rugby titles, played 40 times for England between 2008–2015, was part of the squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, and the British & Irish Lions in their tours to South Africa in 2009 and Australia in 2013.[2]

Early life

[edit]

Born 7 November 1985 in Basingstoke, England, Croft initially went to Park House School, a comprehensive school in Newbury, Berkshire,[3] before going to Oakham School in Rutland where he was in the same year as England cricketer Stuart Broad.[4]

Playing style

[edit]

Croft's primary position was blindside flanker. He was known for his line-out agility[5] and unusual speed for a forward;[6] one of the quickest players in the Tigers squad[7] his coach Aaron Mauger described him as the " fastest loose forward he had ever seen".[8]

Club career

[edit]

Croft's senior debut for Leicester Tigers came against Gloucester in the 2005–06 season, a week after he turned 20. In the following season, which included a Premiership title and the Anglo-Welsh Cup for the Tigers, he made 16 appearances.

2008–09 could be considered Croft's breakthrough season, in which he established himself both in the club side and on the international scene. He was man-of-the-match in the Heineken Cup semi-final against Cardiff Blues, which resulted in a historic sudden death kicking competition.[9] The shoot-out ended before Croft's turn came up as Jordan Crane made the winning kick.[10] Although the Tigers fell at the final hurdle of the Heineken Cup, they won the 2008–09 Guinness Premiership. Croft played lock in both finals, as a result of injury to teammate Louis Deacon.[11]

The following season didn't quite match up to the previous for Croft, due in no small part to the two knee injuries he sustained, one after the other in the middle of the season. He worked his way back successfully, however, and featured in another Premiership final victory, this time at blindside flanker.[12]

Croft captained the Tigers for the first time on 3 October 2010, against Saracens.[13]

Croft suffered two major injuries whilst on club duty. First, in an April 2012 Premiership match against Harlequins Croft mistimed tackle on Nick Easter and suffered a triple fracture of his C6 vertebra,[14] a specialist described the injury "as close as you can to being paralysed",[6] He returned to the Tigers after 8 months injured in January 2013 against Worcester.[14]

In 2013 Croft played in his third victorious Premiership final.[15]

Then, in the 2013–14 Premiership opener against Worcester in September, he suffered a season-ending cruciate ligament injury.[16]

In November 2017, Croft announced his immediate retirement from rugby following a new neck injury and consulting a specialist.[17] His final appearance was on 11 March 2017 against Saracens in the semi-final of the Anglo-Welsh Cup, Croft was a substitute as Leicester won 32–10.[18]

International career

[edit]

Croft was called up to the England squad for the 2008 Six Nations Championship.[19][20] He had already been selected for the England Saxons and England Sevens sides.[21]

Croft gained his first England cap in the 2008 Six Nations win against France in Paris.[22] He was then named in Martin Johnson's squad on 1 June 2008. He gained starting places in the squad at blindside flanker for three games against the Pacific Islanders, Australia and South Africa, before being named on the bench against New Zealand. Croft was awarded man of the match when England defeated France 34–10 at Twickenham in the 2009 Six Nations Championship.

On 20 May 2009, Croft was called up to the squad by coach Ian McGeechan for the Lions 2009 tour of South Africa as a replacement for the banned Alan Quinlan.[23]

Croft then subsequently started the first two tests against South Africa, and came off the bench in the 3rd test. He scored two tries in the first test defeat – becoming the first Lions forward to score twice against the Springboks.

In November 2009, Croft was nominated for the IRB Player of the Year for 2009,[24] though the award went to Richie McCaw. Despite making the shortlist and having started the first two games of the Autumn Internationals, Croft found himself demoted to the bench for the third test, against New Zealand.[25] Injury to Joe Worsley saw him take the field within the first five minutes, however.

Croft's second knee injury in the 2009–10 season saw him miss out on the 2010 Six Nations entirely,[26] though he regained his starting place from James Haskell for the Australian summer tour.[27] He switched to openside flanker to cover injured captain Lewis Moody halfway through the second half of the first Test, which England lost 27–17.[28] The second Test saw England beat Australia 20–21.[29] This was only the third time that England had managed to beat Australia in Australia.

Croft took part in the 2010 Autumn Internationals, starting in both the loss to New Zealand[30] and the win against Australia, the latter cited by many to have been the best England performance for years.[31] In 2011 he was part of the England team that came within a game of a grand slam. 2012 saw Croft play in every single game of that year's Six Nations, His form continued to improve throughout the Championship and he played a starring role in the game against France which saw him score a wonderful try after a searing burst of pace. The last game against Ireland, saw him make a 50-yard burst which almost brought about a try. Croft was ruled out of the rest of Leicester's season after a neck injury. His first try for England came as a replacement for James Haskell against Samoa.[32]

In April 2013, Croft was selected for the 2013 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia. He started the first test in a 23–21 win over Australia and came off the bench in the 16–15 second test defeat.[33]

Croft made his international return two years later during the 2015 Six Nations against Italy and Ireland in his final England appearance.[34]

International Tries

[edit]

[35]

England

[edit]
Try Opposing team Location Venue Competition Date Result Score
1  Samoa London, England Twickenham Stadium 2010 end-of-year rugby union internationals 20 November 2010 Win 26 – 13
2  Scotland London, England Twickenham Stadium 2011 Six Nations Championship 13 March 2011 Win 22 – 16
3  Romania Dunedin, New Zealand Otago Stadium 2011 Rugby World Cup 24 September 2011 Win 67 – 3
4  France Saint-Denis, France Stade de France 2012 Six Nations Championship 11 March 2012 Win 22 – 24

British & Irish Lions

[edit]
Try Opposing team Location Venue Competition Date Result Score
1  South Africa Durban, South Africa ABSA Stadium 2009 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa 20 June 2009 Loss 26 – 21
2

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tom Croft

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Tom Croft (born 7 November 1985) is a retired English player renowned for his career as a blindside flanker and lock, known for his athleticism, lineout prowess, and breakdown work. Croft developed through the academy, making his senior debut in 2005 at age 20 and going on to play 173 matches for the club over 13 seasons, scoring 27 tries. He contributed to four titles (2007, 2009, 2010, and 2013) and featured in five Premiership finals, including the 2009 Heineken Cup final. On the international stage, Croft earned his first cap for in 2008 against in the Six Nations, accumulating 40 caps by 2015 and participating in the 2009 and 2013 Six Nations tournaments. He was selected for two tours, playing five Test matches in 2009 and 2013, where he notably scored two tries on his debut against the Royal XV in . His career was marred by serious neck injuries, including an eight-month absence in 2012 and a recurrence that forced his retirement in November 2017 at age 32 on medical grounds.

Early life

Family and upbringing

Tom Croft was born on 7 November 1985 in Basingstoke, England. He grew up in the nearby village of Kingsclere, Hampshire, enjoying an outdoorsy childhood that involved playing along the local millstream and engaging in physical activities with sticks and natural surroundings. Croft's parents were both teachers, with his father serving as a geography instructor at Queen Mary's College in and his mother teaching at Park House School in Newbury; they emphasized the importance of academic achievement alongside extracurricular pursuits. This family environment in rural fostered Croft's initial exposure to rugby, as he began playing the sport at age 11 through local opportunities, including youth involvement with Newbury RFC.

Education and early rugby

Croft was educated at Park House School, a co-educational comprehensive in , before moving to the independent co-educational in . At , he focused heavily on rugby alongside his studies, captaining the school's first XV in his final year. His introduction to organized rugby came at age 11 when he joined Newbury RFC, transitioning from football and progressing through the club's under-11 and youth teams. There, he developed a strong foundation in the sport, participating in local tournaments like the finals and aspiring to represent the senior side, which he credits as a key launchpad for his professional development. This experience at Newbury instilled in him a passion for rugby's social and competitive elements, influencing his later career trajectory. At Oakham School, Croft's rugby prowess shone through in competitive fixtures, culminating in captaining the team to victory in the 2003 Daily Mail National Under-18 Cup final, defeating Barnard Castle School 30–28 at Twickenham Stadium. This triumph highlighted his leadership and lineout skills as a flanker, earning him recognition in youth rugby circles. His performances led to selection for the England Under-18 squad in 2004, where he featured alongside future internationals like Tom Youngs. Following his school career, Croft joined the Academy at age 16, where he honed his professional potential through structured training and matches. This progression from school and club rugby to academy level marked the transition from youth development to elite preparation, paving the way for his first senior professional contract ahead of the 2005–06 campaign.

Club career

Leicester Tigers tenure

Tom Croft made his senior debut for Leicester Tigers against Gloucester in November 2005, shortly after turning 20, beginning his professional career as a promising flanker in the club's academy system. During his initial seasons, Croft gradually earned opportunities in the back row, contributing to the team's competitive campaigns while developing his lineout and tackling skills. His breakthrough came in the 2006–2007 season, highlighted by a try in the EDF Energy Cup final victory over the Ospreys at , where he helped secure a 41–35 win and demonstrated his speed and finishing ability from the flank. From the 2008–2009 season onward, Croft established himself as a consistent starter, often deployed at blindside flanker or lock, replacing the injured and becoming a key pillar of the Tigers' forward pack. Over his 13-season tenure, he amassed 173 first-team appearances and scored 27 tries, forming the backbone of the club's dominant domestic and European efforts. The 2008–2009 season stood out as Croft started both the Premiership final and the Heineken Cup final, contributing to Leicester's strong showings amid a period of sustained competitiveness in English and European rugby. Croft's time with the Tigers was later hampered by recurring injuries, particularly neck issues, culminating in his retirement on medical grounds in November 2017 at age 32. His final competitive appearance was a 32–10 defeat to Worcester Warriors in the Premiership Rugby Cup in October 2017, following a pre-season win over the Ospreys. Upon announcement, Leicester Tigers chief executive Simon Cohen paid tribute to Croft as an "exceptional talent" with remarkable speed and work ethic, placing him among the club's finest forwards, while Croft himself acknowledged the support of long-time teammates like and Dan Cole.

Key club achievements

Tom Croft was a pivotal figure in ' success during his 13-season tenure, contributing to four titles in 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2013. In the 2007 final against , Croft was a substitute in the 44-16 victory, marking the club's first league triumph since 2002. The 2009 and 2010 finals saw Croft continue his strong performances, starting both as edged 10-9 in a tense, low-scoring affair at and then overcame Saracens 33-27 the following year. In the 2010 decider, his mobility in the loose contributed to the Tigers' back-to-back titles. By the 2013 final, Croft started in the 37-17 rout of , helping seal their fourth crown in his career. Beyond the Premiership, Croft featured prominently in Leicester's 2007 Anglo-Welsh Cup victory, starting in the final against Ospreys and scoring a try in a thrilling 41-35 win at , ending the club's five-year trophy drought. He also started at lock in the 2009 Heineken Cup final against , delivering a robust display in a 19-16 defeat that highlighted his versatility across the back row and second row. Statistically, Croft amassed 173 appearances for , scoring 27 tries and frequently leading the team's tackle counts, with standout seasons underscoring his work rate at the breakdown. He served as club captain on multiple occasions, including his 100th start in the role during a 2013 Premiership match against .

International career

England national team

Croft earned his first cap for on 23 February 2008, coming off the bench in a 24-22 Six Nations victory against in . His rapid rise continued, bolstered by strong performances at , leading to regular selection under coach Brian Ashton and later Martin Johnson. By the end of his international career in 2015, Croft had accumulated 40 caps, starting in 28 of them, and scored 4 tries. The 2009 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa significantly elevated Croft's profile; added as an early replacement for the suspended , he started the first two Tests and came off the bench in the third, scoring two tries in the first Test despite the Lions' 26-21 defeat. This exposure translated directly to England duties, where he became a mainstay in the back row for the 2009 Autumn Internationals and the 2010 Six Nations, contributing to the win over (16-9) in the 2009 Autumn series and to England's runners-up finish in the 2010 Six Nations. His lineout prowess and pace were key assets in Johnson's rebuilding phase. Croft featured prominently in major tournaments, including the in , where he played all four pool matches and scored a try in England's 67-3 rout of Romania. In the Six Nations, he was instrumental in England's 2012 campaign, starting all five games and scoring the match-winning try in a 24-22 victory over that secured second place overall. His total of 4 international tries underscored his opportunistic finishing, particularly in high-stakes fixtures. Croft's final appearances came during the 2015 Six Nations, where he started against (a 47-17 win) and (a 25-6 loss), bringing his cap total to 40. Subsequent exclusions from the 2015 squad stemmed from a serious injury sustained in March 2015, which sidelined him for up to six months, compounded by ongoing form and fitness concerns after prior neck issues.

British & Irish Lions tours

Tom Croft earned selection for two tours, in 2009 to and 2013 to , accumulating five Test caps and two tries across the series. His inclusion was driven by strong performances at club level with , where he demonstrated exceptional lineout skills and athleticism as a flanker. Croft joined the 2009 tour as a replacement for the suspended , initially featuring in midweek fixtures before earning a starting role in the Tests. He started the first Test against in , scoring two tries in a 26-21 defeat, becoming the first forward to achieve that feat in Lions history. Croft started the second Test in , contributing to a 28-25 loss, and came off the bench in the decisive third Test in , helping secure a 28-9 that drew the series 2-1. His emergence as a key back-row option highlighted his adaptability and impact in high-pressure environments. For the 2013 tour to , Croft was selected following a remarkable recovery from a broken sustained in , underscoring his resilience and return to peak form at . He started the first Test in , playing a pivotal role in the Lions' narrow 23-21 win over the Wallabies through strong carrying and lineout work. Croft appeared from the bench in the second Test loss in (16-15) and started again in the series-clinching third Test in , where the Lions dominated 41-16 to secure a 2-1 victory—their first series win since 1997. His contributions in the back row provided balance and experience to the squad. In total, Croft's five Lions Test caps included three from and two from , with his two tries both scored in the 2009 opener. He later reflected on the 2009 experience as a "fairytale tour," emphasizing the unique camaraderie forged among players from four nations, which contrasted with the more familiar dynamics of England internationals by fostering intense, lifelong bonds during the extended preparation and travel. Croft noted that the Lions environment amplified mutual respect and created friendships that endured beyond the pitch.

Playing style and attributes

Technical skills

Tom Croft demonstrated exceptional proficiency at the breakdown, particularly in opposition ball and securing turnovers, which became a hallmark of his play as a blindside flanker. His ability to arrive quickly and legally disrupt rucks allowed him to win possession in critical moments, such as during England's 34-10 victory over in the 2009 Six Nations, where he praised the team's overall turnover play as "excellent" following his man-of-the-match performance. In another key instance, Croft capitalized on turnover ball during a 2007 match against the New Zealand Maori, using his pace to initiate a counter-attack that stunned the opposition. These skills stemmed from his loose forward expertise, positioning him as one of Europe's top attacking No. 6s in ruck contests. Croft's lineout mechanics were enhanced by his 1.98 m (6 ft 6 in) height and athletic frame, making him a reliable jumper and stealer on opposition throws, with notable success rates contributing to team set-piece dominance. For example, he stole a lineout during England's pool match against , leading to a collapsed maul and penalty opportunity. Similarly, in a 2013 Premiership game, Croft's lineout steal pressured the opposition into errors, aiding ' late comeback. His tackling mechanics emphasized low-error execution and hard hits, characterized by world-class defensive reliability that minimized missed tackles while maximizing disruption, as seen in his consistent contributions during the 2013 tour where he started the opening Test. This physical build, combining lock-like strength with flanker agility, directly supported his set-piece and contact proficiency. In loose play, Croft excelled in ball-carrying, leveraging his lithe speed to gain ground and link with support, often outpacing backs to score or create overlaps. A prime example occurred in the 2011 Six Nations clash with , where he surged forward after an offload from , helping build momentum in a 22-16 win. His offload and support line execution was evident in his 2005 debut try assist for against , passing sharply to Leon Lloyd for a score. These carries emphasized quick decision-making over brute force, aligning with his athletic profile. Over his career, Croft adapted his technical repertoire, refining back-row passing to become more versatile and risk-tolerant in distribution. Early examples included a try-scoring pass on debut, but he evolved to incorporate bolder options, such as a risky flat pass against Saracens that, while leading to an opposition try, showcased his growing confidence in handling from the blindside. This progression redefined the blindside flanker role, blending traditional breakdown work with enhanced ball-playing skills, as he adjusted his style to fit evolving team demands throughout his 13-year professional tenure.

Physical and tactical approach

Tom Croft stood at 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) tall and weighed approximately 110 kg (17 st 5 lb) during his prime, attributes that combined with his exceptional speed to make him one of the most athletic forwards in . His pace was particularly notable for a player of his size, earning him descriptions as the "fastest forward in " due to his ability to outstrip opponents over distances like 50 meters in open play. Croft's work rate was relentless across both defense and attack, characterized by high involvement in rucks where he excelled at clearing out opponents and securing turnovers. In attack, he frequently carried the ball aggressively, leading his pack in meters gained during key matches, while in defense, his speed allowed him to cover kicks effectively and support the backline in regaining possession. This tireless effort at the breakdown and in transition play underscored his reputation as a model modern professional forward. Tactically, Croft demonstrated sharp awareness in reading opposition plays, often positioning himself to steal or slow the ball at breakdowns with clinical precision. He provided within forward packs by initiating phases of possession and linking defense to attack, as seen in his role securing multiple turnovers in high-stakes games like the Six Nations. Over his career, Croft's approach evolved from an aggressive, pace-driven style in his youth—focusing on explosive carries and finishing—to a more measured veteran game emphasizing gritty breakdown work and team-oriented contributions. This maturation, honed through dedicated training on ruck fundamentals, allowed him to regain elite form after setbacks and become a benchmark for flankers balancing flair with reliability.

Injuries and retirement

Major injuries

Croft's career was significantly hampered by a series of major injuries, most notably to his knees and , which repeatedly sidelined him from club and international rugby. These setbacks not only reduced his playing time but also affected his selection for squads during key periods. In January 2010, Croft sustained a grade two medial cruciate ligament injury to his left knee during Leicester Tigers' Heineken Cup match against Viadana, forcing him to miss the opening two rounds of the 2010 Six Nations. Scans confirmed the damage, and he underwent rehabilitation to return later in the season, though it marked the second knee issue in the 2009-10 campaign. The most severe injury occurred in April 2012, when Croft fractured his C6 vertebra in a collision during a Premiership game against at . The incident, involving a mistimed tackle, caused temporary symptoms and required immediate evaluation and to stabilize the fracture. He spent eight months in recovery, including consultations with neurosurgeons and intensive rehabilitation focused on regaining mobility and strength, before returning to competitive play in January 2013. This trauma left lasting vulnerabilities, contributing to recurring issues that persisted into later years. Knee problems continued to plague Croft in subsequent seasons. In September 2013, he ruptured his (ACL) in the opening minutes of Leicester's Premiership match against Worcester, necessitating and ruling him out for the entire 2013-14 season. An additional in October 2014 required further surgery, sidelining him for six weeks and causing him to miss England's autumn internationals. In March 2015, Croft dislocated his shoulder during Leicester's victory over Newcastle Falcons, an injury complicated by nerve damage that prompted immediate . The procedure led to a projected six-month recovery period, during which he underwent specialized rehabilitation to address the nerve involvement and restore shoulder stability. This absence extended through the latter stages of the 2015 Six Nations and the , as well as numerous club fixtures, further limiting his international opportunities.

Retirement and immediate aftermath

On 16 November 2017, Tom Croft announced his immediate retirement from professional rugby at the age of 32, forced by medical advice following a recurring that had limited his playing time in recent seasons. The Leicester Tigers forward, who had made 173 appearances for the club since 2005, stated that the decision was difficult but necessary, emphasizing the impact of significant accumulated over his career. Tributes poured in from across the rugby community, highlighting Croft's contributions as a dynamic back-row player. Leicester Tigers chief executive Simon Cohen described Croft as an "exceptional talent" who demonstrated remarkable strength of will, earning his place among the club's greatest products, and expressed that he would always be welcome at Welford Road. The Rugby Players' Association (RPA), through group CEO Damian Hopley, paid homage to Croft as a "once in a generation rugby player" whose pace, skills, and rugby intelligence were outstanding, lamenting how injuries robbed him of further years at the top while expressing confidence in his future endeavors. Rugby acknowledged his 40 international caps and role in the squad, with peers and former teammates like offering personal support in the wake of the news. Croft's emotional response underscored the personal toll of the abrupt end to his career, which he described as "brutal" and akin to a bereavement, having broken down upon confiding in close friend and teammate . He reflected on the sadness of leaving a life immersed in rugby since school, owing much to mentors, coaches, and recent World Cup-winning teammates who eased his path, while cherishing highlights like his Tigers debut, first cap, and tours. Despite the fulfillment of major achievements, Croft conveyed regret over the career being cut short by injury, preventing further contributions at club and international levels. In the immediate aftermath, Croft began contemplating his next steps with family in mind, including his wife and two young children, while admitting to an uncertain future having not fully prepared for early . The RPA provided support during this transition, offering resources to help players navigate life beyond the sport as part of their welfare services for members like Croft. He planned to remain connected to , attending games and assisting informally, signaling a gradual shift away from the pitch.

Post-retirement life

Professional endeavors

Following his retirement from professional rugby in 2017, Tom Croft transitioned into the property development sector, taking on the role of Land Manager at Davidsons Homes in 2018. In this position, he is responsible for securing residential development sites across the region, identifying suitable communities for family-oriented housing, and building relationships to uncover potential opportunities. His work emphasizes sustainable estate management, focusing on long-term community integration and site selection that supports generational livability. Croft also holds a at R2 Developments since early 2019, where he sources land acquisitions and development prospects, leveraging his local knowledge in . Croft has established himself as a , represented by agencies such as Champions Speakers, delivering talks on drawn from his experiences as a flanker and four-time Premiership winner with . His presentations often highlight resilience, reflecting on career challenges like injuries and high-stakes international play, including the . In media, Croft contributes to rugby analysis through BBC podcasts, including appearances on the Leicester Tigers Rugby Show where he discusses team strategies, player development, and the upcoming season for the club. For instance, in a September 2024 episode, he reflected on his career while previewing Leicester Tigers' Premiership campaign, offering insights into modern forward play. Additionally, Croft pursues professional interests in outdoor activities, particularly fieldsports such as deer stalking, which he has detailed in a March 2025 feature in The Field magazine. In the interview, he describes how stalking provides a sense of camaraderie akin to his rugby days, while emphasizing ethical land management practices in rural settings.

Public engagements and philanthropy

Following his retirement from professional rugby in 2017, Tom Croft has been actively involved in public advocacy, particularly through the Switch the Play Foundation, a charity supporting athletes' and career transitions. Since 2020, Croft has shared his personal experiences of post-career challenges, including the emotional toll of his career-ending neck injury, which led to his abrupt exit from in 2017. In interviews with the foundation, he described breaking down at a teammate's house upon learning he could no longer play, highlighting the many athletes face and emphasizing the need for support networks. Croft contributes by offering guidance to young players on navigating retirement, stating that Switch the Play "can take their hand, show them the pathway and offer support" to prevent similar struggles. Croft maintains an active presence on , particularly under the handle @crofty6, where he engages with over 5,000 followers by posting about rugby nostalgia and his post-career . His 2025 content includes reflections on past matches and tours, alongside glimpses into outdoor activities and life that underscore his transition beyond the . This platform allows him to connect with fans and former colleagues, fostering discussions on rugby's enduring impact. In media appearances, Croft has discussed themes of camaraderie and personal passions, notably in a March 2025 interview with The Field magazine. He reflected on the tight-knit bonds from his 173 games with , 40 England caps, and two British & Irish Lions tours (2009 and 2013), noting how he recaptured that sense of community through shooting events like those at . Croft also expressed enthusiasm for — with his , Rolo—describing a memorable trip in where he shot a young with a teammate, blending his love for the outdoors with rugby's social elements.

Honours and legacy

Individual awards

Tom Croft earned recognition for his standout performances throughout his professional rugby career, particularly as a dynamic flanker known for his lineout prowess and athleticism. Early accolades at highlighted his rapid rise, including awards for Most Improved Player and Best Newcomer during his initial seasons with the club. In the 2008/09 season, Croft was nominated for the Guinness Premiership Player of the Season, acknowledging his key contributions to Leicester's campaign, which culminated in a Premiership title. He also received a for Young Player of the Year at the Awards (PRA) that year. On the international stage, Croft's form peaked during the , where he was named Man of the Match in England's 34–10 victory over at , dominating the breakdown. This performance contributed to his nomination for the IRB International Player of the Year award later that year, placing him alongside elite players like and , though the honor ultimately went to . In 2011, Croft was again nominated for the IRB International Player of the Year award, finishing as runner-up to . Croft continued to receive club-level honors into the , including a shortlist appearance for ' Goldsmiths Player of the Month in October 2010. In the 2012/13 season, he was nominated for the club's Young Player of the Season award, reflecting his enduring influence despite mounting injury challenges.

Team successes and impact

Croft's contributions were instrumental in securing four titles during his tenure from 2005 to 2017, specifically in the seasons ending 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2013. He also played a key role in the club's European campaigns, starting in the Heineken Cup final of 2009, though fell short against . At the international level, Croft helped achieve a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2011, scoring a crucial try in their 22-16 victory over that kept the campaign on track. Additionally, he contributed to the ' 2-1 series victory over in 2013, starting in the decisive first Test win. On the international stage, Croft's performances contributed to England's strong showings, including the 2011 Six Nations Grand Slam and a quarter-final appearance that year under coach Martin Johnson. His line-out expertise and defensive work rate were pivotal in maintaining England's competitiveness in the top three globally through much of his 40-cap career from 2008 to 2015. These achievements underscored his value in high-stakes team environments, where his athleticism helped elevate collective performances. Croft's legacy extends beyond statistics, as he redefined the modern blindside flanker role through his exceptional speed, agility in the line-out, and ball-carrying ability, influencing subsequent generations of players in that position. Over his career, he amassed 173 appearances for , 40 caps for , and 5 Test caps for the Lions. Upon his retirement in 2017 due to injury, tributes from the Rugby Players' Association highlighted his talent and resilience, while Leicester's chief executive praised his unique contributions to the club's culture and success.

References

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  3. https://www.basingstokegazette.co.uk/sport/4457157.fathers-pride-at-toms-show/
  4. https://www.thefield.co.uk/features/tom-croft-interviewed-by-the-field-53930
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  9. https://www.espn.com/rugby/story/_/id/15302665/croft-pays-homage-newbury
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  24. https://www.espn.com/rugby/story/_/id/15402314/france-debut-makes-impression-croft
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  28. https://www.cnn.com/2012/03/11/sport/rugby-france-england-nations
  29. http://www.sporting-heroes.net/rugby/england/tom-croft-4119/international-rugby-union-caps_a37474/
  30. https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12321/9775552/tom-croft-could-miss-six-months-doubt-for-world-cup
  31. https://www.leicestertigers.com/news/lions-pick-owes-a-lot-to-tigers-says-croft-2013-05-01
  32. https://www.englandrugby.com/follow/news-media/which-england-players-went-2013-lions-tour-australia
  33. https://www.sixnationsrugby.com/en/m6n/news/when-afterthoughts-become-british-and-irish-lions-icons
  34. https://www.lionsrugby.com/en/news/croft-relishing-going-up-against-lions-teammates-this-season
  35. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/7945043.stm
  36. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2007/jun/03/rugbyunion.news1
  37. https://www.ultimaterugby.com/tom-croft
  38. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/rugby-world-cup/8800620/Rugby-World-Cup-2011-England-v-Scotland-live.html
  39. https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/club-rugby/mathew-tait-takes-advantage-of-leicester-s-late-pressure-8439259.html
  40. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/mar/13/england-scotland-six-nations-2011
  41. https://therpa.co.uk/news/2017/11/tom-croft-retires/
  42. https://epcr-site.soticcloud.net/player/?PlayGuid=TC546865
  43. https://www.thetimes.com/article/tom-croft-stands-out-from-the-forward-crowd-with-turn-of-foot-that-leaves-rivals-trailing-gjzkcvrj8cf
  44. https://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/308259/Tom-Croft-reaping-reward-for-getting-down-to-nitty-gritty
  45. https://www.leicestertigers.com/news/croft-set-a-new-template-for-devastating-flank-forwards
  46. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/england/5100091/Englands-Tom-Croft-is-the-model-modern-professional.html
  47. https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/4498543/croft-getting-tough
  48. https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/croft-back-on-top-with-new-england-work-ethic-7569168.html
  49. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/jan/19/tom-croft-england-leicester-ligament-injury
  50. https://www.espn.com/rugby/story/_/id/15295438/scan-confirms-croft-injury-woe
  51. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/jan/08/tom-croft-broken-neck-return
  52. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/sep/11/tom-croft-out-for-season
  53. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/oct/10/tom-croft-knee-surgery-england-autumn-internationals-leicester-tigers
  54. https://www.espn.com/rugby/story/_/id/21433379/ex-england-lions-forward-tom-croft-retires-medical-grounds
  55. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2017/11/16/tom-croft-retires-professional-rugby-immediate-effect/
  56. https://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/latest-news/303098/croft-at-crossroads-after-forced-early-retirement/
  57. https://davidsonsgroup.co.uk/2018/05/30/davidsons-homes-scores-with-appointment-of-former-professional-rugby-player/
  58. https://www.r2developments.com/team/tom-croft
  59. https://champions-speakers.co.uk/speaker-agent/tom-croft
  60. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0jpvgs3
  61. https://switchtheplay.com/stories/tom-croft/
  62. https://www.instagram.com/crofty6/
  63. https://www.lionsrugby.com/en/news/croft-expecting-battle-to-regain-tigers-spot
  64. https://www.leicestertigers.com/news/tigers-nominated-for-guinness-premiership-awards-2009-04-27
  65. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/nov/16/brian-odriscoll-irb-award
  66. https://www.sixnationsrugby.com/en/m6n/news/clarke-croft-is-a-great-international-player
  67. https://www.leicestertigers.com/news/hamilton-voted-goldsmiths-player-of-the-month-2010-10-29
  68. https://www.leicestertigers.com/news/tigers-annual-awards-nominations-revealed-2013-04-10
  69. https://www.rugbypass.com/players/tom-croft/
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