Tommy Reffell, born on April 27, 1999, in Bridgend, Wales, is a professional rugby union player who plays as a flanker for Leicester Tigers in the Premiership and represents the Wales national team. Known for his leadership qualities and dynamic playing style, Reffell has made significant strides in both club and international rugby.
Tommy Reffell Early Life and Development
Reffell began his rugby journey at the young age of four with his local club, Pencoed RFC. His talent was quickly recognized, leading him to join the Ospreys under-16s. At just 15 years old, he moved to England to join the Leicester Tigers academy, where he continued to develop his skills and leadership abilities. His early career was marked by his captaincy of the Wales Under-18s in 2017 and the Under-20s in 2018, showcasing his potential as a leader on the field.
Professional Career
Leicester Tigers
Reffell made his senior debut for Leicester Tigers in November 2017 during an Anglo-Welsh Cup match against Bath. Over the next few seasons, he established himself as a key player for the Tigers, earning praise for his performances. In March 2020, he was awarded the Premiership Rugby Cup Breakthrough Player award for his impressive contributions during that year's competition.
His standout performances continued into the 2021-2022 season, culminating in a starting position during the Premiership final where Leicester triumphed over Saracens 15-12. Reffell's versatility and work rate on the field have made him a vital asset for his club.
International Career
Reffell's international career began with the Wales U20 team, where he played every minute of the World Rugby U20 Championships in Argentina in 2019. He was later included in the senior Wales squad for their summer tour to South Africa in 2022. He made his senior debut on July 2, 2022, against South Africa in Pretoria and quickly made an impact by winning the Man of the Match award in a subsequent match against South Africa, marking Wales's first victory on South African soil.
As of now, Reffell has earned over 13 caps for Wales and continues to be a prominent figure in their back row as they prepare for future competitions.
Playing Style and Strengths
Reffell is known for his aggressive tackling and ability to turn over possession at crucial moments. His leadership skills are complemented by a strong physical presence; standing at 1.84 meters (6 feet) and weighing around 104 kg (16 st 4 lbs), he combines size with agility on the field. His experience as a captain at various youth levels has translated well into his senior career, allowing him to lead by example both at Leicester Tigers and with the national team.
Tommy Reffell Conclusion
Tommy Reffell's journey from grassroots rugby in Bridgend to representing Wales on the international stage exemplifies dedication and talent. With a promising career ahead of him, Reffell is poised to become one of Welsh rugby's standout players as he continues to develop his skills and contribute significantly to both club and country. His performances will be closely watched as he aims to solidify his place within the Welsh national setup and achieve further success with Leicester Tigers.
