It’s one thing being built like a brick out-house, but having the mental capacity to go into the dark confines of the front row, the ‘trenches’ of top-class rugby, is something else.
And Tom seems to have taken both the physical and the mental challenges in his stride.
He was previously a physical, hard-running centre with a low centre of gravity, a heavy leg-drive and a decent turn of pace.
But Tom has now added bulk to his frame, he’s a powerful ball-carrier up front and in his favour is the huge will to just keep going.
Moving to the front row is not just like sticking your head in an oven of the rugby field. It’s like sticking your head in there, then having the door repeatedly slammed on your neck by the guys in front of you. And the guys behind you.
Then you’re expected to retain composure quickly enough to keep a clear head and be absolutely critical to two of the most important phases of the game at lineout and scrum.
Now that takes a mental strength which goes beyond the physical sacrifices.
Tom will know that he got his opportunity because of injury to some of the guys ahead of him in the international pecking order, but if his form with Tigers hadn’t been impressive enough to get into the frame he would never have been in a position to take advantage.
It’s the situation legions of Leicester Tigers players have found themselves in over the years at the club. If you’re good enough, you’ll get a chance. If you’re good enough to make the most of that chance then the sky’s the limit.
Getting his England chance alongside six other Tigers players will have meant a great deal to Youngsy too, and the fact that one of them was little brother Ben is hugely significant.
Dad Nick was also an England cap and you can only imagine the pride of a close family in the stand at Twickenham.
Tom still has three more Tests to prepare for, against the three most daunting teams in the world, but it’s unlikely to prey on the mind of a man who has already made such a significant move.
Well done and good luck for many more years in the heart of the battle.
