Bassett regular Tom Sharpe played a bobby dazzler last week when he was selected for England Police RUFC for a match against GB Fire Service.
22 year old Tom is a Community Police Officer for Wiltshire Police constabulary and regularly plays full back or left wing for Bassett’s senior sides. “I started playing for RWBRFC at the age of 6 and have been through every age group, now playing for the senior teams.”
Tom was referred for a two day trial with EPRUFC after being spotted playing at RWBRFC. He and a colleague who plays locally for Chippenham RFC are the only two representatives from Wiltshire Police.
The match against GB Fire Service on Wednesday was held at Stourbridge RFC in the West Midlands. “We enjoyed some fantastic facilities,” said Tom. “The pinnacle was a brand new 4G pitch, which was paradise to play on, being a back.”
Bassett Teammate
The game proved to be a well-fought battle between two strong teams. After a thrillingly close first half, Tom was called off the bench to play out on the left wing. But Tom wasn’t the only RWBRFC player to take to the pitch, with Bassett’s No. 8 Kyle Lovell having been selected for GB Fire Service.
“I wasn’t aware that Kyle would be playing until only the night before,” said Tom. “As a Bassett teammate, Kyle is a top player who can supply both experience and the physicality to go forward. Unfortunately, this time, Kyle was playing for the opposition. I was well aware of his dangerous running and power and knew he would have to be shut down quickly.”
“When I came on I knew I only had 40 minutes to show our coaches and the committee what I’m made of,” said Tom. “I tried to do what I always do, and get out on the pitch to enjoy myself. I was really happy with my start, making a few line-breaks and offloads, which helped settle my nerves”.
Tom’s confidence grew when he managed to secure a debut try after receiving the ball 15 meters out. This helped England Police pull away in the second half, eventually winning the game 41-31.
'World Cup' Selection
But this won’t be the last time that Tom will pull on the EPRUFC jersey. “I found out recently that I have been selected for the England Police World Cup squad that will enter the International Police Championships in Hong Kong this September,” Tom revealed.
“After completing my debut with EPRUFC, the Director Of Rugby pulled me aside and asked me to have a chat with the committee. It was then that they tabled an offer of joining the 26 man squad in Hong Kong,” explained Tom. “I was absolutely blown away with the offer, but I know that the hard work is not yet done and I must put in the hours in the gym to be ready for my biggest opportunity playing rugby.”
Sponsorship hopes
The England police rugby committee has agreed to subsidise some of the costs of the trip to Hong Kong - however Tom is hoping to fundraise to help meet the costs for travel.
"I've had a few people ask if they can donate to help fulfill this trip so I can participate in such a prestigious international tournament, so I thought setting up a Fundraising Page would be the best route to take. So today I ask for your support in making this opportunity happen" Tom said. "I am not expecting to hit the target, but any contributions toward my end goal would be hugely appreciated."
