Scottish lock Tom relishing physical challenge

SCOTTISH Highlands second row Tom Smith has signed on for another year with Luctonians having revelled in his first season in the English National Leagues.

The 6ft 5in lock, who weighs in at 16st 5lbs, relishes the physicality of the English game and has embraced the step up to semi-professional rugby.

Smith, 22, said: “I really enjoy it because it’s a different style of rugby than I’m used to. I enjoy it more because of the higher skill level and the size of the players as well.

“Luctonians are a club that come together to do things, they are all as one and there’s no different groups which is great.

“The National Leagues fit the style of play I like to play – I like to embrace the physicality of the league.”

Last season Smith excelled for Luctonians playing 26 games and scoring five tries as his side finished eighth in National 2 North after winning nine of their last 15 games, including a 24-7 victory on the last day of the season against title winners Hull.

Former Scotland U20s international Smith believes his side has what it takes to break into the top three and even push for the title.

Smith said: “I’m really excited for next season because even though we started off slow, after Christmas we started playing really good rugby and we beat some of the top five teams.

“We finished the season beating the league winners, so on a huge high. It’s not just me, it’s the coaches as well, everyone is just buzzing for next season because we really do think now, we’ve got a great shot to finish top three or maybe even first.”

Smith reveals that it was a difficult move at first with his journey back home to see his family taking nine hours by car but is now embracing his new surroundings.

He said: “The journey is not ideal and it took me a good few months to get used to being away from home but once I get my head around it I’ve enjoyed it since and I’m now really fond of the area.”