Micky's Pembrokeshire
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 Scarlets’ move pays dividends Tom also played for Tasker Milward School and then moved on to Pembrokeshire College , where he played under the watchful eye of Ken Davies from September to February before being selected for the Scarlets’ under 18s. In his second season with the Scarlets they won the regional cup as they beat the Ospreys, Blues and then the Dragons in the final at the Millennium Stadium – and Tom also enjoyed two seasons with the Scarlets’ under 20s, as well as winning his Welsh Colleges’ cap as he propped against their counterparts from England at Dunvant.. This success was followed by selection for the British Colleges’ XV which took on the Scottish Universities at Esher , with Kyle Davies as another local representative who played in the back row. They also took on Bath at the famous Recreation Ground in the city – and it was a treat to play in front of such a large and vociferous crowd. South Africa-bound Another major event in Tom’s playing career came when he went with Steve Martin to South Africa to play rugby for ten weeks, turning out for the Jaguars, who were the Sharks’ developmental team and trained every day. He was coached by Balie Swart, who had played for South Africa in the 1995 World Cup, and Johan Miller, with French star Freddie Michalek also there for a couple of sessions when they worked at ball-handling skills. Just prior to that spell in South Africa , Tom had toured Dubai with Pembrokeshire Youth in 2008, playing alongside Kyle Davies, Steve and Chris Martin as they achieved very good results there. |
 Help at Narberth Back in Narberth, Tom would say, “Sean Gale has given me lots of help as forwards’ coach, whilst Justin Hughes, who is a fellow prop and team captain, is always ready to give me advice – and I am ready to take it from such an experienced player!” Tom has already won a Pembrokeshire Knock Out Cup winners’ medal as the Otters beat Whitland at Haverfordwest, although he was sin-binned after being involved in a minor skirmish with Randall Williams – but felt that he played well for 70 minutes! This season has also seen Tom score his first try in Division One (West), to his evident delight! Family support – and looking forward Ask Tom about other influences on his rugby and he would immediately nominate parents, Vanessa and Jason, who have willingly ferried him to matches, especially ‘up the line’ on wet winter evenings, whilst his girl-friend, Helen Humphreys, is also a great supporter. Ask him about ambitions and Tom would say that his first target is to secure a regular spot in the Narberth first team, with anything else as a bonus. He is clearly eager to do well and PembrokeshireSport.co.uk is confident that we are going to hear a great deal more of Tom Slater in the world of rugby because he knows exactly what is needed and is ready to work really hard to achieve success! |
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