Tom Sanders

Tom Bayley Sanders (born 5 February 1994) is a New Zealand rugby union player who currently plays as a loose forward for in New Zealand's domestic Mitre 10 Cup and the Crusaders in the international Super Rugby competition. He also plays as a Number 8 position.

Early career

Born in Christchurch and raised in the small town of Little River, Sanders attended Lincoln High School in the city of his birth, where he played first XV rugby for 3 years and was a member of the New Zealand Schools academy during that time. He initially played his rugby as a midfielder, but later in his teens switched to loose forward.

After graduating high school, he began studying for a Bachelor of Commerce in Agricultural Management at Lincoln University while also representing them in the local Canterbury club leagues. It was largely a season of learning for Sanders, as the presence of All Black stalwarts such as Kieran Read and Richie McCaw in the Crusaders back row meant that he didn't see any game time.

His continued good work in New Zealand's domestic rugby competitions saw him named in the squad in 2016. He scored 3 tries in 13 appearances during his first year in Hamilton as his new side reached the tournament's semi-finals before going down to New Zealand rivals, and eventual champions the in Wellington. During his time at Lincoln University, he also represented the New Zealand Universities team.

Career Honours

Canterbury

Mitre 10 Cup Premiership - 2015, 2016

Super Rugby Statistics

Season Team Games Starts Sub Mins Tries Cons Pens Drops Points Yel Red 2016 13 12 1 850 3 0 0 0 15 1 0Total 13 12 1 850 3 0 0 0 15 1 0