Tom
Shanklin

Tom Shanklin is a former centre and winger who was capped 70 times by Wales. Discover more about his career with RugbyPass, your resident rugby gurus.

Tom Shanklin Bio

Tom Shanklin was a formidable centre and wing who was capped 70 times by Wales before his retirement in 2011. Born 24 November 1979, Tom Shanklin enjoyed a stellar domestic career. Before joining the Cardiff Blues in 2003, he played for London Welsh and Saracens.

After joining the Cardiff Blues in 2003, Tom Shanklin stayed with the side for almost a decade. In doing so, he made more than 100 appearances for the club and scored 140 points.

Thanks to his performances for the domestic sides he represented throughout his career, Tom Shanklin was called up to represent Wales on 70 occasions between 2001 and 2010. On these appearances, he scored 100 points.

Initially, Tom Shanklin was regarded as a ‘super sub’ for Wales. However, he did later establish himself in the starting line-up. During his time for Wales, he scored 20 tries, which places him on the list of record try-scorers for his country.

In addition to this, Tom Shanklin was also called into two British and Irish Lions squads. Sadly though, he suffered a knee injury early in the 2005 tour of New Zealand and had to be replaced in the squad. Similarly, in 2009, he ultimately had to miss the tour of South Africa because he required reconstructive surgery on his shoulder.

Sadly, in 2011, Tom Shanklin was forced to announce his retirement from the game after a fourth operation on his knee. Since, he’s set up his own hospitality company and works for a company that specialises in event solutions. On top of this, he hosts a successful podcast alongside David Flatman.