Tom Shanklin

Who is Tom Shanklin?

Tomos George L. Shanklin is a former Welsh rugby union player who played Outside Centre for Cardiff Blues and Wales. He is Wales' most-capped centre. He played club rugby for London Welsh and then Saracens, before joining Cardiff Blues in 2003.

The son of Jim Shanklin who won four caps for Wales, Tom played for Wales at Under 19, Under 21 and Wales A levels and made his first international appearance for the senior side against Japan in Tokyo in the summer of 2001, scoring two tries. He made his debut in the Six Nations Championship against France in 2001, 32 years previously his father Jim had won his first international cap against the same opponents.

At first Shanklin was regarded as a "super sub" in the Welsh side, but later established himself in the starting lineup. He produced some notable performances in the 2004 Autumn internationals, scoring eight tries in the four games. This included four tries against Romania and a spectacular try against New Zealand. He was sometimes played as a wing, but started all the 2005 Six Nations matches in his preferred position at centre.