Doncaster Knights Director of Rugby Brett Davey brings back another successful player from the Knights past with the signing of Tom Luke from last seasons RFU Championship playoff finalists the Cornish Pirates.
The Scarborough born player began his career at Bristol, moving onto two seasons in Italy before making his way to Doncaster Knights in the 07/08 season and showing his versatility. More correctly described as a “versatility back” than a utility back, the 6’ 15 stone 8 playmaker is at home as a fly half as he is a centre and has stepped up in other positions when called for. During his first spell at Doncaster, Tom eased the Knights through a back row injury crisis by pulling on the number 7 shirt and giving flanker his best shot, outlining one of the reasons Davey chased his signature.
“With Tom Luke you know the package you are going to get,” Davey explained “it is not just his flexibility but his reliability I have signed him for, Tom is a player with a huge heart for the game who plays every moment with drive and determination. When the Pirates hit the play offs, Tom came into his own and he can expect to play a lot of Rugby this season for Doncaster as his creativity, work rate and decision making fit right in the mix I am trying to build.”
Known for adding strength as well as creativity to a back line Davey outlined just why players of his stature fit well in the current lineup. “If you can imagine the strength and attacking versatility of a Centre pairing of PJ Gidlowe and Tom Luke, backed by the guile and experience of Paul Devlin a jigsaw begins to take shape. PJ Gidlowe was the base of much of our attacking play last season and to have the opportunity for both PJ and Tom Luke to defend and attack as a duo you give yourself a balance and variation in your play”.
With 26 of the 27 man squad now announced at Castle Park this is the ideal opportunity to book your season ticket, the best value way of seeing all of the action this coming season. See www.drfc.co.uk for details