Tom Kingston

Tom Kingston was the standout in NSW’s annus horribilis of 2012, and the young winger is poised for another big year and possibly his first Wallabies cap. Image: Getty Images

New recruit Israel Folau might be getting all the headlines, but the Waratahs have another flyer in their ranks making waves.

Tom Kingston was the standout in NSW’s annus horribilis of 2012, and the young winger is poised for another big year and possibly his first Wallabies cap.

What's His Story?

Born in Sydney but spending his formative years living  in both Hong Kong and on the harbour city’s north shore, Tom Kingston enjoyed a mixed rugby education. A Mosman Whales and Manly Marlins junior, he also spent time with Stanley Fort Rugby Club in Hong Kong. He attended North Sydney’s St Aloysius’ College, outside of the GPS stronghold, but this did little to halt his development. After representing the Australian Schoolboys, Kingston linked with the Waratahs in 2011 and was selected in the Australian side for the IRB Junior World Championship. He was also selected for the Australian Sevens team but had to miss out due to his NSW commitments. The winger made his Super Rugby debut against the Blues at Eden Park that season, making four appearances in total and winning the 2011 Young Waratah of the Year award, but it would be the 2012 season where he would really catch fire. With Wallaby wingers Drew Mitchell and Lachie Turner ruled out for most of 2012 with long-term injuries, Kingston, a converted winger from the centres, was handed the right wing position. The Sydney University player did not disappoint.

That year might’ve been a horrific one for NSW, with the team stuck in poor form ‒ missing the semi-finals and coach Michael Foley eventually exiting ‒ but it was breakout time for Kingston. He appeared in 15 matches  and scored four tries, impressing observers with his composure and pure speed. Kingston became a permanent fixture in the side last season, with his ball-carrying and try-scoring ability a real threat. This season the Waratahs might be stacked with quality backs, with Mitchell and Turner returning, not to mention Adam Ashley-Cooper, Rob Horne and Berrick Barnes in their ranks (as well as Folau), but Kingston isn’t concerned. The 190cm-tall winger is training the house down to keep his spot.

Who's He Like

Fantastic athlete, hard worker, great speed, can score a try. These are the most common descriptions thrown at Kingston, the rugby player with the huge IQ – one Sydney newspaper dubbed him as possibly being “the smartest man in rugby”. Kingston is currently studying a commerce degree at university and is noted for his dedication, to both sport and study, and for his professionalism. “He’s very diligent about his training and his rugby in general,” says Chris Malone, Sydney University’s first grade coach. “He wants to learn all the time and he works hard, does extras.”

The 21-year-old has been likened by some to former Queensland and Australian winger Ben Tune. “The way he sniffs out a try is a little reminiscent of Ben,” Malone says. Alan Gaffney, Waratahs assistant coach, agrees. “He’s a much younger version of someone like Tune. Another thing Tommy can do is find the line.” While his rise up the Super Rugby ranks has been fast, it isn’t over yet. Kingston has his eyes on a gold jumper, and the Waratahs back has the ability and the work ethic to make it a reality. “If he continues to work hard, I can’t see why not,” Malone says. Gaffney, who is a former Wallaby assistant mentor and has coached extensively in the UK, believes Kingston has what it takes to make that step eventually. “He has the potential to play for the Wallabies one day. I think probably not tomorrow, but given the opportunity he wouldn’t let anyone down, even now.”

What Do They Say?

"He’s an extremely good athlete. Tommy’s very intelligent. He’s a very, very easy guy to coach in the fact that he’s always willing to learn and always willing to listen." ‒ NSW Waratahs assistant coach Alan Gaffney

"He’s got blistering speed; you can’t coach that. He knows his way to the tryline. He’s got a big work rate. Tom’s a pretty complete rugby player."‒ Sydney University first grade coach Chris Malone