Dorking RFC

On behalf of everyone at Dorking RFC we share a heartfelt thank you and farewell (on the pitch, at least) to Tom Bristow, who has announced his decision to retire from rugby.

Tom’s journey with Dorking began as a fresh-faced 18-year-old, full of promise and potential. That promise quickly turned into a professional career that spanned some of the sport’s most competitive environments, including time with Premiership clubs such as Wasps, Sale Sharks and Leicester Tigers, before going on to play for one of France’s most historic clubs, RC Narbonne, and then in Hong Kong.

But it’s the final chapter of that journey that we’ll remember most fondly.

Since returning to the club four seasons ago, Tom has given much more than just powerful scrummaging and experience on the pitch. Through his wealth of knowledge and experience he has inspired, mentored and coached a number of his younger teammates whilst also working closely with our Youth Development Pathway (YPD), helping to shape the next generation of Dorking players. His passion, energy, and humility have left a lasting mark with the whole club - from the 1st XV squad to the youth players coming through the ranks.

Whether in training or on matchdays, Tom has consistently led from the front and embodied everything we value as a club: commitment, teamwork, and pride in the shirt.

Tom, thank you for everything. Enjoy the well-earned rest (we’re sure you’ll still find yourself down at the Big Field from time to time), and know you’ll always be part of the Dorking family.

Reflecting on his decision, Tom shared the following: “The time has come to hang up the rugby boots and wear the supporters hat!

Dorking RFC has been my safe haven since navigating life post professional rugby. The work experience I received through sponsors was invaluable in my transition to my current employer, for that I am incredibly grateful, a big thank you to Andy Webb in allowing this to happen.

To all the players during my time at Dorking RFC, Hold Tight! The memories made each week is what makes rugby so special. It’s been a pleasure.

To a true Dorking legend, Armand, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to come back, I loved every minute on and off the pitch.

To the supporters, volunteers, physios and bar staff; you make the club special and give players the extra boost, on and off the pitch. There’s nothing better than hearing WACOMB during a match, although I will miss hearing it as a player, I am excited to sing it for the boys next season from the touch line.

Finally, to my darling family, I love you all so much and I am so lucky to have an amazing support system. Very excited for our next chapter.

See you at The Big Field for the 25/26 season!

Bristow

#WACOMB”

Director of Rugby, Armand Roux, added: “I’m massively proud of the journey Tom has been on and our relationship transcends your generic coach - player.

At first it was being a team mate of Tom, aged 18, and supporting his development. Then it was as a Supporter while he was in his incredible Professional journey and afterwards as a co-coach as he returned as a player coach while he was finding his feet post professional rugby.

Through all of this, Tom has been the same guy. Humble, respectful, dedicated and of course a fountain of knowledge supporting our young and aspiring front rowers.

I can only but Thank Tom for everything he has done for Dorking. This includes the pathway support to doing a dreaded 80 mins as a prop on both sides of the scrum in wet february!

He has a beautiful family and I truly wish him all the best as he retires from 1st Team rugby.

The supporter stands and derelicts rugby awaits.

Thanks Tom.”