Watford Rugby Club’s former No. 8, Tom Franklin, took a year-long break from home to dive into the rugged world of New Zealand’s rugby. Swapping local grounds for the dramatic landscapes of Queenstown, he joined Wakatipu Rugby Club and quickly found himself entrenched in New Zealand’s celebrated country rugby scene.

Tom played 11 of the 12 regular season games, with just one absence when he traveled to Dunedin for the first All Blacks vs. England test match. In an intense season, Wakatipu claimed the prestigious White Horse Cup after a 10 year absence—New Zealand’s second-oldest rugby trophy. This triumph was one of the many high points, as the team went on to finish second in the league before ultimately bowing out in the semi-finals.

The experience went beyond just the game; with Wakatipu playing in Central Otago's 'country rugby' league, the teams enjoy physical fixtures, challenging conditions and long drives, but that only means one thing- long bus socials!

Reflecting on his journey so far, Tom’s experiences in New Zealand have created incredible memories, fresh insights into rugby culture, and the rewards of stepping into the unknown, on and off the field.