After a hugely successful season as part of the EURFC 1st XV, we are thrilled to announce that centre Tom Hitchcock has signed his first professional contract with London Irish.

The Brentford-based side have some pedigree when it comes to allowing young players to flourish and Hitchcock will be hoping that he can continue to develop and progress, after an outstanding season for EURFC.

Having started the BUCS Super Rugby season on the bench against Swansea, Hitchcock quickly became a key cog for an Exeter side that secured their first BUCS National Championship since 2016, opening the try scoring in the final at Sixways with a typically rumbustious carry.

Reflecting on the news, Hitchcock admitted that a lifelong dream was coming true as he steps into the professional game.

"I’m so excited to start my professional career with London Irish. It’s been the dream for a long time now, so I’m very grateful it’s come true. Ever since a young age I’ve wanted to play rugby professionally."

Hitchcock had previously been part of the Saracens academy before coming to university and he admitted that it hasn't been the straightest of roads into the professional game.

"I was at the Saracens academy form 15-18, however that didn’t quite work out as I wasn’t ready then. I chose to come to Exeter as I knew the rugby programme was excellent having watched them play against Hartpury in the BUCS final at Twickenham in 2017," he explained.

"I didn’t have the straightest of roads here either, playing in the 3rd team in second year. But I continued to work very hard over lockdown and was lucky enough to be part of a great team this year."

London Irish have made a name for themselves in recent seasons, with their youthful side producing devastating attacking performances that saw them eventually finish 8th place, securing a spot in the Heineken Champions Cup next season.

Hitchcock wants to achieve his full potential as a player and feels that playing alongside world class talent at London Irish will only help with that.

"I just want to reach my full potential, whatever that may be and London Irish is certainly a fantastic place to do that. I can’t wait to work with world class players and be part of a team that plays a very exciting brand of rugby. I’m certainly aware that the hard work only starts now as the competition is so high but I’m very determined to put the hard yards in."

Hitchcock finished the season with four tries in nineteen BUCS Super Rugby appearances for EURFC and credited the role that the club has played in his development.

"I hope to make the coaches and my former teammates proud at EURFC who have played such a big role in my development. I know I have made friends and memories for life both on and off the field, and look forward to following those staying on closely next year in BUCS Super Rugby."

All at EURFC are thrilled to see Tom making the step up into the professional game and wish him the best of luck at London Irish.