The Club is keen to follow the progress of Tom Luke, its first home grown full professional rugby player. Born 13 April 1983 [ same date as Mike Meech, though many, many years apart ] Tom joined Eastleigh Under 9 squad in 1992, alongside current first team player Peter Noonan with whom he played until Under 18 level. He captained our Junior sides at all age groups, including the Eastleigh Under 17 side which won the Hampshire Cup in the 1999/2000 season. Many of that winning team, coached by Hugh Noonan, are still playing first team rugby for Eastleigh, like Russ Smith, Adam Payne, Micky Holmes and Paul Taylor. On the County front Tom played in the Hampshire Under 15, 16, 17 sides, and captained the Hampshire Under 18 side. In 1999 Tom was a member of the Great Britain Touch Rugby Team to tour Australia. His semi and full professional career is as follows:

2000 - 2002          Bath Rugby Academy 1^st XV.

2001 - 2003          Bath University 1^st XV

2002                     England Students, two caps against Scotland & Ireland.

2003                     England Students against Combined Services.

2002 - 2003          Bristol Shoguns   [ semi-professional ].

2003 - 2005          Leonessa Rugby,  Italian Super 10 league  [ professional ].

2005 - 2006          Bedford Blues  [ professional ].

2006 - 2008          Limerick Bohemians, Ireland   [ professional ].

2007 - 2008          Doncaster RFC [ professional ].

2008 -                   Cornish Pirates  [ professional ].

Tom has now finished his two year contract at Limerick Bohemians having spent part of last season on loan to Doncaster RFC. Tom was able to finish his fitness/coaching degree course at Limerick University before moving back to the mainland. Tom was originally signed as a fly-half at National One Club Doncaster, but also turned out at centre and flanker. He was in the top 20% of National One points scorers for the 2007/08 season. For the 2008/09 season Tom has been offered a very good two year contract with National One Club Cornish Pirates at inside centre/fly-half, and is currently looking for accommodation in Truro. The Club wish him a good and injury free season in the West Country.