Rising Star Tomo Clark Joins Cornwall RLFC: What It Means for the Team

Cornwall RLFC are excited to announce the signing of Samoan prop Tomo Clark.

The 18-year-old, eligible to play for New Zealand and England through his birthplace and heritage respectively, will join the Choughs until the end of the 2024 Betfred League 1 season.

A Promising Young Talent

Clark honed his rugby skills at Howick Hornets and Ellersile Eagles. His impressive journey in representative rugby includes playing for both the Auckland Blues and New Zealand Warriors under-18 teams. Last year, he participated in the prestigious Dean Bell Cup, an Auckland Rugby League competition named after the legendary Kiwi and Wigan Warriors star.

Transitioning from Union to League

Earlier this year, Clark showcased his versatility by playing for the Peterborough Lions in rugby union, where he scored two notable tries in their Papa John’s Cup final defeat to Beverley at Darlington Mowden Park.

Reflecting on his move to Cornwall RLFC, Tomo Clark shared his enthusiasm: “I’m young and Cornwall is the perfect place for me to make my rugby league breakthrough. The lifestyle and the place is very much like being back home in New Zealand with the weather and the beaches. But I’m not here for that really, those things are just a bonus as I’m with Cornwall to train hard and, as I say, make that breakthrough. I’m like most Samoan islanders in the respect that I carry hard, tackle hard and like every player at my age, want to carry off the back fence like Junior Paulo. I can’t wait to get stuck in with Cornwall as it is a great club with a great coaching staff and players. Everyone has been very welcoming and I can’t wait to show the fans what I can do.”

Coach’s Perspective

Cornwall RLFC head coach Mike Abbott expressed his confidence in Clark’s potential: “Tomo is someone we have been aware of for a while now. He’s been playing a bit of rugby union so it won’t take much for him to get up to speed fitness wise with the rest of the boys. Another option in the middle of the park is good for us as well because we have struggled in that area because of injury and unavailability at times this year. Tomo fits the bill off the field in terms of what we are looking for in a Cornwall player and I have seen first-hand that he has fitted in well with the rest of the group. We took him to Hunslet last weekend to get a feel for it all and we couldn’t be happier with the way he has settled in.”

Clark’s addition to the team is a strategic move for Cornwall RLFC as they look to bolster their squad and navigate the challenges of the upcoming season. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see what this young talent brings to the pitch.