The ball wasn't always in Tom's court

As he continues Premiership season with London Irish, at the age of 34 Court can look back on an illustrious career already.

Growing up in Brisbane, Court has now played in Australia, Ireland and England as well as racking up 32 Ireland caps and featuring on the 2013 British & Irish Lions tour.

But his first foray into rugby was somewhat fortuitous as he only took up the sport in 2004 in order to lose weight after excelling as a shot putter and being crowned Australian University Champion for three years running. Court also had Olympic trials in 2002 for shot putting but the Exile insists he wouldn't have it any other way.

"I didn't actually play my first game of rugby until I was 24 as I had specialised in athletics and rowing through to the end of high school," said Court.

"I guess I had the underlying strength and power base, we did a lot of lifting with shot put and a lot of short sprints and jumps and it was just learning how to play," he added.

Court recalls the day when he first put on the emerald jersey.

"My Ireland debut was against Italy in the Six Nations in 2009. That was obviously one of the highlights of my career and it is hard to put into words the feeling of running out for your first international cap. I was very lucky as that year we won the Grand Slam.

"It was very strange getting invited to come down and play for the Lions as I was assuming the phone call from Guy Richardson was a prank call and then realising that it wasn't was great.

"Just seeing all those world class guys together in one team and everyone being so nice and friendly and welcoming to you, it is almost scary in a way because it is one of those things where the actual pinnacle is to play for the Lions."