Full steam ahead for Thomas 'The Tank'

An integral part of the Chiefs in recent seasons, not only has ‘Thomas the Tank’ brought a glut of tries, but his big-game experience, his willingness to carry ball all day, and his deceptive footballing skills have made him arguably one of Rob Baxter’s shrewdest signings since taking charge at Sandy Park.

Perhaps keen to prove a point to some following his exit after four years at Welford Road, Waldrom has thrived in the Exeter environment, unearthing not only a new zest for the game, but establishing himself amongst a group of players who – in some cases – have still yet to hit the summit of their own development.

“Winning the title at the back of last season was just amazing,” said Waldrom. “To be involved in the occasion and to be part of that whole journey, it was just very special for all of us and something I will never forget.

“We’ve got a special group of players here and it’s a great environment to be in. It’s one of those environments you won’t find anywhere else. I’ve been lucky enough to play at four or five very big rugby clubs during my career, but I don’t think any of them come close to what we have here, it’s very special.”

On or off the field, Waldrom insists the togetherness of the playing squad is what makes the Chiefs tick – and what he feels has been instrumental in the rise of the club from days in the RFU Championship to that of title winners and mixing with Europe’s elite.

“Seeing the ambition Rob had for the club when I first signed and where he wanted to take the club, I knew I wanted to be part of that moving forward,” explained the New Zealand-born forward. “To be on this ride has been amazing, but equally they have been building this for a long time. They had that core group when they first came up, all of whom had a point to prove, and over the years they have just added to it.

“As I said, it’s nice to be part of that ride, but I’ve also been here at a very good time in the history of the club. Some of the players we’ve brought through over the years, they’ve come through the academy system and now they are international stars.”

And among those that Waldrom has seen emerge out of the shadows is fellow back-rower, Sam Simmonds. Seen as the potential, long-term heir to the Waldrom throne, the all-action Devonian has literally taken off this season.

Three England caps accrued during the Autumn series, a plethora of eye-catching displays, plus six league tries already in the bag, Waldrom acknowledges it’s only right that his younger team-mate is making big waves within the modern-day game.

“Sam’s a very special player – and that’s what you want,” added Waldrom, who himself has four England caps to his name. “When I first arrived here we had Dave Ewers, an unbelievable talent and still is. He’s been unlucky with injuries over the last couple of years, but I rate him as one of the best players I have played alongside.

“Now, Sam is right up there alongside him. You can get jealous of what he can do on the pitch, his speed, his power, he has everything. At the same time, he’s worked bloody hard to get where he has. He’s come through the system, which is great for the club, but he’s been given an opportunity and he’s taken it with both hands, so fair play to him for that. Fingers crossed he can continue to move forward and keep doing what he is doing.”