Rebuilding Through Injury: An Honest Conversation with OE Tom
RGS Athlete Development Programme (ADP) pupils welcomed back Old Elizabethan Tom Berry this week for a powerful and thought-provoking talk on injury, recovery and identity in sport. Tom, founder of Rebuild, returned to School to share his personal experiences of multiple surgeries and concussions sustained during his ongoing Rugby career, offering pupils an honest insight into the realities of life beyond the pitch.
Having progressed through competitive Rugby from a young age and gone on to sign a professional contract overseas, Tom spoke candidly about the physical setbacks he encountered and the emotional challenges that followed. He reflected on the pressure often placed on athletes to remain “relentless” and to push through adversity, challenging the narrative frequently seen across social media and elite sport.
Central to Tom’s message was the importance of acceptance and rest. He encouraged pupils to recognise that recovery is not a sign of weakness, but a vital and disciplined part of long-term performance and wellbeing. Drawing on his own journey, he spoke about the impact injury can have on identity, particularly when sport forms such a significant part of a young person’s sense of self.
Through his platform, Rebuild, Tom now works to create space for athletes to share their experiences of injury openly, helping to elevate conversations around mental health within sport. He urged pupils to pursue interests and ambitions beyond their athletic pathways, ensuring they develop a strong sense of identity that extends further than the game they play.
Tom really enjoyed his Rugby at RGS and famously was Captain of the RGS 1st XV team that won the Modus Cup match in 2018 at Sixways Stadium. The team ran in 5 tries in a tremendous match that saw RGS win 31-13. Tom led from the front in that match and throughout his Rugby career at the School.
The session for the ADP pupils provided a valuable perspective for our aspiring athletes, and we are grateful to Tom for returning to his School to speak so honestly and generously about his experiences.
