The end of the season for Falmouth Rugby's first XV, also marked the end of a remarkable playing career for Eagles captain Tom Spiller.

Tom celebrating the captains award in 2019 (Image: Falmouth Rugby)

Tom, known universally as "Spills", started his playing career in his hometown aged 17 a mere 20 years ago. Since then, he's played over 400 first-team games for the club and captained the side for the past 5 seasons.

Tom took to social media to say hes hanging up his boots (Image; Tom Spiller)

Tom's playing career has featured distinct stints at most positions on the pitch with seasons at scrum-half, fly-half, wing, centre, and in the back row. When asked what position he played, he himself often couldn't answer but always be willing to pull on a shirt, whether that be 6 right through to 15.

His career wasn't always straightforward though - he took a leave of absence circa 2008 to play football after a nasty head injury away at Okehampton. The pull of The Recreation Ground quickly became too great and he was soon back in the black and white.

Tom back in 2013 (Image: Falmouth Rugby)

Spiller took over the captaincy in the 2018-19 season from Justyn Irons, an appointment made by the Director of Rugby at the time Graham Whitmore. At the time, Spiller mentioned his philosophy as captain was to "lead from the front", it was a "huge pride" and that "Falmouth is what I am".

Reflecting on Spiller's appointment, Graham said:

"My sincere congratulations to Tom for all he has achieved on the pitch for Falmouth over many years and on his well-deserved retirement as a player. Above all, he has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport as a player and captain and personifies the true values of rugby.

"During my time as coach of Falmouth, Tom showed himself to be particularly talented andversatile player, comfortable in a number of positions, whether it be scrum half, back row or centre and I hugely appreciated his positivity when putting the benefit of the team ahead of his own personal preferences.

"He is an exceptional and inspirational leader of others and is widely respected throughout, Cornwall and beyond by opponents, officials, and supporters of the game. His commitment, dedication and humility displayed through both good and indeed, challenging times with Falmouth Rugby is without question and the club is indeed very fortunate that he will nowcontinue his involvement as Director of Rugby. Whilst we still have people like Tom leading the way at Falmouth, the future of the club and the game is in good hands."

Tom's final game in the black and white against Crowborough away in the semi-final of the Papa John's cup (Image: Falmouth Rugby)

On playing rugby in Cornwall, Tom said in an interview with CRFU in 2019 "The passion for rugby in Cornwall is truly unbelievable, from the thousands of people who support the county side every year to the volunteers who give up their time to make rugby clubs around the county what they are. These people are so valuable to their clubs and we couldn't do what we do without them!"

His biggest rugby achievement came as part of the league-winning team of 2016/17, in which he played over 20 games. Spiller was known as a threat in attack and fearless in defence with line breaks and turnovers both in abundance, right through to his final season. He'll go down as one of the club's great leaders on the pitch, with his captaincy longer than any other in the club's history at 5 seasons.

The club's Chair John Bullock spoke of how he's "lost count of the number of trophies with Spiller's name on" and also that "there's more to Spills, not only is he a great player, a real team person and superb clubman, he's a thoroughly nice bloke and I feel really privileged and honoured to call him my friend."

John Bullock went on to say: "Spiller's retirement comes at a fitting time for the club, which has been celebrating its 150th year. He moves onto a spot on the leadership team as Head of Rugby, a position those close to him know he will exceed at after coaching the side for the final 3 months of the season.

"Spiller's loyalty to our great community club will hopefully be handed down to future generations as an excellent role model.

"On behalf of all at Falmouth Rugby, thank you for one hell of a shift Spills, and let's get cracking with the next chapter."