Tom Briscoe is preparing for a farewell appearance for Hull FC against Leeds Rhinos on Friday night at AMT Headingley, bringing a long career and an impressive academic journey into the same spotlight.
Briscoe, who has spent most of his career with Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos, has now completed a PhD in Sports Science at Leeds Beckett University. The final game adds another chapter to a career that has lasted 19 seasons and produced well over 200 tries.
A career that grew alongside study
Briscoe’s path back into education began at the end of 2014, when he started a sport and exercise science degree. By then, he had already established himself as a top-level player, winning the Lance Todd Trophy in 2015 and continuing to build on a career that began almost two decades ago.
He said the idea of university had been there for a while, but rugby pushed it to one side after his debut. When he later moved from Hull to Leeds, he became aware of the partnership between the Rhinos and Leeds Beckett, and that helped bring the thought back. He eventually started the degree at the end of 2014 and completed it over six years as a part-time student, taking him through the Covid year.
Briscoe also spoke about the support he received from Rugby League Cares education grants for players in the Super League and the Championship. He said the grants were a big help, noting that university is not cheap and that the costs of family life and everything else can quickly add up.
Why the support matters
Steve McCormack said Briscoe is exactly the kind of player the education grants are designed to support. He said that playing Rugby League at the highest level for almost two decades is a fantastic achievement and one that will be recognised this weekend by supporters of both Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos, the two clubs where Briscoe has spent most of his career.
McCormack also said Briscoe has shown real commitment and discipline by combining his playing career with a degree and then a PhD, setting a strong example for other players. He added that the grants are there to help as many players as possible study while they are still playing, and to help with the transition after rugby.
Briscoe said that was part of his own thinking from the start. He wanted to make the most of his spare time away from the game and prepare for life after rugby. He added that he started out young, saw a lot of players leave the sport when they were not fully prepared, and did not want that to happen to him.
Now, with a PhD completed and a farewell appearance coming at AMT Headingley, Briscoe’s final run-out is set to reflect both sides of his career: a long-standing Rugby League career and a determination to build for what comes next.
