Representing London Welsh, Saracens, Cardiff Blues, Wales, Barbarians and the British and Irish Lions, Shanks enjoyed an illustrious career spanning over a decade before a knee injury forced him to retire from the game in 2011.

This testimonial year is a totally new challenge for the star who is planning a year of exciting events, including Golf Days, a Ladies Night, Gala Dinners and Six Nations Special Dinner and White-Collar Boxing Evening.

The Tom Shanklin Testimonial year provides an opportunity for Shanks' supporters from Wales and beyond to pay tribute to this hugely dedicated servant of the sport, his region and his country.

The testimonial has been awarded to Tom Shanklin by Cardiff Blues. Speaking at the launch event, Cardiff Blues Chief Executive, Robert Norster, said;

"Tom has been an outstanding and consistent performer at the very highest level of the game who's glittering career has sadly been cut short by injury. It is most appropriate therefore that the Blues are able to award such a stalwart the opportunity to benefit from this testimonial season. On behalf of everyone at the Blues I wish him and his Family every success in the year ahead as he begins the next exciting chapter of his life."

A prolific try scorer, Shanks total of 20 tries for Wales, places him 5th-equal in the all time list of Welsh international record try scorers, alongside such legends as Gerald Davies and Gareth Edwards. Blues director, Gareth Edwards commented;

"Throughout his impressive career Tom has been a wonderful player for the Blues, Wales and indeed the Lions. He is a rugby man of the highest calibre who continues to be a great ambassador of our national sport and I wish him every success in what I'm sure will be an equally successful career away from the field."

The first testimonial event is the 'Shanks Rugby World Cup Final Golf Day' at Cardiff Golf Club on October 23rd.

For more information on all the testimonial events, visit www.tomshanklin.co.uk