TOM MARTIN

Industrial designer and entrepreneur Tom Martin was knocking on the door of professional rugby when he was struck down by injury…Two ACL knee reconstructions in 12 months. forced him to shift his focus and embrace the idea that “obstacles can create opportunities.” The inspiration for VITOOL® emerged in a changing room before a game, when Martin found himself frustrated by the lack of a simple tool to tighten his sprigs. This experience revealed a significant gap in the market for a multifunctional tool designed specifically for rugby and football players.

Motivated by his passion for the sport and a deep understanding of player needs, Martin began developing his first sporting product during his industrial design studies at Victoria University. He created an early prototype that was shortlisted for the NZ Best Design Awards, confirming that he was onto something special. This recognition spurred him on to refine his design further.

After extensive testing in Provincial, Super Rugby, and International environments, his initial ideas evolved into VITOOL®— an 8-in-1 multi-tool designed to help players prepare to perform. With features that address various off-field needs, VITOOL® is now used by teams ranging from the All Blacks to clubs and schools across New Zealand.

“At Shard Studios, we believe that preparation is the cornerstone of performance. As a research and product development company dedicated to sporting equipment, our mission is clear: to provide the essential tools that empower athletes and teams to reach their full potential."

— Tom Martin, Founder of Shard Studios.