It was lashing down outside the Westcliff clubhouse. So much so that both sets of players had retreated to the comfort of the changing rooms – after all, there was still an hour to go until kick off.
All bar one that is. Out on the field, oblivious to the torrential downpour, Jake Hennessey was leaning against the uprights, leg swinging backwards and forwards, side to side. A spot of rain was not going to interrupt his pre-match routine.
“It’s important to always make sure I get my sessions in, get that mobility going so I stay fit and can perform at my best,” said Jake. “A coach once said to me ‘the best ability is availability.’ I think that’s true.”
It seems to have worked. Since making his debut at home to Cinderford in September 2021, Jake has featured in over 85% of Blackheath’s league fixtures and, with 99 appearances, is set to reach a major milestone in only his fourth season.
Jake’s life in rugby began at the age of six with Kings Old Boys in Motspur Park. However, it was only some five years later, when a merger of his age group took him to Rosslyn Park, that he found his niche with rugby.
Remaining as a Junior at Park until he was sixteen, Jake then spent two years with the Harlequins Academy Pathway before his education took him from Kings College School in Wimbledon to Trinity College Cambridge.
It was while studying French at Cambridge University that Jake played in three varsity matches at Twickenham under head coach James Shanahan (2017/18/19), two wins sandwiching one defeat.
More importantly, though, it was also at university where he met his then future wife (the couple were married in the summer), Colette, also a rugby Blue.
Post Covid, Jake linked up once more with ‘Shanners’ at Blackheath, and now combines life as a semi-professional rugby player with his career as a Portfolio Manager, while Colette is a Health Care Management Consultant.
Back to that squally afternoon in Essex, Jake scored a hat-trick in a Club record 94-17 away win that day, and with it gained promotion back to National League One from Level 4. His total try-count for Blackheath stands currently at 43.
“I think that and the two Varsity wins rank as my best rugby moments,” continued Jake. “Also, the 22-17 win at home to Chinnor in 2024, halting the Oxfordshire side’s nine-match winning run as they headed to a place in the Championship.”
I’ll take the liberty of adding Jake’s winning try for Kent at Camborne in 2023. The sound of over two thousand silent Cornishfolk was simply beautiful!
Tom Stradwick was Kent’s head coach then, as he is at Blackheath now.
“Jake’s been a real asset to Blackheath,” says Tom. “His versatility is impressive in that he’s able to play full-back, wing, centre and fly-half. All positions he’s filled this season already. Always working on his skills before and after formal training sessions, as well as his strength and conditioning, he’s one of the most diligent trainers in the squad.”
“He works exceptionally hard on his kicking game,” Tom continued, “So although not usually the first choice kicker, he’s always able to step up when required. In terms of detail, Jake’s not only able to know his role inside out but everyone else’s, and I think that’s been a real benefit to the team over the last few years.”
Tom sums Jake up as “A top bloke all round.”
Jake will be marking his 100th Blackheath appearance against Sedgley Park at the Utilita Well Hall this Saturday (22nd). Kick off is at 3.00pm. And you can see a montage of some of his previous games on our YouTube channel.
Graham Cox
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