Over the past few weeks we’ve welcomed back players and said hello to some new faces, It’s now time to say goodbye to someone who has decided to hang up his boots.
Jake Lloyd. 10 years. 241 appearances. 125 tries. Club Legend.
As lot has already been written about Jake, who started his Club journey against Esher in February 2015, when he also scored his first try.
Tom Stradwick had the pleasure of playing alongside him back then and for many years after, as well as more recently coaching him, and says “Jake has been one of the standout performers over the last decade on the wing in the national leagues. He would make it into many players’ dream XVs. Give Jake a 1-1 and you’d back him to finish it. He has a huge physical presence, dominating opposition players defensively and has the ability to run over the top of defenders in attack. Having played over 200 games for the club and scoring over 100 tries he will be remembered as one of Blackheath’s greatest wingers.”
One of Blackheath’s greatest wingers, indeed, and also a firm favourite with the fans, receiving Supporters’ Player of the Year a couple of seasons ago. Jake was also the supporters’ chosen right wing in the ‘team of the decade’ run during lockdown, echoed by the Exec’s choice. Russell Ticehurst, Managing Director, says “As well as welcoming the new boys, it’s right to say a very fond farewell and give massive thanks to a proper Club man. Jake Lloyd, who for season after season consistently delivered us 20 plus tries and did so in his usual quiet but extremely effective way.” Russ goes on to say “Jake had a quiet determination about him and was never one to scream or shout but in the big games he would invariably find a way to break the deadlock lock or get us kick started and into our stride. But like a lot of our senior players over my past 15 years, he’s focussed on his career, got married and is settled, and while he takes a different focus and I hope like me, you will all wish Jake the very best for his future; thank you Jake.”
One of the people who knew Jake best from a playing point of view is former Director of Rugby, James Shanahan, who not only coached Jake for his tenure at Blackheath, but also selected him to go on the England Counties Tour to Romania in 2018, where he played in both matches against Romania A and scored three tries across those matches.
Shanners says “Jake Lloyd. He was ever-present during my time at Blackheath. He didn’t say much, he rarely smiled (which, to be fair, is a trait we share!) but when he did speak, everyone listened because it happened so infrequently. I always called him the Silent Assassin because that’s exactly what he was. Like a hitman, he’d quietly go about his business and then strike. Over 100 tries in a Blackheath shirt is an incredible achievement. I don’t know his exact strike rate, but I’d imagine it’s close to a try a game, which tells you everything you need to know.
“Jake was a big, physical, powerful winger who always got the team on the front foot. He worked incredibly hard, was exceptionally fit, chased everything and never stopped competing. He wasn’t blessed with outrageous top-end speed, but he didn’t need it. His strength, footwork and ability to break tackles meant he found the try line time and time again.
“From a coaching point of view, Jake was brilliant. You told him what you wanted, and he’d go away and do it. If he wasn’t sure about something, he’d come and ask the question. There was never any drama—just honesty and professionalism. He’s a true club man and a Blackheath legend. Although he wasn’t the loudest voice in the changing room, he cared deeply about his rugby, about his teammates and about Blackheath. He may not always have shown it, but his passion for the club was obvious.
“Hopefully retirement treats him well, although I’m sure it just means he’ll have even more time to spend in the gym working on those ridiculous pecs and abs! Jake, thanks for everything you gave the club and for everything during my time there. Congratulations on an outstanding career, Silent Assassin. Enjoy retirement—you’ve certainly earned it.”
Final words must go to Jake himself, who says “After 10 seasons with Blackheath, it is time to hang up the boots. I’d like to thank the club for its continued support and to all the players I’ve shared the pitch with, some of whom have become lifelong friends.
“I’m glad I managed to stick around long enough to play a role in the Club’s most successful season in recent times, and know that I’m leaving the club in a strong position. Special mention to my parents who, between them, barely missed a game, and my wife for putting up with me being missing in action every Saturday for a decade. I wish the club all the best for next season and continued success.”
Thank you for your loyal service, Jake. We wish you and Tash, the very best for the future, and we look forward to seeing you back to the Utilita as a supporter in the coming season.
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