The Blackheath Men’s Section last year adopted a strategy to guide its development over the coming five year period. This was to make sure that we continued on a positive path, following two successful years.
The strategy, which can be seen here, is based around the vision “to make rugby happen for as many people as possible”, and had the goal of having growth in the section to the point where we could field three teams (plus veterans) in league competition in the next five years.
We are now a year into the strategy being in operation, so it’s time to review how we are going.
The plan last season – Establish our place
Two teams in league competition – in Counties 5 and Kent Met A
75-80 members
The plan this season – Cement our position
Two teams in league competition – in Counties 4/5 and Kent Met A.
80-90 members
Last season saw the section put two teams into league competition for the first time in a decade. Both teams did extremely well, with the Brigands/3rd XV winning Counties 5, and the Bandits/4th XV runners up in Kent Met A.
With these results, the Brigands/3rd XV won promotion to Counties 4, while the Bandits/4th XV remain in Kent Met A. This puts the section comfortably in Stage 2 on the plan to achieve the Strategy.
At the end of the 2025/26 season, around 65-70 individuals had joined and played for the section. This was a little short of what we hoped to attract, and proved to be the minimum we would need to keep two teams in competition – for a few games, the Bandits got a team out, but had an awfully thin bench.
Pre-season is well underway, and recruitment has begun strongly. Several new faces have joined training, especially in key positions such as second row and half back.
The section has also begun working with the coaches of the Colts squad to identify younger players who would benefit from exposure to Men’s rugby – whether through training or playing. In doing so, we aim to make it as easy as possible for our boys to move out of age grade to adult rugby at the club.
New recruitment and helping Colts make the transition helps our Veteran players, who for the past few seasons have played a significant role in the rebirth of the section. By reducing the playing load of veterans we allow them to extend their playing career, which means they can play an active role on and off the pitch to maintain the club culture and mentor younger players.
So largely we look to be on track with the Strategy. With another big season ahead, you can expect plenty of rugby, fun and growth from the section as we continue to make rugby happen for as many people as possible!
If you are interested in the Men’s Section at Blackheath, have an interest in playing or supporting those who do, please contact mensrugby@blackheathrugby.co.uk
LATEST NEWS
