The Men’s Section league campaign kicks off Saturday 26th September, with the Bandits travelling to play Beccahamians. Ahead of the season, we sat down to have a discussion with the new section captains to talk about the season ahead.
Conor Mitchell has been appointed as section captain for the season. Talking of the appointment, Conor says: “It’s a massive honor for me… coming up through the age groups, the club’s always meant a lot to me. This is actually the first time I’ve ever officially been a captain of a side. I’ve been the mistaken captain or accidental captain for a few sides, but officially being this one is a big honour.”
Conor Mitchell – man about town
Conor, known as “cabbage” around the club, is a major club figure. In addition to this leadership role, he is assistant coach for the section and head coach for the colts.
Nathan Brindle has taken on the new role of section vice captain for the season. He says: “Yeah, I would say it’s quite a big honor for me personally. I’ve been at this club since I was five years old now, so that’s 17 years I’ve been here. It just feels good to… be someone that they can hopefully look up to a bit more as I grow and develop as a person in the club.”
Reflecting on the place of social rugby at Blackheath, both emphasise the open and welcoming nature of the section. Says Conor: “We’re the oldest open rugby club in the world… the club is open for everyone, all abilities, and I think that really just starts to breed in more of that community feel, more of that sort of togetherness.”
Nathan reflects on the sentiment: “You have players who have never picked up a rugby ball before and players who have played at the highest levels… and no matter who they are, they feel included every time.”
Both men have extensive history with Blackheath, and shared some special memories:
Nathan Brindle, helping out the elderly
Nathan: “My best and worst (moment) at the same time is playing with my dad, which is always a lifelong dream for him. He scored more tries this year, which is even worse. I’d say playing against the England Deaf team was a pretty cool experience—just to be around England deaf… and just to be involved in such a good day of rugby.”
Nathan taking the field against England deaf
Conor: “Making my first-team debut up at the Recreation Field was huge… so much history associated with that ground. Making my debut was made a bit more difficult—as I turned around running on, I saw my dad just in tears, which didn’t help me settle, but that reflects how much of a part of my family life the club is.”
Reflecting on the squad coming through for the season, both emphasised new and improving players, Nathan saying “Greg and Zach… they’re just good lads, they’re fun lads, but they looked so enjoyable to watch on the pitch. There are some players who have come into the season like new players almost—they’ve developed so much as players like Ewan McCloud, Joe Connon, and George Jones.”
Conor speaks to his satisfaction as coach of the colts, seeing the boys join the Men’s Section: “it’s great to see people like Edgar and Owen… Coaching them in the Under-18s last year and then building that pathway into adult rugby—getting that under their belt is a really big thing.”
The section are taking on two leagues this season, with the Brigands (3rd XV) contesting Kent Counties 4, and the Bandits (4th XV) attempting to go one better than last season and win Kent Met A. Across both leagues, the captains have got their eyes on a few teams in particular – Old Elthamians 2s, Old Dunstonians and Southwark. Speaking of Southwark, who defeated the Bandits twice last season, Nathan says “they’re a great team, playing a really good game of rugby. It’d be nice to go, give it our best shot and come out with a win against them”.
Conor notes the unfamiliar clubs, particularly in Counties 4: “There’s a lot of clubs that we haven’t faced… People like Rye, Sheppey—they’re going to be really tough games, but it’ll be nice for us to have new experiences”
The Men’s Section are raring and ready to go for the 2026/7 season. The support of friends, family and club members is massively appreciated on and off the pitch. If you would like to know more about the Men’s Section, Brigands and Bandits, we’d be delighted to have a chat.
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