Blackheath Rugby is delighted to announce that Billy Harding has been named the new Club Captain, following Tom Baldwin’s departure at the end of the 2024/25 season.
Billy has played 43 games in Club colours, with 25 tries to his name, 19 of which were scored last season, including six braces.
Before joining Blackheath in 2023, Billy was at Rosslyn Park, having previously played at Wasps, Ampthill and Coventry (on loan), across which he made 166 appearances for the Premiership, Championship and National leagues, and scored 37 tries across the three different levels. He has also earned three caps for England Counties.
Billy is a firm favourite at the Club, and Tom Stradwick, Head Coach, says “The coaching team are delighted that Billy has agreed to become Club Captain. Billy sets high standards and leads through example. He will regularly be one of the last players on the training pitch, practicing extra skills or encouraging others to join him in additional fitness sessions. This attention to detail has meant he has been one of the stand out players in National One, and his try scoring record last season is testament to that.
He also has an amazing ability to bring positive energy to any situation, making the Club a better place for everyone else when he’s around.”
Tom goes on to say “Becoming Captain of the oldest Club side in the world is a huge honour and one Billy truly deserves. He will be assisted by Vice captains Josh Smart and Jordan Burns and together I have every confidence they will make an excellent leadership team. Please congratulate these three when you see them in the bar post match and know that during times when we are successful they will have played a big part in achieving that.”
Russell Ticehurst, Managing Director, echoes Strads’ sentiments, and says “I’m delighted to appoint Billy as Captain for this season. He has a life long association with Blackheath FC and I know he is looking forward to leading the 2025/26 group. His connection with Blackheath will ensure that he gives the role everything it requires on and off the pitch. He is a proven try scorer at all of his previous clubs and always leads from the front. He is no different off the pitch where he is the heart of the club’s social cohesion and looks to bring all of the club together. This is a great appointment — I know Billy will lead Club in true style and I wish him every success!”
Final words go to Billy himself, who is thrilled to be given the Captaincy “I am incredibly honoured to be Club Captain for the upcoming season. An amazing legacy has been left by Tom Baldwin, Ed Taylor and the previous captains of the Club. I genuinely love every moment at Blackheath. The culture and atmosphere here has been so welcoming from day one, and it’s something I hope to repay on and off the field for years to come.
We have pulled together an exciting squad and want to build on what has been laid before us. I can’t wait for the season to start, but we have a few more pre-season sessions (and fitness blocks) to go before then!”
Congratulations, Billy — we look forward to seeing you lead the team out as Club Captain!
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