As we approach the latter stages of the 2024-25 campaign and start to reflect on the performance of the Blackheath Rugby squad over this season, cementing our position in National One, we begin to look towards 2025-26 and are delighted that the following players have re-signed with the Club. We will continue to keep you updated as more players join this group.
Matt Armstrong, Andrew Boye, Jordan Burns, Tex Cavubati, Will Davis, Finlay Gilmour, Billy Harding, Jake Hennessey, Oskar Hirskyj-Douglas, Archie Holland, Mike Hoyt, Leo Jowett, Oliver Kitto, Rory Marsh, Finley O’Sullivan, Noah Sloot, Auguy Slowik, Josh Smart, Alex Witchell.
James Shanahan, Director of Rugby, Tom Stradwick, Head Coach from next season, and Russell Ticehurst, Managing Director, have been busy talking to the squad about their plans, and James says “Regarding the players who have re-signed – it shows forward thinking of the Club, pushing in to next year. Obviously we want to have a good finish to this year, but re-signing players, and having the continuity and depth in the squad, is key to having a successful 2025-26 season. These boys are really happy to be playing at Blackheath again, which is a huge thing, and it means we’re ahead of where we thought we’d be at this time of the season. It also means we can look at the players we need to bring in to plug any gaps and further strengthen the squad, without the heavy recruitment drive we did last year. I’m really pleased that these boys have re-signed and want to continue with their journey at Blackheath, and look forward to announcing more over the coming weeks.”
Tom Stradwick is equally positive, saying “With a few players retiring at the end of the season it is great to see a large number of the leadership group re-signing. These players are integral for driving the culture at the club and ensuring we set high standards for ourselves. Alongside the more experienced players re-signing is some excellent young talent. These youngsters will only get better and better next season and beyond, and I hope, in time, will become players with a 100 plus Blackheath appearances to fill the gap left by those players hanging up their boots at the end of this season.”
Russell agrees, and says “I’m very pleased to see so many of this season’s squad committing early for next term. This gives the coaches and me a genuine opportunity to build on a very solid platform and add players where needed, which we much prefer, and we look forward to confirming new signings shortly. To all of those retiring, I am also grateful.”
With a couple of months of games still ahead of us in the 2024-25 season we won’t be taking our eye off the ball, but we can’t wait to come back after the summer break with what is already a very strong set of players.
Look out for further announcements on the 2025-26 squad over the coming weeks.
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