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Thank you to our sponsors1st XV,Bandits,Blackheath Women,Brigands,Club News,Club XV,Community,Girls,Juniors,Minis,Sponsorship,Touch Rugby,Walking Rugby14 Jun 2026 -
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Blackheath Rugby returns to England Rugby’s Level Two for the first time in 27 years, and this would not have been possible without our partners and sponsors — we are sincerely thankful to each and every company and individual who has supported us this year. Not only have you been part of the success of our 1st XV, but you have helped the game to be played across all of our sections, and in to the community around us.
Russell Ticehurst, MD, says “We have had some fantastic support this season, from partners we’ve been connected with for a number of years, and also from those who have joined us this season. They have watched us on our 1st XV journey to the Champ alongside seeing the successes in our community sides, including promotion for the Men’s 3rd XV (the Brigands). The connection between a club and its sponsors is always a special one, and we are very grateful to all of them.”
For a lot of youngsters, the rugby journey begins in the Minis, and a fabulous 2025/26 saw 150 young children enjoy the community Blackheath Minis brings, supported by almost 50 adult volunteer coaches and first aiders throughout the season (and many more parents and guardians). The Blackheath Minis Festival at Avery Hill Park, organised by the U10s, was a huge success with hundreds of children taking part from across the area, showcasing a strong ‘community rugby’ occasion. Beyond our own festival, the Minis took part in many other festivals and cups, building friendships between many clubs.
The Juniors have enjoyed growing their understanding of the game, and strengthening the bonds with their fellow players, none more so than when the groups have gone on tour and enjoyed end of season award events. The section has also enjoyed the multiple training sessions throughout the year that have featured 1st XV players as guest coaches, cementing the ‘one club’ ethos Blackheath Rugby lives by.
The reinstated the Colts section has been very successful, with head coaching support from the Men’s section. The Colts provides a pathway to all levels of men’s rugby, and we congratulate those who have played at County level this year. We’re looking forward to seeing our U16s joining the Colts this coming season, further strengthening the playing group.
We know that some children don’t know anything about rugby, nor know how to access it, and so we are very grateful for the generosity of donors and the continuing commitment of existing partner schools with our Community programme, which has seen us provide coaching to 2,500 children across 23 primary schools in the area, many of whom have experienced the game for the very first time. The primary school festivals in October, January, April and May (the last being an all-girls event) have been really well supported, and thanks go to all the pupils who referred schools to these, especially the girls at Leigh Academy Blackheath. A playing partnership between Woolwich Poly Boys and St. Columba’s secondary schools has been established, which we aim to grow next season, and we’ve put on three match-day events at The Utilita for primary and secondary schools, giving families a first hand experience of Club rugby.
Of course, we also know that children are sometimes prevented from engaging in sport due to financial barriers, and we are very keen to encourage everyone to benefit from the sport of rugby, so have launched the ‘Rugby for All’ scholarship programme, offering full membership and kit to eligible players under 18. If you know of anyone who may benefit from this scholarship, or if you would like to know how to further support this initiative, go to our website.
Youth rugby grows in to adult rugby, and the Men’s section has seen 65 members pulling on the famous jersey this season. The section is winning and growing with two teams in league competition plus vets: the Blackheath 3rd XV (Brigands) won Kent Counties 5, the 4th XV (Bandits) came second in Kent Met A and the Buccaneers retained the Kent Veterans Shield. The section is looking forward to continuing its success, and is always looking for new members — from seasoned players to those who have never picked up a rugby ball, you will be welcomed.
Blackheath Women celebrated four decades of women’s rugby with a spectacular dinner and dance at the Utilita, bringing together over 80 guests of both former pioneers and current players. The ‘one club’ ethos was fully shown this season when the Men’s amateur section provided vital coaching and technical support to guide the Women through the year. It was a challenging season, but one that saw the squad capping off the year in Portugal for sunshine, team bonding, and legendary fancy dress. Looking ahead, the section has applied to Inner Warrior next season, with the intention to grow numbers and rebuild from the bottom up. There is an open door to the section, and a very warm welcome will be offered to anyone who would like to join, regardless of rugby knowledge.
Touch Rugby and Walking Rugby are also offered at the club, for those people who want to keep fit and enjoy the social side, but keep away from contact.
“After a very successful season, Blackheath Rugby is in great shape, and preparations are underway for the new season starting in September,” says James Fleming, Blackheath Rugby Chairman. “Excitement is building across the Club ahead of the new season and if any local business would like to join us as a partner and support the growth of the Club, we would be delighted to hear from you!”
We have many different options for supporting the Club — if you would like to know more, get in contact with Russell Ticehurst or James Fleming.
And if you would like more information on any of the above, email us:
| Partnerships | russell.ticehurst@blackheathrugby.co.uk or james.fleming@blackheathrugby.co.uk |
| Sponsorship | sponsorship@blackheathrugby.co.uk |
| Community | community@blackheathrugby.co.uk |
| Scholarship | scholarship@blackheathrugby.co.uk |
| Minis | minis@blackheathrugby.co.uk |
| Juniors | juniors@blackheathrugby.co.uk |
| Men | mensrugby@blackheathrugby.co.uk |
| Women | women@blackheathrugby.co.uk |
| Walking Rugby | walkingrugby@blackheathrugby.co.uk |
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