Blackheath Rugby was delighted to invite Doug Hursey, President of Kent County RFU, to The Utilita on Saturday 5 October. Doug was able to see a home win and enjoy the pre-match lunch, but most importantly he was able to present the Kent County President’s Award to Tom Stradwick.
Doug says “As part of my remit each year, I nominate the President’s Award for services to rugby that have generally not been recognised elsewhere, in totality for the work the recipient does. This year‘s award goes to Tom Stradwick for his work in three areas, any one of which would be worthy of recognition but in totality represent a hugely successful career:
- WHITGIFT SCHOOL: Head of PE at Whitgift school, one of the foremost independent schools in London (if not in England) with a range of sports taught, most of which it excels at. With rugby, the school has been National Champions, and boasts a number of professional rugby players amongst its alumni;
- BLACKHEATH RUGBY: Player and coach at Blackheath Rugby (a role most people find impossible to combine), Tom has undertaken almost 230 caps for the first team with great success, and has combined this with being a forwards coach for seven years — unrivalled at this level;
- KENT COUNTY RFU: Along with Taff Gwilliam, Tom has been responsible for bringing the Kent County RFU men’s team to the pinnacle of county rugby, winning the County Championships two years in succession, which we have never before achieved. He has over 30 county championship caps along with being lead coach, bringing success at the highest level.
All these three strands are the result of huge commitment to the game along with talent at both playing and coaching. He deserves the upmost praise.”
Tom is pictured below at The Utilita, being presented with the President’s Award by Doug Hursey and, above, celebrating with the victorious Kent Team, with the County Championship Cup after the win, and also holding the Cup with his daughter at Twickenham.
Congratulations, Tom – we’re very proud of you!
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