Blackheath FC: The world's oldest open rugby club returns to the Championship

Blackheath FC earned a surprise promotion to the Championship, marking their return to England's second tier for the first time in 27 years. The club, renowned as the world’s oldest open rugby club, celebrated this accomplishment during the 2025-26 season.

New head coach Tom Stradwick took on the role with the backing of a clear directive: avoid relegation. This directive followed the departure of Director of Rugby James Shanahan and the retirement of club icon Markus Burcham after 283 caps. Stradwick, who had also concluded his playing career after 14 years with the club, transitioned into coaching with a focus on stability during a transitional period.

The journey to the promotion began when Blackheath aimed merely to stay in National League One. However, during a pivotal match against Plymouth in February, the team, which hadn’t won there for years, went ahead 19-0 early on and held on for a 34-26 victory. This game was termed a massive moment of the season by club chairman James Fleming, showcasing the players' resolve.

Following that match, Blackheath won a comfortable home game against Rotherham, garnering recognition as the league’s form team according to managing director Russell Ticehurst. By Christmas, while sitting fifth in the league, the club initiated an arduous application process for a place in the Championship, reasoning that its newly introduced play-off system could make promotion attainable.

Once the decision was made to pursue promotion, the squad clicked, achieving an impressive ten-game winning streak to the season’s conclusion. This streak included significant victories against Plymouth and Rotherham, as well as a hard-fought away win at Leeds despite adverse travel conditions.

Billy Harding, club captain and scoring powerhouse, played a key role during this season. Harding, eager to return to the club after years with professional teams, made an impactful comeback, amassing a record 48 tries over the season.

Blackheath finished the campaign in second place, paving the way for a final match against London Scottish to secure promotion. This match became one of the greatest in the club’s history, with a crowd that created an electric atmosphere. They dominated the game and won 27-7, consequently returning to the second tier of rugby after three decades.

Looking towards the future, Blackheath intends to maintain its semi-professional status while attracting quality players who fit its culture. Chairman Fleming stated that the club's primary aim would be to steer clear of the relegation zone, with aspirations of establishing themselves among the league's top contenders. Director Ticehurst remarked that survival is paramount while remaining true to the club’s culture.