After England Rugby’s announcement last week that all league, cup and county rugby with the exception of the Gallagher Premiership, will be brought to an end, Rising East caught up with Blackheath Head Coach James Shanahan to get his thoughts on the season and the current issues in hand.
Speaking on the COVID-19 enforced cancellation, Shanahan expressed his disappointment, but understands it had to be done.
“It’s tough to be honest. At the end of the day we would love to be out there, but lives are at risk and that’s more important than any sport.”
“Of course we will miss it but hopefully when we restart it will show everyone involved in sport that we are privileged to play and be involved. My concern is how clubs will survive without any financial help.”
Ups And Downs
With the season ending abruptly, Blackheath sit 5th in National League One, the third tier of English Rugby, and Shanahan has mixed feelings for how the season went.
“I think we under achieved in first half of the season for numerous reasons. Going into the season we were under powered up front without a fit second row in the squad which put us under pressure but we should have still dealt with that better. Since the turn of the year [I] think we acquitted ourselves much better.”
“Games where I’ve been frustrated have been the home games against Chinnor, Richmond and Old Elthamians. Three games we should have won and if so, we would have been in contention for top honours.”
https://twitter.com/RichmondFC1861/status/1242888773353996288
However, there were still positives to be taken from this season.
“Against Rams away from home I thought we were outstanding. They have been beating teams with their scrum and we destroyed them. Rosslyn Park away was also great performance. They had given themselves the favourites tag for promotion so to beat them twice was nice.”
Strong Up Front
Shanahan prides himself on his defensive coaching and although they had a strong record this year, he still sees room for improvement.
“Last year it was huge for us, a big focus and we came out as the best defence in the league. This year it’s again been a focus and been strong but for me too often we have had system errors that have cost us soft tries. Something we will try and sort next season.”
Blackheath’s home form this season, particularly towards the back end of the year has been standout, and Shanahan acknowledged the support of the fans.
“I wouldn’t call it a fortress but definitely improving to make it a tough place to win. Everyone loves playing Blackheath and usually lift their games. This is a challenge we need to accept and thrive in.”
“Being the oldest club in the world gives us a tag that teams want to knock down. I know this as I felt the same before coming to Blackheath with Cambridge and Old Albanians.”
Although it’s currently unclear when club rugby will return in the UK, Blackheath will be primed and ready for action as soon as they are called upon.
