This weeks Player Spotlight shines on local boy, Brad Retigan. Brad is one of the longest serving Thurrock players in the current squad having made his 1st team debut at the age of 17 in 2005/2006 season.

Brad is a true Thurrock boy and started playing mini rugby at the age of 6 in 1993. He was coached by his Dad, Russell and Tim Ryder, both whom were ex players at the club. Unfortunately for Thurrock, Brad decided to leave at the age of 13 to go and play the wrong shaped ball sport.

That move luckily only lasted 3 years and Brad was back playing rugby for Thurrock at under 16s. Brad was soon drafted in to train with the senior squad and made his 1st XV debut on the wing during the 2005/2006 season against CS Rugby. Brad was also apart of the team that won the Essex Cup that season along with current team mates, Darryl Worster & Earl Gorman.

The next few seasons would see the club blood a few more youngsters as they were relegated from London 1 North in 2008. Brad, having played on the wing, in the centres and at fly half, eventually settled at number 8 where he would establish himself as a key member & leader of the young team as they would win London 2 North East in 2010 and then London 1 North in 2012. His Galloping runs from the base of the scrum and high work rate were a key component of T's strong attacking play.

As our records only stretch back to 2010, we have Brad on 171 caps but he is surely nearing in on his 250th taking in to account the previous 4 seasons which is a massive achievement and considering he is only 31, there is surely more left in the tank. In those 171 caps on record, Brad has a whopping 83 tries, making him the highest try scorer for Thurrock since 2010 aswell as a cheeky conversion. Not bad for a number 8.

Speaking to Brad about his love for Rugby and Thurrock, he had the following to say,

"The main reason for me playing rugby is FUN! For me its a hobby and I am glad I have been able to play with great people for as long as I have. I shall continue to play as long as my body holds up and there is fun to be had".

"Obviously the love for the sport plays a big role in the repeated punishment of my body but it's only a part of the puzzle. I have played at Thurrock and only Thurrock my whole career. I am attached to the club and feel a sense of duty, I have made many friends throughout the years with the team constantly changing with people retiring and youngsters joining".

"Highlights have been playing with some great players however, (not a highlight)at 17 I played 2 games for Essex under 21's, got selected to trial for England South and broke my collar bone prior to the trials. I guess the 2 promotions in 3 years was a big achievement. For the 1st team i have had caps at wing,inside and outside centre, flyhalf, blindside, openside,8 and unfortunately second row following in the footsteps of my father (who tells me he used to play rugby) and I even kicked for goal".

"If i could go back and change anything it would be the amount of strain I put on my body training, which has caused me to miss a season. Other than that i have no regrets. i wouldn't change anything".

Brad has continued to show his versatiliy again this season by moving into the 2nd row but still keeps his electric pace as demonstrated with his try against Chobham where he outsprinted their winger and fullback to run in from the half way line. His impact this season only goes to prove the influence he has on our team and his absence through injury during the 2017/2018 was a massive part of the teams struggles.

I'm sure you will agree, Brad has proven his genuine love for Rugby and Thurrock and hopefully he will continue to pull on the 'Black & White' for many more years to come.

#oneclub