Charlie joined Thurrock all the way back in 1999 as an under 12, having been persuaded to join by the likes of Ben Timson, Ben Stanley & Rees Collins after playing in an inter-house tournament at William Edwards School.

Starting out playing the round shaped ball sport, Charlie quickly learned that Rugby was the sport for him and was fortunate enough to be in an age group that excelled at both school & club levels. He originally started out on the wing, before realising he liked tackling a bit too much and was moved into the forwards by former youth coaches, Ron Kemp & Geoff Tin.

Charlie was apart of the William Edwards team that went onto reach the final 32 of the Daily Mail cup in 2003 as well the last 8 in the National 7s schools tournament in 2004.

At youth level he was a member of the 2007 Colts team that won the Essex cup having reached the final at under 16 & under 17.

Charlie went onto make his debut for the 1st XV later in 2007-2008 season and join a host of his former age group team mates, namely Ben Timson, Ben Stanley, Rees Collins, Aaron Burns, Dan Carey & Dan Kemp. The young team were unfortunately relegated at the end of that season and Charlie took a break from the game.

He returned to pre-season training for the 2011-2012 season and quickly forced himself back into 1st XV contention, forming a formidable back row alongside Ben Timson & Brad Retigan as the team went on to dominate London 1 North and win promotion to the National leagues.

In 2014 Charlie alongside brother Freddie, would join a select group of players that have represented Thurrock alongside their Siblings. A proud moment for the family, I am sure.

Charlie has gone on to become an integral leader of the squad and regularly leads the team out in the absence of Club captain, Reece Durrance.

Charlie recently had the following to say about his love for Thurrock,

"The thing I love most about the club is the people within it. The “family” nature. It’s the only place I actually enjoy coming for a drink and I think it’s the only place that'll have me. I love the way that playing for the 1s actually means something to a lot of people. Both rugby and Thurrock have given a hell of a lot to me and I’m looking forward to giving back by coaching the youth and eventually becoming one of old boys behind the bar telling the 1st team boys how they should do it!"

Congratulations Charlie on an amazing achievement and here's hoping you hit the '200' mark over the next couple of season's.

#andthatiswhyweplaythegame
#oneclub