Serving as Club Patron, Martin Blackwell embodies the spirit and values of BBRFC Celtic.

Martin was a cornerstone of BBRFC both on and off the pitch for decades. 

Martin captained the BBRFC 1st XV from 1980 to 1983, leading the team with passion and grit. Prior to that, he served as Club Treasurer from 1978 to 1980, and went on to become Chairman and President from 1983 until 1986, when he was succeeded by Stu Dowsett.

On the field, Martin brought experience and skill, having played at Blackheath in the early 1970s before joining BBRFC's 1st team in 1976. He remained a key player through to 1988. Among his proudest moments were captaining the team to victory in the 1985 Belgian 1st Division Championship and winning the Belgian Cup, both as Club and 1st team captain. A highlight of his career came in 1986 when he scored a try for the visiting British Lions side in a match against a Belgian select team.

Martin fondly remembers the camaraderie and spirit of the club’s international tours—particularly the memorable 1978 tour to the United States and the 1980 tour to Canada.

He remains committed to the club and we are immensely proud to have Martin as a valued patron.