Ahead of Blackheath’s crunch match against league leaders Hartpury College on Saturday, Freddie Gabbitass has insisted Blackheath’s squad is one of the most talented he’s worked with.

Blackheath could only finish 10th in the National League 1 last season, but a summer of recruitment has enabled the club to make a superb start to the new campaign.

The south east London club, which was founded in 1858, have won seven of their eight matches and current trail leader Hartpury by just three points.

Fly-half Gabbitass has been a central figure in Blackheath’s team since joining the club this year after spending two years in Bath Rugby’s Academy and a season at Exeter Chiefs.

“The boys have been great since I moved here – the whole experience has been a lot of fun but I’m also learning a lot from the club.

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“I’m learning from the experienced guys at the club and we’re all gelling on really well. This is a great club and a really welcoming club.

“It’s going well at the minute, I’m confident when I’m over the ball and hopefully I, along with the team, can keep this going.

“We’ve had a good start but we know we have to keep on improving, and I know we’re capable of that because this is one of the best squads I’ve been involved with.”

After suffering an opening day defeat to Blaydon, Blackheath have won their last seven fixtures and most recently saw off Loughborough Students 23-15 before the weekend break.

Gabbitass, a former England U18 captain, admits that the outing against Hartpury will be a challenge, but is confident Blackheath can maintain their productive start to the season.

He said: “The break came at a good time I think, a lot of guys have played a lot of rugby and were perhaps starting to get a few knocks so to have a week off has helped.

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“It will be a tough game, for sure. They’re flying at the moment but we’re in a nice run too.

“If we can play in a similar way to how we’ve played so far this season it should be a good game.

“It will be a good test for us but being at home is obviously a boost. We don’t like losing at the Rectory Field so we’ll all be up for the game on Saturday.”

Despite enjoying spells with Bath and Exeter, Gabbitass insists he’s purely focused on his performances for Blackheath.

“To be honest I’m not looking too far ahead,” he added.

“At the minute I just want to keep contributing to Blackheath and improving my performances.”

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