After almost 30 years of loyal service, countless tours, and over 250 matches in the maroon and white, Jason Zavagno has now stepped away from playing rugby. Jason’s retirement from the game comes as he focuses on his ongoing battle with Stage 4 Prostate Cancer - a challenge he is meeting with the same determination and strength he always showed on the pitch.

A stalwart of the 2nd XV and 3rd XV, Jason has been a constant at the Manor across generations - always available, always committed, and always putting the club first. Week in, week out, home or away, he has pulled on the shirt with pride, travelled on countless club tours, and become a familiar and respected face across opposition clubs and within our own community.

Jason’s final match fittingly came in one of the club’s fiercest rivalries: the local derby against Milton Keynes. For his last walkout, Jason was joined by his twin boys and welcomed onto the pitch through a guard of honour, before finishing the game where he has always belonged - in the front row. At the final whistle, he was presented with a Bletchley Badge of Honour by Vice Chairman Oli Whitmore, recognising decades of loyalty and service.

As Jason now focuses on his toughest challenge away from the pitch, he has asked that his story be used to raise awareness for men’s health.

Jason has specifically asked us to share the work of the Milton Keynes Prostate Cancer Support Group (prostatemk.org), which offers advice, information, and local support.

We encourage all men in our rugby community and beyond to take action, get tested, and not put it off. Early detection makes a huge difference.

Message from the Chair
As part of his Award, Club Chair, Verity Robinson said “ It is with great respect and admiration that I write on behalf of everyone at Bletchley Rugby Club to recognise and celebrate the playing career of Jason Zavagno. After almost 30 years of pulling on the maroon and white, Jason is now stepping back from playing as he focuses on his ongoing battle with stage 4 cancer.

Jason is, without question, a stalwart of this club. He has played in well over 250 matches, and for much of that time has been the anchor of our 2nd XV front row. As a hooker, Jason is everything you want in a teammate: dependable in the scrum, accurate in the lineout, tough in defence, and relentless in his work rate around the pitch. More importantly, he has always been the kind of player who brings teams together - setting a standard through his commitment and determination.

Jason was one of the first club members I met outside the women’s team when I first joined Bletchley. He was always a big supporter of the women’s players, giving up his Sunday afternoons where he could to run first aid for our matches and even organised our fixtures when we first joined the league all those years ago. It was a relief having his support on the sidelines and his kindness was immeasurable.

One of Jason’s greatest qualities has always been his availability and reliability. Home or away, Jason makes himself available and ready to play. He has travelled far and wide on many a club tour, proudly representing the maroon and white and becoming a familiar face across opposition clubs as well as here at the Manor. Through generations of players coming and going, Jason remains a constant - a thread of continuity that binds our club’s story together.

Beyond the rugby itself, Jason is a true clubman. He continues to give his time, energy, and passion to Bletchley, always supporting teammates, welcoming new faces, and being part of the heartbeat of the Manor. He’s the kind of figure who makes a rugby club more than just a team - he makes it a family.

It feels fitting that Jason’s final match came against Milton Keynes in the local derby. Few fixtures mean more to this club, and to bring his playing days to a close in such a historic rivalry was a perfect way to bow out.

On behalf of the committee, the players, and every single member past and present, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to Jason. While his playing days are now behind him, he is still very much part of Bletchley RUFC. As he faces this challenge off the field, he does so with the full support of the entire Bletchley family beside him.

Jason, we are proud of everything you continue to give to this club - and prouder still to stand with you now.

Whilst Jason has had many coaches over his years here at Bletchley, the current Chief Rugby Officer, Paul Allen, said “ As Chief Rugby Officer, I’ve only been part of Bletchley Rugby Club since the commencement of the last season. In that time, though, one thing has become clear - Jason Zavagno is a true stalwart of this club.

Jason has given more than 30 years of service, with over 250 matches under his belt, and has long been a cornerstone of our 2nd XV, and what was the 3rd XV in its history. As a hooker, Jason is exactly the kind of player you want in your team: tough, reliable, and the man who holds the pack together. However, playing was never enough for Jason as in its early days, Jason stepped us as the Fixtures Secretary for the Women’s team - once again proving his dedication to a true club spirit

Even in my short time here, I’ve quickly come to appreciate the respect Jason commands. I’ve heard countless stories of his consistency, his strength in the set piece, and the way he has always made himself available - home or away - for the good of the team. He’s travelled on countless club tours, represented the maroon and white with pride, and been a familiar face to generations of Bletchley players.

Jason is not just a player who once was - he still is a huge part of this club. While he is stepping away from playing, he remains part of the Manor and part of the fabric of our rugby family. His presence, his story, and his example will continue to shape Bletchley for years to come.

Jason, from myself, the entire coaching group, and all of your teammates past and present — thank you for everything, and know that we stand firmly alongside you in this next battle.

Standing with Fellow Club Legends
Jason is, as has been stated, a true Club Legend, and on his inauguration into the Badge of Honour Hall of Fame, Jason now joins many a club legend in that group and can stand proudly amongst them.

A club stalwart. A teammate. A friend. A true Bletchley man. Thank you Jason and we’re beyond proud to stand with you now and always.