[7] During the five seasons from 1876 to 1881 that Lennard Stokes captained the club, Blackheath won 68 games and lost only 6 out of a total 83 played.

Of his 12 caps he was on the winning side eight times,[1] and he captained his country on five occasions, including the first ever international against Wales on 19 February 1881 at Richardson's Field, Blackheath,[8] when he played full back.

[5] Of his ability, Arthur Budd, president of the RFU from 1888 to 1889, said in 1892 that "I do not believe that there is a three-quarter back playing, who, if we could transplant him to the past, could cover the entire field as Lennard Stokes used to.

",[10] and Arthur Guillemard, president of the RFU from 1878 to 1882, said, also in 1892, "it is not too much to say that at this post his equal, either in science or play, has never been seen from the date of the foundation of the Union.".

[11] Steve Lewis, author of numerous books on the history of rugby union, commented that "It was with much justification that he was hailed as the greatest player of his day.

[12][13] After qualification as a doctor he served as housesurgeon and resident obstetrical officer at Guy's, and then began general practice at Blackheath.