Committee

Giles Hilton MBE - Chair

I played my first game for Canterbury Colts in 1975 against Ashford and broke my wrist….Have been involved with the Club since then representing the Club in all 7 senior teams.

The late Neil Weigh got me involved with the bar in 1982 and from there I have held the roles of Social Secretary Mini and Youth Committee rep before Steve Uglow kindly put me up for election as Chairman in 2003. I have managed to stand down twice since then but on both occasions have managed for the mantle to return! Outside of the Club I am Head of Customer Relations at Shepherd Neame and was greatly honoured when I was awarded an MBE for services to Kent rugby in 2021.

John Halliday - Vice Chair

I first came to Canterbury in 1990 from my home in Devon to attend Christ Church College. My first taste of rugby with the club was as a ringer for the Cardinals Vets side in 1991, before making my first team debut the following year, when the club was playing in Kent 2. My final game came in 2000, by which time we had risen to London 1.

I was proud to captain the side in 1997 and 1998, and after hanging up my boots I stayed involved with the club in a number of ways. I helped to run the first Touch Rugby league in 2008, and I’ve also coached Minis and Juniors – something especially rewarding as both my sons, Tom and Max, have gone on to represent the club at first team level.

More recently, I have been focused on establishing our Walking Rugby section, which continues to grow and is always looking for new players. Alongside that, I am delighted to play my part on the Executive Committee, helping to support the development and future of our club.

Pat Goode - Club President

Having left Wye college in 1978 the obvious club to play for would have been Thanet, but with two friends at Canterbury and an employee of Tony Redsell,I joined, never regretting it. I played for all 6 teams and in my last year was captain of the 3rds. I was team secretary for a time (only land lines and post!!) while still playing. After retiring, I was house and ground chairman followed by chairman of selectors. Younger members of the club may know me as Steve (Goodie)’s dad.

Having followed the club through highs and lows, it is an honour to be asked to be president. I hope I can successfully fill the boots of the many distinguished presidents that have served before. I would like to thank Greg for approaching me to follow him. I see this as a “high” time in the history of this club with many teams playing at such a high standard.

Mike Dodd - Treasurer

I played rugby at school for Rochester Maths as a not particularly good fly half or centre. On leaving school I took up other sports but never lost my love for rugby so when I bought my first house in Sandwich in 2007 I started coming along and my love for the club grew from there.

I ran my own accountancy practice for around 30 years and so when I read that the club was looking for a new treasurer in 2018 I jumped at the opportunity to become more involved and have not regretted it. My role requires me to keep an overview of the club’s finances including the preparation of monthly and annual accounts as well as preparing budgets and forecasts.

Sally Taylor - Secretary & Chair of Membership Committee

My involvement with the club started in 2017 when my two boys joined as Minis. After all those hours waiting and watching come rain or shine, I thought it would be great to be involved in more of a capacity than just than just as a parent or spectator.  My offer to ‘help out’ rapidly (5 mins later) turned into being offered the role of Club Secretary!

Brand new post for me, but it allows me to get involved in the inner workings of the club and as a member of the Executive Committee help shape its future.  Aside from AGM and committee meeting organisation, the role has many other facets, one of which is looking at grants though which the club can benefit.

Taff Gwilliam - Director of Rugby

I joined Canterbury RFC on 1st July 2023, stepping into the role of Director of Rugby with a real sense of purpose and excitement. While I had been considering a break from the game, a conversation with Giles Hilton quickly changed that. His passion for the club and his vision for where it could go was compelling. The opportunity to help shape the future of one of Kent’s leading rugby clubs was simply too good to turn down.

Before arriving at Canterbury, I spent many successful years as Head Coach at Medway RFC, where we enjoyed a string of promotions and built a strong, sustainable programme. Alongside that, I’ve had the privilege of working with Kent County Rugby, where I currently serve as Director of Rugby for the county’s representative sides. That journey has taken me to several national finals, culminating in Kent being Senior National Champions for the lasst three consecutive seasons, experiences that have shaped my coaching philosophy and leadership approach.

At Canterbury, I’ll be focusing on rugby strategy across the club, as well as deepening our commitment to community and county rugby. My role allows Head Coach Matt Corker to concentrate fully on performance, player development, and the day-to-day coaching environment—something he does with real quality. Together, we’ll work closely to ensure players at every level of the club have the best experience possible.

There’s a lot to be excited about here: a strong squad, dedicated coaches, passionate supporters, and outstanding backing from the committee and sponsors. I’m looking forward to building on that foundation and helping to take the club to the next level.

Ky Campion - Mini & Youth Chair

Dom Graham - Compliance Officer

A lifelong supporter of CRFC. Enjoyed some very memorable years playing 4ths & 5ths before running off with the Exiles for a short spell. Following the sudden passing of the incumbent, Andrew Burdge, I took on the mantle of Club Treasurer in 2012 only handing over the reins to Mike Dodd in 2019. Hopefully there were still funds in the Club accounts.

I remain a member of the Executive Committee as Compliance Officer.  My role is to ensure that CRFC complies with its external regulatory and legal requirements as well as ensuring internal documents and policies remain up to date. I also assist with elements of the Club communications infrastructure.

You can find me at the majority of home games, sometimes enjoying lunch, always enjoying the rugby and the beer.

Chris Bull - Safeguarding Officer

My love of rugby started at the age of 11 and has stuck with me ever since. I played in the front row (not particularly well, I’ll admit!) but still managed to squeeze in at least one game a season right up until I turned 50.

I’ve been part of Canterbury RFC in one way or another since 1996—first as a player, then moving into coaching with the Minis and Juniors. I had the joy of taking my son all the way from the Under 6s through to Colts, and with a bit of luck, we’ll be seeing him in a First XV shirt before long.

When the boys hit Colts and their skills started to leave me behind, I knew it was time to hang up the coaching boots. That left me at a bit of a loose end—until I put my hand up to help with safeguarding. Before I knew it, I’d been co-opted onto the Executive Committee, and three years later here I still am!

Having spent 25 years as a police officer, with the last decade focused on child protection, safeguarding felt like a natural fit and a great way to keep contributing to a club that means so much to me.

Please don’t be put off by the grumpy face—promise I’m actually very friendly and always happy to chat if you’ve got a question or concern!

Denys Andrianjafy - Communications Officer

Sometimes called plucky, often foolish, my number 9 shirt could be seen jogging confidently onto the pitch and often stretchered off. There was a joy to running headlong at the opposition knowing you had much bigger support … most of the time. I got involved with CRFC in 2018 through my stepson training with the Mini & Youth. The welcome given to us really talks at what it means to be a part of a rugby family. An opportunity arose to become a member of the Executive Committee and I jumped at the chance to play a more active role, albeit off-field, in such a wonderful and supportive club.

My role is to co-ordinate communications from the club through our various channels, website, social media etc, and to ensure our club voice is communicated appropriately in an inclusive and engaging way. The #OneClub #YourClub theme runs through the narrative of all club communications and is the living heartbeat of CRFC.