Men's Senior Rugby Recruitment 2026/27
Build your rugby and your future at CRFC
More than a rugby club
Most clubs can offer rugby. At CRFC, we offer something more.
We are building an ambitious environment where players can develop both on and off the pitch.
Whether you are transitioning from professional rugby, seeking a fresh challenge, relocating for work or study, or looking for an environment where your rugby and career ambitions can thrive together, CRFC provides the support, opportunity, and culture to help you succeed.
Located in the historic city of Canterbury, we combine competitive National League rugby with a strong community, outstanding facilities, and a network of opportunities that extends far beyond the touchline.
Current recruitment priorities
As we build towards the 2026/27 season, we are looking to strengthen key areas of our squad with ambitious players who want to challenge themselves in a high standards National League environment.
We are particularly interested in hearing from:
Tight Head Props:
Experienced players, with player-coach opportunities available for the right individual.
Locks:
Athletic, physical forwards who can add quality at the set piece and around the field.
Utility Backs:
Versatile players capable of operating across multiple positions in the backline.
Ambitious Players:
Regardless of position, we are always keen to speak with players who believe they can add value to our environment.
Whether you are transitioning from professional rugby, looking for a fresh challenge, relocating for work or study, or seeking an environment where rugby and career ambitions can thrive together, then come and talk to us.
Why players choose Canterbury Rugby Club
Career Development:
We understand that rugby is only part of the journey. Through our extensive business and community network, we can help players explore career opportunities, professional development, and life beyond rugby, creating an environment where ambitions on and off the pitch can thrive together.
Accommodation support:
Moving clubs can be a big step. For the right players, accommodation support may be available to help make the transition to Canterbury as smooth as possible, allowing you to focus on settling into both the club and the city.
One Club Culture:
CRFC is more than a rugby club. From Mini & Youth rugby through to our senior men’s and women’s teams, wheelchair rugby, volunteers, partners, and supporters, everything we do is built around a genuine One Club philosophy where people feel welcomed, valued, and connected.
A city built for students and professionals:
Canterbury offers the perfect balance of opportunity and lifestyle. With excellent universities, strong employment prospects, direct transport links to London, and a vibrant social scene, it is an ideal place to live, work, study, and play rugby.
Build your rugby, build your future, and become part of the Black & Amber family.
Our Head Coach - Matt Corker
What we’re building
“We are building something special at CRFC. An ambitious environment where players can thrive, challenge themselves, and create lasting memories both on and off the field. We are proud of what this group has achieved together, but we know there is much more to come. If you want to be part of that journey, we’d love to hear from you.”
Matt Corker
Head Coach, CRFC Men’s Senior Rugby
Senior Squad Player
What it’s like to be part of it
“When I started looking at life beyond professional rugby, I wanted a club that would support me both on and off the pitch. CRFC offered exactly that. It allowed me to continue playing ambitious rugby whilst building the next chapter of my career.”
Harry Sloan
CRFC Senior Squad Member
Representative Honours and Player Development
Players grow here
Player development sits at the heart of what we do. Every season, CRFC players earn representative honours, progress through academy and university pathways, and achieve success at higher levels of the game. We are committed to creating an environment where ambitious players can develop, challenge themselves, and reach their potential.
This section will soon showcase:
- County selections
- England Counties representation
- Academy progression
- University honours
- Alumni achievements
Because at CRFC, players don’t just play here – They grow here
Our DoR - Taff Gwilliam
Why CRFC?
“What makes this club different is that we invest in people, not just players. We want individuals who are prepared to work hard, contribute positively to the environment, and embrace the standards that underpin everything we do.
Rugby is only one part of the journey. Through our coaches, sponsors, partners, and wider club network, we are committed to supporting players both on and off the field, helping them develop as people as well as athletes.
We are proud of the culture we have built and excited about where it can go next. Our ambition is to continue developing players, competing at the highest level possible, and creating an environment that people are proud to represent.”
Taff Gwilliam
CRFC Director of Rugby
The CRFC Experience
Matchday
There is nothing quite like pulling on the Black & Amber jersey.
From the anticipation before kick off to the final whistle, our matchdays bring together players, coaches, volunteers, partners, and supporters in an environment that is competitive, passionate, and welcoming.
Career Support
At CRFC, we understand that rugby is only one part of your journey.
Through our extensive network of partners, sponsors, members, and business contacts, we actively support players as they build their careers away from the game.
Many of our partners recognise the qualities that rugby players bring to the workplace, including leadership, teamwork, resilience, communication, and a strong work ethic. As a result, we work closely with our network to help identify opportunities that align with a player’s skills, ambitions, and long term goals.
Whether you are transitioning from professional rugby, relocating to the area, starting your career, or looking for your next opportunity, we aim to provide support, introductions, and guidance that can help you establish yourself both on and off the field.
Our relationship with our partners is a genuine two way partnership. They invest in CRFC because they believe in what we are building, and many actively engage with our players to help create opportunities beyond rugby.
We are proud to be a club that values the whole person, not just the player.
Training
Our players are challenged, supported, and encouraged to improve every week.
Sessions are designed to develop individuals and strengthen the collective, creating a culture where hard work, accountability, and enjoyment go hand in hand.
Team Culture
Success is built on strong relationships.
From team socials and club events to informal gatherings after training and matches, our players enjoy being part of a group that values camaraderie as much as performance.
Clubhouse & SCRUM Kitchen
The clubhouse sits at the heart of club life.
Whether it’s breakfast before work, lunch with teammates, post match food, or simply catching up with friends, SCRUM Kitchen and the clubhouse provide a welcoming space for players, members, supporters, and visitors throughout the week.
Recovery & Wellbeing
Performing at your best means looking after yourself both physically and mentally.
Our focus on player welfare helps create an environment where players can train, compete, recover, and develop throughout the season.
Supporters
Our supporters are an important part of the CRFC experience.
Home matches are played in front of a loyal and passionate rugby community that takes pride in supporting the team and celebrating the successes of everyone connected to the club.
The City of Canterbury
As one of England’s most historic and vibrant cities, Canterbury offers the perfect backdrop to rugby life.
Home to universities, thriving businesses, independent cafés, restaurants, and excellent transport links, it provides outstanding opportunities for work, study, and social life beyond rugby.
At CRFC, you’re not simply joining a team. You’re becoming part of a club, a community, and an environment where people are encouraged to thrive both on and off the field.
One Club. One Standard. One Ambition.
Join a rugby environment where people matter, standards matter, and ambition matters.
Build your rugby and your future at CRFC.