Month: September 2024

TARGETING A STRONG START

Posted on | by David Haigh

SATURDAY PROSPECTS

As we turn the page on preseason, this week represents the transition from preparation to action with our first league fixture awaiting us on Saturday. The squad has been outstanding over the past ten weeks, meeting every challenge we have thrown at them head-on. The data shows what we’ve already seen in training — most of the squad is in the best physical shape they’ve been in for the last four years, which is a credit to their hard work.

Having retained the majority of the squad for a second season we have come into this preseason further along the road than in previous years. Our strong finish to last season has given us a solid platform to build on and the new additions to the group have only strengthened us, adding depth and real competition for places.

The three warm-up games have been competitive and exactly what we needed. Esher and Blackheath provided us with valuable insights into where we’re strong and where we need to sharpen up. Harpenden gave us a different kind of challenge — a wet, physical game on a 3G pitch. That was important preparation as the three newly promoted teams this season all play on similar surfaces, so the experience will serve us well.

The Blackheath game was a great learning experience. It reminded us how crucial it is to make the most of the opportunities we create. That’s the next step we need to take if we want to start our league campaign on the right foot.

Colchester arrive at the Marine Travel Ground off the back of an exceptional season. They only lost two matches and finished 15 points clear of second place. Last season’s opener didn’t go the way we’d hoped and we’ve spent the summer preparing to ensure we start better this time around. Tomorrow is our chance to show what we are capable of and set the tone for the season ahead.

The Pilgrims’ trip to Crowborough highlights the level of competition we’ve got within the squad. The strength of the team travelling there speaks for itself. Crowborough was their final game of last season and those involved haven’t forgotten the bad result. They’re eager to put that right and give a much better account of themselves this time around.

Matt Corker, Head Coach

And we are off!!

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

To celebrate the Paris 2024 Paralympics, the first home game of the season, and welcoming Colchester to National 2 East, Canterbury Hellfire is bringing Wheelchair Rugby to the Marine Travel Ground for the very first time. Players, Members, Supporters, and Sponsors are all invited to come and see the incredible fast pace, hard hits, and amazing skills that come together in Wheelchair Rugby as a thank you from Hellfire for your support over the years.

Wheelchair Rugby is normally played indoors on a basketball court but to shake things up Hellfire along with many of the very best Wheelchair Rugby players from across the South East of England will be playing outside. In another first we have spare chairs and all the kit needed so you too can become part of the team, you don’t need a disability to be part of this extraordinary event. You will even get coached by 2012 Team GB Captain and Hellfire Lead Coach Steve Brown and Brighton Coach and former Hellfire member Omar Foster.

Tip off (the Wheelchair Rugby version of a kick off) is at 12:30. Get strapped in and come and be part of our amazing #OneClub experience.

Wasps’ Strategic Move to Kent: A Game-Changer for English Rugby

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

In a bold and transformative move, Wasps Rugby Club is set to make a significant comeback by potentially relocating to Kent, a region often overlooked in professional rugby. This move, expected to take place during the 2025-26 season, could be a turning point for the sport in England, not only reviving a storied club but also unlocking a new, fertile ground for rugby talent.

A Strategic Resurgence

Wasps, who entered administration in 2022, have been exploring ways to re-establish themselves in English rugby’s competitive landscape. The latest plans suggest that the club will play at The Valley, in a ground-share arrangement with Charlton Athletic, as they prepare for their revival in the Championship. However, this is more than just a venue shift—it’s a strategic decision with far-reaching implications.

Kent, known as the Garden of England, is home to 63 community rugby clubs, yet it remains largely untapped by the professional rugby circuit. The county has produced a number of top-tier players, but many have had to leave the region to pursue professional opportunities. By establishing a permanent base in Kent, Wasps aim to provide a clear pathway for local talent, ensuring that the region’s potential is fully realised.

The Broader Impact

The implications of Wasps’ move extend beyond the rugby pitch. This decision is part of a broader effort by the RFU and Premiership Rugby to decentralize talent development, ensuring that promising players don’t have to travel long distances to access elite training facilities. With plans for satellite hubs and revised academy boundaries, the landscape of English rugby is evolving to become more inclusive and regionally diverse.

Canterbury Rugby Club Leads the Charge

While Wasps are laying the groundwork for their future in Kent, Canterbury Rugby Club has already taken significant action. Recognising the need to develop local talent, Canterbury has launched an academy linked to Archbishop’s School in the city. This innovative program offers four rugby sessions a week to pupils aged 16 to 18, many of whom are refugees from Ukraine and Syria. The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between grassroots and professional rugby, helping local players transition into the professional ranks.

Funded by local sponsors and independent of the RFU system, Canterbury’s academy is part of a larger strategy to position the club as a key player in the region’s rugby ecosystem. The club is in talks with Saracens to establish Canterbury as a hub for their satellite academy, ensuring that talented players in Kent have a direct route to top-tier rugby without leaving the county.

A Vision for the Future

Wasps’ potential move to Kent represents a significant opportunity to transform the region into a powerhouse of English rugby. With Canterbury Rugby Club already taking the lead in talent development, the Garden of England is poised to become a key contributor to the national rugby scene.

As Wasps work towards securing a permanent home in Kent, they stand to not only strengthen the game but also to create a lasting impact on the community. This move could mark the beginning of a new era for English rugby, where regions like Kent play a central role in shaping the future of the sport.

Stay tuned as Wasps, a club with a rich history, embarks on this transformative journey. The potential for growth, both on and off the field, is immense, and the future of rugby in Kent has never looked brighter.

Read the full article at – https://lnkd.in/ej3PnZJT (subscription needed)

 

Kurt Heatherley

KURT JOINS THE SQUAD

Posted on | by David Haigh

NEW SIGNING

As we head into the opening game of new National 2 East league season with a home fixture against Colchester, the club have announced a major addition to the senior squad.

Former Auckland and Jersey centre Kurt Heatherley is joining us after a summer playing on the Sevens circuit in France for Clermont.
Head Coach Matt Corker said:”We are really excited to add a player with Kurt’s experience and physical presence to our squad. He will add a great deal to the team and I am looking forward to seeing him show his quality at the Marine Travel Ground”

The 29-year-old New Zealander, who has British ancestry, is an all round sportsman who was a star Australian Rules football player before switching to Rugby. He represented Auckland in the Mitre Cup competition before joining former English Championship side Jersey Reds.

Kurt already has a Canterbury connection with friend and colleague at Jersey, our former second row player Shay Kerry, now with Championship club Bedford.