Month: January 2026

HAVANT PRESENT FRESH CHALLENGE

Posted on | by David Haigh

SATURDAY PREVIEW

My challenge to the players before Saturday’s game was to deliver one of the most physical opening ten minutes the Marine Travel Ground had ever seen. To the players’ credit, last Saturday has to rank as one of them. Although we started a little edgy in attack, I thought our defence was ruthless and gave Dorking very limited time and opportunity. After fifteen minutes our attack settled and we went on to score four tries in twenty minutes.
Dorking are fifth in the league table for a good reason and, before Saturday, had conceded an average of just 17.5 points per game. They still have the best defence in the league, with the second-best team forty points adrift. I think that puts our forty-point haul into context and to contain them to a single try is something we can be really proud of.
There are some excellent podcasts available where England players and coaches from the 2019 World Cup squad that beat New Zealand talk about the week that followed that great result and their preparation for the final. They all speak about the emotional drain of such a performance and how they felt they did not fully respect how they were feeling, or the challenge of returning to the same emotional level just one week later.
In our own way, we now face a similar challenge. After one of our best performances of the season we travel to play a confident Havant side. They have won four games in a row and boast the fourth-best scoring record in the league. We are under no illusions: we must get back to the same emotional level if we want to get a result on the south coast.
The Pilgrims are also back in action in a decisive fixture away at eleventh-placed Dartfordians. Only eight points separate the two teams but we currently sit on the right side of the relegation fence. The Pilgrims are refreshed after their week off and travel knowing the significance of the game. Pressure is a privilege and big games are the ones you remember — I’ve no doubt this will be one for the memory banks.

MATT CORKER, HEAD COACH

Canons Match Report

Posted on | by Becca Williams

It was a tough afternoon at the office for the Canons as the city side fell to a 52-15 defeat against table toppers Sittingbourne.

 

The Canons knew that they were heading into a physical battle against Sittingbourne, who saw their first defeat of the season the prior week, which provided added venom to the league leaders. Canterbury started positively, and took an early lead following a 45m penalty from Josh Lamb. However the uglier and heavier Sittingbourne soon bounced back for their first try following scrum dominance on a very muddy and boggy top pitch and pushed over from 5m. Within the next 10 minutes, it was déjà vu, as Bourne crossed for a second from another scrum.

Frustration hit the Canons, with silly penalties allowing the visitors to kick the ball into the corner and again maul over from short range. A yellow card followed for Fady Sheta following a no arms tackle, but despite being a man down, the Canons scored next following some good recycling and free flowing rugby. Finding space out wide, Lamb used good footwork to evade the defence and release Kel Katta to score. The conversion was successful and the deficit reduced to 9.  Sittingbourne had the last laugh of the half, again using their forwards to bully their way over and grab the bonus point try.

 

Despite the score line, Sittingbourne had picked up a number of injuries and the game felt in the balance at half time.  However, Sittingbourne rallied in the second half, and again the forwards used their size and power to wear down the Canons defence 4 more times.  The Canons ended positively, with the excellent Henry Carruthers finishing off a passage of excellent offloading to score a consolation.

 

Sittingbourne showed why they are top of the league and pushing for promotion into Counties 2. The Canons now have a 2 week break before travelling to old foes Old Williamsonians for a Valentine’s Day love in.

Canterbury Push League Leaders to the Limit in Hard Fought Home Clash

Posted on | by Becca Williams

Written by Amber Waitimas

 

Canterbury Women vs Dorking (Home) – 26–34

 

It was a well-anticipated home fixture for Canterbury Women as they welcomed league leaders Dorking, who have dominated the competition so far this season. With both sides looking to impose themselves early, the match delivered a high intensity, physical contest from the opening whistle. This fixture also saw six debut players feature for Canterbury’s ever-growing women’s team, highlighting the squad’s continued development.

 

Canterbury kicked off and immediately applied pressure, capitalising on handling errors from Dorking deep inside their own 15. On debut, Meghan Rhodes #3 reacted sharply at the breakdown, picking up loose ball before the forwards drove hard through a series of pick and go phases. The sustained pressure was rewarded when El Crowe #8 crossed for the opening try to give Canterbury a 5–0 lead.

 

Dorking responded to level the scores at 5–5 before adding further points to move ahead 5–10 and then 5–12. Despite this, Canterbury’s scrum proved a major strength throughout the match. Strong, dominant set-piece work consistently provided clean ball, allowing scrum-half and captain Lucy Relf #9 to deliver quick, accurate service and maintain tempo in Canterbury’s attack. Defensively, Emily Moriarty #15 made several one on one try saving hits, repeatedly shutting down Dorking’s attacks and keeping Canterbury in the contest.

 

From a penalty, Canterbury again turned to their forward power, building momentum through repeated pick and go phases before the ball was shifted cleanly through the backs and out to Robyn Gulley #12, who finished well to level the scores at 12–12. Gulley converted her own try. Shortly after, Canterbury were unfortunate not to be awarded a goal-line drop-out, with their hard defensive work leading to Dorking being held up twice over the try line. Dorking then took advantage to extend their lead to 12–17 and then 12–24 at half time.

 

Canterbury came out with renewed intent after the break. From another penalty, the forwards showed patience and control, with Kate Rutherford #19 grounding the ball after a sustained period of pressure. Robyn Gulley #12 added the conversion to reduce the deficit to 19–24. In the pack, Savannah Butt #6 delivered a standout performance, making several dominant tackles and securing key lineout wins, earning Forward of the Match.

 

Dorking responded to push the score to 19–29, but Canterbury refused to let their heads drop. A powerful 20 metre run from El Crowe #8 cut through the defensive line to score once again, with Robyn Gulley #12 converting to close the gap to 26–29. In the backs, Layla Little #13 was outstanding, running excellent support lines and repeatedly breaking through the Dorking defence. Her impact, alongside Robyn Gulley #12, saw the pair work effectively together to identify and exploit gaps, creating sharp attacking opportunities, earning Back of the Match.

 

Late in the contest, Dorking scored on the wing following a penalty to extend their lead to 26–34. A final penalty from the scrum brought the match to a close.

 

Players of the Match were particularly hard to select this week following strong performances across the squad. Forward of the Match went to Savannah Butt #6 for her dominant tackles and key lineout wins, while Back of the Match was awarded to Layla Little #13 for her excellent support lines and ability to break through the Dorking defence. The Women’s Team Sponsor’s Player, awarded by Joe Jupe from JAJ Signals, went to Emma Alleyne #5 in recognition of her consistent hard work across the park, strong attacking lines, and dominance at the breakdown.

 

Despite the result, Canterbury refused to accept defeat and proved why they are a strong team, testing Dorking in a well-contested match from start to finish. The coaching team are particularly proud of the performance and the squad’s commitment, maintaining intensity and hard work for the full 80 minutes of the game.

Six Nations 2026 Trophy

Six Nations live at the Clubhouse

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Six Nations, Six Flavours, all live in one clubhouse

Clear your diary, rally your mates, and loosen your belt a notch. The Six Nations kicks off on Thursday 5 February, and we will be showing every single match live at the Clubhouse. Big screens, proper atmosphere, good people, and food that knows its rugby. This is what winter evenings were made for.

The bar will be flowing, the Clubhouse will be dressed for the tournament, and whether you are shouting at the referee, celebrating a last gasp try, or quietly enjoying a pint while pretending not to care, you will be very welcome.

Opening night. France v Ireland. Thursday 5 February

We start with a heavyweight opener. France v Ireland, under the lights, with memories of last year still fresh. Power, pace, and two sides who very much fancy themselves as champions.

To mark the occasion, SCRUM Kitchen will be running a Steak and Frites Night from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, just in time to fuel up before kick-off at 8.10pm. A proper way to launch the tournament.

£15 per person – Book now scrumkitchen@cantrugby.co.uk

Six Nations themed burgers. One for every allegiance. Which one is your flavour?

For all other Six Nations matchdays, apart from Friday 14 February due to a home game, SCRUM Kitchen will be serving a special Six Nations themed burger menu. All burgers are served in brioche buns with fries.

The Italian
A nod to flair and freshness. Melting mozzarella, ripe tomato, and fragrant pesto mayonnaise bring a touch of Roman sunshine to your matchday. Stylish, smooth, and quietly confident, much like Italy on their best days.

The French
Rich, indulgent, and unapologetically bold. Creamy Brie meets crispy bacon, finished with a punch of Dijon mustard. This one plays with finesse, but still hits hard, very on brand for Les Bleus.

The Scottish
Hard working, uncompromising, and full of character. A proper haggis slice with sweet fried onions. Built for graft, grit, and long afternoons shouting about missed tackles.

The Welsh
Passionate, proud, and rooted in tradition. Sautéed leeks and crumbly Caerphilly cheese come together in a veggie option that sings with national pride and a choir worthy finish.

The English
Solid, powerful, and built for the long game. Mature Cheddar, smoky bacon, fried onions, and English mustard mayonnaise. Direct, dependable, and very hard to shift once it gets going.

The Neutral
No allegiances, no distractions. A classic steak burger, plain or with cheese. For those who are here for the rugby, not the colours. Or for anyone who just cannot decide.

All burgers £9.95 apart from The Neutral £7.95
All burgers available at every game.

The fixtures. Every match. Every moment. Live

Week 1

France v Ireland – Thursday 5 February, KO 8.10pm
A blockbuster opener. Last year set the tone for the tournament, and both sides will be desperate to start fast.

Italy v Scotland – Saturday 7 February, KO 2.10pm
Italy showed real progress in 2025, Scotland will be keen to avoid a banana skin.

England v Wales – Saturday 7 February, KO 4.40pm
Form often goes out the window here. Last year reminded us that this fixture never does quiet.

Week 2

Ireland v Italy – Saturday 14 February, KO 2.10pm
Ireland looking to assert control, Italy aiming to spoil the party again.

Scotland v England – Saturday14 February, KO 4.40pm
Recent seasons have made this one spicy. Scotland will fancy it. England will want revenge.

Wales v France – Sunday 15 February, KO 3.10pm
Fire versus flair. Last year produced moments of magic and heartbreak in equal measure.

Week 3

England v Ireland – Saturday 21 February, KO 2.10pm
A rivalry that shaped the 2025 title race. Expect intensity from the first whistle.

Wales v Scotland – Saturday 21 February, KO 4.40pm
Two proud sides, both capable of brilliance. This one often delivers when you least expect it.

France v Italy – Sunday 22 February, KO 3.10pm
France at home, Italy chasing belief. Stranger things happened last year.

Week 4

Ireland v Wales – Friday 6 March, KO 8.10pm
A midweek clash under the lights. Last year showed how quickly momentum can swing.

Scotland v France – Saturday 7 March, KO 2.10pm
Pace, power, and moments of chaos. Exactly what the Six Nations does best.

Italy v England – Saturday 7 March, KO 4.10pm
England will be wary. Italy will be fearless. A fixture that now demands respect.

Week 5

Ireland v Scotland – Saturday 14 March, KO 2.10pm
Titles have been decided in games like this. Expect nerves, noise, and drama.

Wales v Italy – Saturday 14 March, KO 4.40pm
Pride on the line and nothing to lose. These are often the most entertaining matches.

France v England – Saturday 14 March, KO 8.10pm
A grand finale. History, rivalry, and usually a few moments that live long in the memory.

Your Six Nations home

Whether you are here for one match or all fifteen, whether you are Black and Amber, green, blue, red, or gloriously neutral, the Clubhouse is your Six Nations home.
Rugby on the screens. Proper food from SCRUM Kitchen. A welcoming crowd. It all starts Thursday 5 February. Come and watch it with us.

Canterbury Power Show

Posted on | by David Haigh

CANTERBURY 40 DORKING 7

by David Haigh

In condemning Dorking to their heaviest defeat of the season an in-form Canterbury gave notice that they are becoming serious title contenders. The top two National 2 East sides, Old Albanians and Oundle, must come to the Marine Travel Ground next month while third placed Bury St Edmunds host the city side on February 21st. It could be a defining period of the season and Canterbury will relish the challenge. In a blistering first half they took total control, scoring four converted tries, running up twenty eight unanswered points and wrapping up a bonus. The tone was set by scrum half Tom Williams who celebrated his 100th appearance by scoring the first two tries in a Man of the Match performance. From nervy starters, Canterbury became clinical finishers as Harry Sloan’s angled run cleared the way for Williams’ opener after 15 minutes. The century man needed no assistance for his second contribution, a great individual break and 35 metre dash ending under the posts. Poor discipline from Dorking, which cost them two yellow cards and damaging penalties, saw them next pinned back by a probing kick from Frank Reynolds and they gifted the city side a third try. An overthrown line out ball landed in the arms of Eoin O’Donoghue at the tail and he crossed the line unmolested. It was the hooker who also claimed the bonus point score as the influential Sloan produced another decisive thrust to set it up on the half hour mark. Canterbury’s domination was such that the visitors never entered the home 22 area until late in the half and If they were to get any sort of foothold in the match they needed to use the slope and breeze in the second period. Instead, Canterbury stunned them with a fifth try three minutes after the interval. Charlie McGovern, Kurt Heatherley and Presley Farrance combined beautifully to send Aiden Moss over. Reynolds failed with the conversion for the first time but he soon got the opportunity to make amends. Canterbury mauled and drove at close range and Farrance’s finish made the result a formality. A strangely lacklustre and battered Dorking did respond, briefly, with a try and conversion from fly half Tom Hardwick, but for the rest they were shut out as the city side powered to an impressive eighth win in a row.

Canterbury: K.Heatherley, A.Moss. H.Sloan, W.Waddington, L.Talbot, F.Reynolds, T.Williams, D.Huntley, E.O’Donoghue, O.Frostick, J.De Vries, J.Stephens, C.McGovern, R.Thomas, T.Oliver. Replacements: P.Farrance, C.Macmillan, F.Morgan, J.Dengate, J.Walker,

ACE Student Carter Set to Take Next Step Into Adult Rugby

Posted on | by Becca Williams

This Saturday marks an important milestone for our partner school, The Archbishop’s School, as pupil Carter takes the next step in his rugby journey by progressing into adult rugby.

Carter has been a standout figure within The Archbishop’s School’s rugby programme, demonstrating commitment, consistency, and a strong understanding of the game throughout his school career. His development over recent seasons has been a testament to both his work ethic and the high standards upheld within the school’s rugby environment.

As a key component of the programme, Carter has not only contributed through performances on the pitch but has also set an example off it — showing leadership, discipline, and a willingness to learn. These qualities have supported his transition and prepared him well for the physical and tactical demands of the adult game.

Carter, Playing for ACE

Speaking about Carter’s progression, David Elliott, Headteacher of The Archbishop’s School, and Adam Knoupe, Director of Sport and Head of Sport Academies, both highlighted the significance of this moment. They commented that it is “great to see the partnership between the school and the club come into fruition, and the realisation of our aspirations for a pupil of our school to access adult rugby, particularly with a high-level club such as Canterbury.”

Carter’s progression reflects the strength of the pathway created through the partnership between The Archbishop’s School and the club, providing talented players with clear opportunities to develop beyond school rugby and into the senior game.

Everyone connected with the school and the club wishes Carter every success as he embarks on this next chapter of his rugby journey. His achievement stands as a positive example of what can be accomplished through strong collaboration, ambition, and commitment to player development.

 

Big Day Against Dorking

Posted on | by David Haigh

MATCH PREVIEW

For the last two seasons I have left Westcombe Park disappointed that we hadn’t quite done ourselves justice on the pitch. This year felt very different. It’s a tough place to go and play our game, but the players worked relentlessly for the full eighty minutes and showed real control to come away with four points.
The performance was built on the pressure we put Westcombe Park under, the growing maturity of our kicking game this season and an effective maul display. Overturning records that have stood against us has been a clear target this year and, if Saturday taught us anything, it’s that it will always require our very best to do so.
The Pilgrims suffered an agonising finish against Bromley last week, conceding in the final play to lose by three points. After a slow start they had fought their way back into the lead, making the late score a bitter pill to swallow. They now have a rest weekend before travelling to Dartfordians for an important fixture.
This weekend we welcome Dorking to the Marine Travel Ground in a fourth-versus-fifth clash. Our recent games against them have always been matches to remember; we know how important this result is as we head into the home straight of the season. We are still to beat a top-five side this year and with four of them – including Dorking — coming to us before the end of the season the challenge is clear.
No backwards steps. Be better every week. That’s the plan; now we have to execute it.

MATT CORKER, HEAD COACH

Top to Toe Fitness Canterbury: Opening February 2026

Posted on | by Becca Williams

We are excited to announce a fantastic new addition to the Marine Travel Ground: Top to Toe Fitness Canterbury, opening 2nd February 2026.

A new era of community‑driven fitness is coming to the city, bringing a fresh, inclusive approach to functional training, right in the heart of the Canterbury Rugby Club grounds.

A Gym Built Around People

Top to Toe Fitness Canterbury isn’t just another gym. It’s a space designed to help real people move better, feel stronger, and build confidence that lasts well beyond the walls of the gym.

  • Small group training for all fitness levels
  • Expert coaching focused on safe, effective movement
  • Supportive community where everyone is encouraged
  • Sustainable progress tailored to the individual

Whether you’re stepping into a gym for the first time or looking to train with more purpose, you’ll find a warm, welcoming environment where members genuinely lift each other up.

Open Seven Days a Week

Life is busy — your training shouldn’t add stress. With sessions available every day, you can build strength, resilience, and confidence at a pace that works for you.

Free Taster Sessions

To celebrate the launch, we’re hosting two free taster days: Saturday 31 January & Sunday 1 February

Come along, meet the coaching team, try a session, and get a feel for our community‑focused approach to functional fitness.

Book your session here

Top to Toe Fitness Canterbury
Canterbury Rugby Club
Merton Lane, Canterbury, CT4 7DZ

Deacons Match Report

Posted on | by Becca Williams

Medway 4’s vs Canterbury Deacons 17 Jan 26 Match Report

By the infamous Pete Demery

It’s difficult to score if you don’t have the ball……

Being possibly the most charitable team in the entirety of English rugby and to avoid an away walk over Canterbury hosted Medway at home for a second time this season as their pitches were unplayable.
Not realising that it’s polite to reciprocate our goodwill, the top of the table team decided to come to the City (the only City in Kent now) and practise scoring tries.

On paper we had a strong team but last moment changes and regular players out/away saw us cobble together forward pack with many playing out of position.
All season we’ve had a reliably strong scrum only challenged by a couple of heavy teams, so watching from the sideline without being able to throw some boots on and get involved was horrible.
Our backs line up was superb with pace, depth and handling ability to challenge any team in the league – our issue was getting our hands on the ball to release them.

We all know you can’t polish a turd, the scoreline speaks for itself. Medway had a game plan, they executed it extremely well and played to their strengths. In the first half the Deacons probably had the ball less than 5 minutes across the 40, there were flashes of brilliance but they fell short through lack of composure, confidence or both.
The end of the half was welcome relief with the Deacons behind requiring Haribo and a chat about where we could improve.

The second half saw some changes; and staring down the barrel of a nilling in our own back yard some tactical changes brought a higher level of intensity to the start.
Finally with some ball in hand the Deacons were able to disrupt and use the pace of the back line to go forward. A loose ball, some excellent footballing skills from Ed Exley and Denton dotted down to get us off the mark.
Captain & Birthday boy (21 again) Dan Head added the 2 with a tricky kick. The boys had their heads up again, there was the faintest whiff of a comeback on the cards……

Like a fart in a sauna the whiff quickly dissipated, Medway running another try past us with simple straight forward rugby. Nothing about the game plan involved flair or panache, just simple route one smash it up the middle style brutality. It worked though. Fortunately the Medway kicker was about as useful as a bald man’s comb & couldn’t get the ball anywhere near the posts to convert.
The away supporters had all the decorum of a bag of week old dog sick, chirping away without necessarily understanding the laws of the game.
So when Canterbury once again broke the Medway line and returning superstar Jake Upward got across the try line and Dan once again added the extras the Deacons hard work had paid off & the opposition supporters were quietened for a minute.

Medway finished with a flourish. The last try was hard to swallow but the Deacons were exhausted after 80 minutes of ferocious tackling having been subjected to relentless punishment. As always we stuck at it and gave everything for the badge and our team mates. We will bounce back.

Enjoy the win Medway, we hope it makes you happy. Dear lord, what a sad little life Medway. You ruined my day entirely just so you could have a little win.

POtM – Dan Head. For rallying the troops, kicking the points & leading from the front.
Mentions- Freddie Vion (tackling all over the place) James Newman, Matt Burchell for stepping up and in to all sorts of areas.
Also Dylan, Rob & Freddie again for playing all sorts of positions backs & forwards and Steve Rutt for putting on a shift for the first half against a horrible Medway pack.

We miss you Brad. Get well soon Ronnie & Matt.

Strong Home Performance Secures Bonus Point Win as Canterbury Women

Posted on | by Becca Williams

Canterbury Women 22

Medway Women 12

Canterbury Women secured a hard fought 22–12 bonus point win at home yesterday against a strong Medway side, marking our first home game of the year and extending our winning run to three matches. Games against Medway are always competitive, physical encounters, and this fixture proved no different, with both teams fully committed from the opening whistle. It is a rivalry we always look forward to, and Medway once again tested us across the park.

Canterbury set the tone early with consistent strong carries and excellent support at the breakdown, allowing us to maintain momentum and recycle the ball effectively. Lydia Ticehurst (#9) worked tirelessly at the back of the breakdown and scrums, moving the ball quickly to our pods or to skipper Kate Rutherford (#10), keeping Medway’s defence under constant pressure. The back three showed great cohesion throughout, supporting each other well under high balls and contributing with strong carries, offloads, and solid ruck security. Notably, Lola Yuille-Clough (#11) impressed with powerful runs and well timed hand offs that repeatedly gained ground.

The opening try came from winger Emily Moriarty (#14) after some clean hands along the back line, finishing confidently out wide. The second try followed from fullback Robyn Gulley (#15), whose trademark hand offs and physical carries saw her power her way under the posts. Canterbury continued to build pressure through the forwards, and after a series of hard carries, met by equally committed tackling from Medway, Lily Philpott (#7) forced her way through the defence to score our third try, again grounding the ball beneath the posts. Captain Kate Rutherford summed it up perfectly, noting, “Where there is a Lily Philpott, you’ll soon find an Inger Philpott not far behind,” with Inger Philpott (#2) able to celebrate the try with her daughter under the posts. The fourth and final try came from Robyn Gulley, securing her second of the match. Breaking the defensive line, she showed great awareness and skill to play the ball off the foot before collecting and finishing strongly over the line.

A disciplined team performance, combined with physicality and smart decision making, ensured Canterbury came away with a deserved bonus point victory and a strong start to the home fixtures this year.

Across the squad, every player put in a hugely physical shift, fronting up in contact and working for one another throughout the full eighty minutes. The impact players brought exactly what they are described as bringing, impact, lifting the tempo, adding physicality, and ensuring standards stayed high right through to the final whistle.

Players of the Match were particularly hard to select this week following strong performances across the squad. Forwards of the Match went to the mother and daughter duo Lily Philpott (#7) and Inger Philpott (#2), while Backs of the Match were awarded to Lydia Ticehurst (#9) and Lola Yuille-Clough (#11).

Off the pitch, it was a fun day had by all. A huge thank you goes to the bar and kitchen for their hospitality, amazing as always, and most importantly, to our supporters who came out in the cold to make noise for the women. Your support makes a real difference.