Month: June 2026

First Team’s Tough Start

Posted on | by David Haigh

The first team has been handed a challenging start to the 2026/27 campaign with games against three of last season’s top six clubs in the first month. They kick-off against Old Albanian at The Marine Travel Ground, on September 5th, then travel to Dorking the following week. A home clash with a resurgent Esher side is scheduled for September 19th, before the month ends with a trip to Oundle, who were runners up in National2 East last time round. The club’s strong pre-season programme should see them well prepared, with home games against National One club Tonbridge Juddians, on August 14th, and another Friday night clash on August 27th when Blackheath, newly promoted to the Championship, are the visitors.

Sep 5: Old Albanian (H)
12: Dorking (A)
19: Esher (H)
26: Oundle (A)

View all 1st XV 2026-27 fixtures

 

John Halliday

Club statement: Chair transition

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Canterbury Rugby Football Club can confirm that John Halliday has tendered his resignation as Club Chair.

John has served the club with commitment, care, and dedication, helping to steer the ship through an important period for Canterbury Rugby Club. His contribution has been greatly valued by the Executive Committee, the wider club leadership team, and the many volunteers who work so hard across every part of the club.

The role of Chair carries significant responsibility, requiring time, energy, and presence. John has taken the decision that he is no longer able to give the role the level of commitment it deserves alongside his work and personal commitments.

On behalf of everyone at Canterbury Rugby Club, we would like to thank John sincerely for his leadership, friendship and service. We wish him well and are pleased that he remains committed to supporting the club wherever he can.

Giles Hilton will assume the position of Chair on an interim basis until a new Chair is formally voted in at the club’s AGM in August.

The club will continue to move forward with the support of its Executive Committee, volunteers, members, players, parents, supporters, and partners.

#OneClub

Owain Collins - VC Business Challenge

Canterbury RFC community team crowned Vice Chancellor’s Business Games champions

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

A huge congratulations to our Community Department coaching team who were crowned champions at the annual Vice Chancellor’s Business Games, hosted by partner organisation Canterbury Christ Church University on Thursday 18 June.

The event brings together businesses and organisations from across the local area for a day of competition, teamwork, and friendly rivalry. Teams compete across a variety of sports, games, and challenges, with points awarded based on performance in each activity. Additional fair play points recognise teamwork, sportsmanship, and the spirit in which the games are played.

This year’s activities included pull ball, an assault course, kin-ball, pickleball, over the line, and boccia, providing plenty of opportunities for teams to test themselves in unfamiliar sports and challenges.

Representing Canterbury Rugby Football Club were Matt Corker, Alice Hayward, Owain Collins, Cameron Macmillan, and Ella Jenkins. Competing against 16 other teams from across the local business, education, and community sectors, including several organisations that partner with the club, the team consistently performed throughout the day to finish top of the overall standings and claim the Vice Chancellor’s Business Games title.

Beyond the competition itself, the event also supported an important local cause, with proceeds from the day going to East Kent Mencap. The organisation supports people with learning disabilities and their families across East Kent, making the event an opportunity not only to bring local organisations together, but also to make a positive contribution to the wider community.

Reflecting on the day, one member of the team said:

“It was an incredibly fun day, very well organised by CCCU, a great opportunity to learn new sports, get a little competitive, but overall there was huge sportsmanship and a lot of fun with other businesses.”

Despite the heat, the games were played in excellent spirit throughout. While every team was keen to perform well, the day struck the perfect balance between friendly competition, teamwork, and sportsmanship, creating an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

While winning the competition was a fantastic achievement, the event was also a great example of what makes the local business and sporting community so strong. Bringing organisations together through sport, teamwork, and shared experiences helps create new connections, strengthen relationships, and showcase the positive role that sport can play beyond the pitch.

Thank you to the Sport and Active Health Department at Canterbury Christ Church University for hosting and delivering such an outstanding event. The organisation throughout the day was excellent, the facilities provided a fantastic setting for the competition, and the welcoming atmosphere ensured that everyone could enjoy the experience, regardless of the final standings. Events like the Vice Chancellor’s Business Games play an important role in bringing together organisations from across the region and strengthening the connections that help our community thrive.

Participants were also well looked after throughout the day, with refreshments provided by Shepherd Neame and lunch served by Smokey Joe’s, helping to keep energy levels high despite the warm conditions.

Congratulations to everyone who took part, and well done to Matt, Alice, Owain, Cameron, and Ella on representing the Black & Amber so brilliantly and bringing the Vice Chancellor’s Business Games trophy back to the Marine Travel Ground.

Nat 2 East 26-27

National 2 East 2026/27

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy
There will be three newcomers to National 2 East in the 2026/27 season, Colchester and Jersey, both promoted, and Leicester Lions, relegated from National One.  A full fixture list is expected to be published in June.

National 2 East

Barnes, Canterbury, Colchester, Dorking, Esher, Guernsey, Havant, Henley, Jersey, Leicester Lions, London Welsh, Od Albanian, Oundle, Westcombe Park.
We are hiring

We are recruiting

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Treasurer

Volunteer Role | Member of the Executive Committee

Join one of Kent’s leading community sports clubs, with more than 1,000 members and participants and annual revenues exceeding £1 million.

Canterbury Rugby Football Club is seeking a Treasurer to join its Executive Committee and play a key role in the financial stewardship of the club.

Canterbury Rugby Club is much more than a rugby club. We provide opportunities for people of all ages and abilities through men’s, women’s, wheelchair, mini and youth rugby, alongside a growing programme of community activities, events, hospitality, and commercial partnerships.

As the club continues to grow, we are looking for an individual who can provide financial oversight, support strong governance, and help ensure the long-term sustainability of the organisation.

This is a volunteer role that offers the opportunity to make a genuine difference to a thriving community organisation while applying your professional skills and experience in a rewarding environment.

About the Role

The Treasurer is responsible for overseeing the financial management and reporting of the club and acts as a key link between the Executive Committee and the club’s accounts function.

Working closely with fellow Executive Committee members, the accounts team, banking partners, and external advisers, the Treasurer helps ensure that the club’s finances are managed effectively and transparently.

Key Responsibilities

  • Oversee the club’s in-house accounts department
  • Act as the primary point of contact between the Executive Committee and the accounts department
  • Liaise with the club’s bankers and financial institutions
  • Prepare and present monthly management accounts to the Executive Committee, including Profit and Loss Accounts and Balance Sheets
  • Prepare the club’s annual budget and monitor financial performance against budget throughout the year
  • Prepare annual accounts
  • Complete the club’s annual return to the Financial Conduct Authority
  • Liaise with external accountants regarding taxation and compliance matters
  • Provide financial insight and support to the Executive Committee to assist strategic decision-making

Who We Are Looking For

We are interested in hearing from individuals with experience in:

  • Accountancy
  • Finance
  • Bookkeeping
  • Financial management
  • Commercial business management

You may be an experienced finance professional, a qualified accountant, a retired finance leader, a business owner, or someone with relevant financial expertise looking to contribute to their local community.

Previous experience within rugby or sport is not essential.

Most importantly, we are looking for someone who can bring sound financial judgement, integrity, and a commitment to helping Canterbury Rugby Club continue to thrive.

Why Join Canterbury Rugby Club?

As Treasurer, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Contribute to the leadership of one of Kent’s largest and most successful community rugby clubs
  • Support a club with more than 1,000 members and participants
  • Help oversee an organisation with annual revenues exceeding £1 million
  • Work alongside a committed team of volunteers and staff
  • Play a meaningful role in the continued growth and development of rugby and community sport across East Kent

At Canterbury Rugby Club, we believe rugby is about much more than what happens on the pitch. It is about community, opportunity, belonging, and creating an environment where people of all ages can thrive.

If that sounds like something you would like to be part of, we would love to hear from you.

Interested?

If you would like to play a key role in the future of one of Kent’s leading community sports clubs, we would love to hear from you.

For an informal conversation about the role, or to submit your expression of interest, please contact:

treasurer@cantrugby.co.uk

Closing date for applications: Thursday 20 June 2026

Canterbury Rugby Football Club is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. We welcome expressions of interest from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.