Around the Ground

Another full-blooded weekend of rugby has reminded us that this season is about more than league positions. It is about resilience, growth, and the strength of our Black and Amber community.

At Bury St Edmunds, the Men’s 1st XV were tested by one of the most physical packs in National 2 East. Against a top-four side, the margins were fine. While execution at key moments proved decisive and the result sees us slip to fifth, the endeavour and ambition were clear. This is a group still very much in the fight, still learning, and still pushing standards as the run-in gathers pace.

On a rain-soaked afternoon at Hove, the Women’s 1st XV delivered a performance that spoke volumes about their development. In heavy conditions that limited expansive play, the squad adapted intelligently and battled from first whistle to last. The forwards set the tone, the backs found moments of quality in the mud, and the defensive commitment was immense. It was a narrow defeat, but one full of pride and progress.

Across the wider club, we paused to celebrate something far bigger than a single fixture. Mini and Youth rugby at Canterbury Rugby Club is now fifty years old. Half a century of first tackles, first tries, shared lifts, lifelong friendships, and dreams that started on muddy pitches. From those early Sunday mornings to alumni like Huw Jones now representing Scotland on the Six Nations stage, the legacy of our Mini and Youth section is something truly special. It is the heartbeat of our club and a reminder that what we build here lasts generations.

Looking ahead, the fixtures keep coming, the Easter camps are filling fast, and the momentum off the pitch continues just as strongly. From CRY heart screening and fundraising to supporting MND through “Keep the pass going”, our work extends well beyond eighty minutes on a Saturday. This club competes hard, but it cares harder.

Rugby. Community. Legacy.

Here is to the next chapter in Black and Amber.

#OneClub #GetBehindUs

21^st /22^nd  February weekend scores roundup

Bury St Edmunds 27 – 10 Men’s 1^st XV
A powerful Bury pack and organised defensive display proved decisive as Canterbury were beaten in a hard-fought clash between two top-four sides in National 2 East.

Struggling to secure consistent ball at the set piece, the Black and Amber were forced to defend for long periods. When they did gain possession, they played with ambition and width, but were unable to convert promising passages into the points required to swing momentum.

Early missed tackles handed the initiative to Bury St Edmunds, with hooker Matt Hicks crossing for the opening try, converted by Ben Penfold. Bury extended their lead with two further scores, capitalising on a quickly taken penalty and an effective lineout move to open up a seventeen-point advantage.

Canterbury’s response came late in the first half. A clever cross-kick from Frank Reynolds was expertly contested by Kurt Heatherley, who rose highest to bat the ball into the path of Aiden Moss to finish. Reynolds’ difficult conversion attempt struck the post, leaving the gap still significant at the break.

The visitors began the second half brightly, but a misfiring lineout proved costly, an overthrown ball allowing Bury prop Ben Cooper to secure the bonus point try. Undeterred, Canterbury produced their strongest spell of the match, moving the ball with pace and stretching the defence through wide channels. Line breaks followed, and pressure mounted.

Two yellow cards for the home side offered opportunity, but determined scrambling defence restricted Canterbury to a single score, Heatherley finishing on the overlap after sustained pressure. Further chances went begging as Bury held firm before sealing the result late on, running back a clearance kick to hand Penfold a simple finish.

The defeat sees Canterbury slip to fifth in the table, with lessons to take from a contest where endeavour was evident but execution at key moments proved decisive.

Hove Women 17 – 10 Women’s 1^st XV
On a muddy, rain-soaked afternoon, this was always going to be a contest decided by composure, control and physicality. With heavy ground and a slippery ball limiting expansive rugby, the squad adapted intelligently and produced a determined performance from first whistle to last.

The forwards set the tone. In tight exchanges, they worked tirelessly, matching the opposition at scrum time and refusing to give ground. Emma Alleyne and Ellie Rowe were outstanding in the second row, carrying with authority and organising the defensive line with real clarity. Their work rate and physical edge were central to the team’s effort. On debut, Meghan Rhodes also made a significant impact, carrying strongly into contact and showing impressive strength in the scrum.

The forward replacements brought excellent energy when introduced. Fresh legs at key moments maintained intensity and ensured momentum did not dip. Their willingness to carry hard and defend aggressively in difficult conditions was a real positive.

Even in the mud, there were moments of attacking quality. Lola Yuille-Clough was a constant threat, gliding through traffic and somehow making heavy ground look manageable. One powerful break earned a deserved try, and she came within inches of a second after being forced into touch near the line. Emily Kent, Lily Philpott and El Crowe also produced strong carries, repeatedly challenging the defensive line and looking to create opportunities whenever space appeared.

Another highlight came from a well-executed move following a penalty five metres out. The team showed patience and accuracy through multiple phases before creating the space for Alice Hayward to cross for a well worked score.

Defensively, Emily Moriarty delivered several outstanding try saving tackles, halting dangerous attacks at crucial moments and keeping the contest within reach.

Overall, it was a tightly fought encounter that could have gone either way. The opposition perhaps adapted marginally better to both conditions and officiating on the day, but there is much to take pride in. It was a resilient, spirited and highly competitive display that reflects the continued growth and belief within this squad.

Pause for applause

This week, we step away from individual player recognition to celebrate something even bigger.

As of last month, Mini and Youth rugby at Canterbury Rugby Club is fifty years old.

Half a century of muddy mornings, early kick-offs, shared lifts, orange slices, first tries, tough defeats, and lifelong friendships. Fifty years of introducing young players to the game and showing them what is possible.

It is a remarkable testament to the club’s commitment to youth rugby. Generations of players have pulled on the Black and Amber shirt for the first time in our Mini &  Youth section. Some have gone on to represent the club at senior level. Some have progressed to county, national, and even international honours. We are proud to count alumni such as Huw Jones, currently running out for Scotland in the Six Nations, among those who began their journey in Canterbury colours. All of them started with the same simple foundations: teamwork, respect, and enjoyment of the game.

We thank every player who has come through the ranks over the past five decades. We thank every coach who has given up evenings and weekends to guide, encourage, and inspire. We thank the volunteers who organised fixtures, washed kit, marked pitches, and kept everything moving behind the scenes. And we thank the parents who stood on touchlines in every possible weather, cheering on their young scrummers with pride.

Fifty years of Mini and Youth rugby is more than a milestone. It is a legacy. One built on community, commitment, and the belief that every young player deserves the chance to dream.

Here is to the next fifty years of Black and Amber.

Upcoming fixtures

Saturday 28^th February
Men’s 1st XV v Oundle – KO 3.00pm
Old Colfeians v Pilgrims – KO 2.30pm
Canons v New Ash Green – KO 2.30pm
Whitstable v Deacons – KO 2.30pm
Vigo 2nds v Zingari – KO 2.30pm

Sunday 1^st March
Colts A v TJ’s  – Main Pitch KO 1.15pm
Colts B v TJ’s – Top Pitch KO 11.25am
Boys U13’s Amber v TJ’s – Top Orchard KO 10.30am
Boys U13’s Black v TJ’s – Bottom Orchard KO 10.30am
Boys U12’s v Sevenoaks Simon Langton 4G from 10.30am
Mixed U11’s v Dartfordians – 10.00am – 11.30am

M&Y Training
Mixed U6’s and Mixed 7’s – Grids 9.00am-10.00am
Mixed U8’s and Mixed U9’s – Simon Langton 4G 9.00am-10.00am Sharing a half
Mixed U10’s – Simon Langton 4G 9.00am-10.30am half a pitch
Boys U15’s  – Simon Langton 4G 11.30-1.00pm

Easter rugby camps – There is still time to book

The countdown is officially on as we look ahead to the Easter Canterbury Rugby Club camps. Book via Team and book soon ,as they are always popular.

Our camps are designed to be active, inclusive, and great fun, open to young players across our usual age groups and delivered by our experienced CRFC community coaches. Expect a full day of rugby activities, skills development, games, and teamwork, all wrapped up in the welcoming Black and Amber environment that families know and trust.

To support busy parents and carers, there are a number of optional add-ons available when booking. These include an early start Breakfast Club from 8.00am to 9.00am, a freshly prepared hot lunch from SCRUM Kitchen at midday, and an After Camp Club running from 3.00pm to 5.00pm for those who need a later pick up.

Everything can be booked easily via Teamo, including the additional childcare and food options.

Spaces are limited, so early booking is strongly recommended –https://teamo.chat/club/team/R50MP

We are really looking forward to welcoming familiar faces and new ones alike for a brilliant February half term on and off the pitch.

A different way to start your fitness journey

If you have been following Top to Toe Fitness Canterbury for a while but have not quite taken that first step, this is for you.

Since opening at Canterbury Rugby Club, Top to Toe has been clear about one thing. How you start matters.

This is not a gym built around random drop ins.

It is not about throwing new members straight into busy classes and hoping they keep up.

Instead, every new member begins with the 6 Week Foundations Programme.

Why Foundations?

Foundations is designed for people who:

• Do not want to feel behind
• Want proper coaching from day one
• Are ready to build real consistency

You will train three times per week in a small group of no more than eight people. That means proper coaching, proper feedback, and space to learn.

Each week follows clear progression.

Sessions are structured.

Support is consistent.

It is about building strength the right way, developing confidence in your movement, and creating habits that last.

The details

The investment is £175 for the full six weeks.

After completing Foundations, members move into the ongoing coaching membership at £100 per month on a rolling basis.

The next intake begins 23 March.

Only eight spaces are opened every six weeks, ensuring the coaching remains personal and the group remains focused.

If you have been thinking about starting, this is the right way to do it. No pressure. No chaos. Just expert coaching and a supportive community inside the Black and Amber family.

Secure your place here:

https://goteamup.com/p/12396993-top-to-toe-fitness-canter/memberships/265922/

Your story starts with one step.

Let’s protect young hearts. Support CRY screening at Canterbury Rugby Club

Every week in the UK at least 12 young people die from undiagnosed heart conditions. Fit. Active. Full of life. With no warning.

That is why we are once again working with Cardiac Risk in the Young to host a dedicated heart screening day at Canterbury Rugby Club.

Screening Day Details

Date: Sunday 29 March 2026
Location: Canterbury Rugby Club, Merton Lane, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 7BA
Eligibility: Anyone aged 14 to 35

Booking: www.testmyheart.org.uk/private
Password: CRC2026

This screening has been funded in memory of Anthony Fitzgerald, a powerful reminder of why this work matters.

Not free. Funded by our community.

The national campaign describes this as a free heart test. In reality, it is not free to deliver.

CRY have paid for 100 young people to be screened on the day. The cost of bringing this specialist team, equipment and clinical expertise to our club is £7,000.

Parents are invited to make a donation when booking, and as a club we are asking every family who attends to consider contributing if they are able.

In addition, Canterbury Rugby Club will be fundraising in the weeks leading up to 29 March so that we can aim to cover the full cost of the day.

We remain the only club that has previously managed to fully fund its CRY screening day. That is something we are immensely proud of.

Now we are asking our #OneClub community to do what it always does. Step forward. Stand together. Make it happen.

Why this matters

CRY has been working since 1995 to reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac death. The charity:

• Supports young people diagnosed with potentially life threatening cardiac conditions
• Provides bereavement support to families affected by sudden cardiac death
• Funds vital medical research
• Develops and promotes heart screening programmes
• Funds specialist referral, screening and cardiac pathology services across the UK
• Publishes clear medical information written by leading cardiologists

An ECG test takes only a few minutes. It can identify conditions that show no outward symptoms. It can quite literally save a life.

How you can help

• Book a screening for eligible young people aged 14 to 35
• Make a donation when booking
• Support upcoming club fundraising activity
• Share the booking link and raise awareness
• Encourage friends, teammates and classmates to take part

This is about awareness. It is about prevention. It is about protecting our young players and our wider community.

Let’s once again show what the Black and Amber family stands for.

Community. Care. Action.

#OneClub – #GetBehindUs

Keep the pass going for MND

Canterbury Rugby Football Club is proud to be taking part in a powerful social media campaign in support of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

It is simple. It is rugby. And it is something every single member of our Black and Amber family can get involved in.

What is “Keep the pass going for MND”?

It is a quick and engaging social challenge that reflects exactly what our game is built on, teamwork, connection and supporting one another.

All you need to do is:

1. Catch a rugby ball, or any ball.
2. Say on camera: “I’m supporting the MND Association and I’m keeping the pass going for MND.”
3. Then add: “Text MNDRUGBY to 70085 to donate £7.”
4. Nominate a few people by name.
5. Finish with: “Let’s keep the pass going for MND.”
6. Pass the ball on.

Then upload your video to social media, tag your nominations, and include:

Text MNDRUGBY to 70085 to donate £7

That is it. Simple. Powerful. Impactful.

Why it matters

Motor neurone disease affects thousands of individuals and families across the UK. The funds raised help provide vital support, care and research for those living with the condition.

As a rugby club, we understand the importance of standing together. This challenge brings together everything we believe in: community, courage and collective effort.

Look out for our posts

Over the coming days you will see players, coaches, volunteers, and supporters taking part across our social channels.

When you see it:

• Get involved
• Accept a nomination
• Nominate others
• Keep the momentum moving

Let’s fill feeds with Black and Amber passes and show what #OneClub really means.

The ball is in our hands.

Let’s keep the pass going for MND.

The countdown is on to the Canterbury RFC May Ball

Clear your diary, rally your friends, and get ready for one of the most spectacular nights in the Black and Amber calendar. The Canterbury RFC May Ball is back on Friday 22 May 2026, and it promises an evening packed with style, celebration, and unforgettable moments.

From the moment you arrive at 6.30pm, you will be stepping into a night designed to impress. Think elegant surroundings, a buzzing atmosphere, and the familiar warmth of the Canterbury rugby family coming together to celebrate another season.

Guests will enjoy a three course dinner served at 7.30pm, before the night truly comes alive. There will be dancing, games, an auction, and a raffle, alongside crowd favourites including dodgems and a 360 photobooth, giving you plenty of chances to laugh, compete, and capture memories with friends old and new.

Providing the soundtrack to the night is FNKHAUS, bringing an irresistible mix of dance floor fillers, club classics, and party anthems. Whether you are first on the dance floor or waiting for your favourite song to drop, this is music made for letting your hair down and dancing the night away.

The dress code is Black Tie, so expect a room full of sharp suits, stunning dresses, and plenty of Black and Amber flair. It is a chance to dress up, celebrate in style, and enjoy the club at its most glamorous. Carriages are at 1.00am, but do not be surprised if you wish the night could go on even longer.

Tickets are £80 per head, and places are limited. This event always sells quickly, so early booking is highly recommended.

To secure your place, contact Kirsty Walder at kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk

This is more than just a ball. It is a night to celebrate friendships, memories, and everything that makes Canterbury Rugby Club special. Get behind it, get dressed up, and be part of a truly magical Black and Amber evening.

More than just matchday fuel

From the mighty Big SCRUM full English (featuring Preston Butchers’ sausages) to lighter bites like mushrooms on sourdough or Greek yoghurt with homemade granola, there’s something for every appetite. Veggie favourites like the Big Veg and smoky Spanish beans never disappoint.

Little scrummers are well catered for too. The Scrummies Menu serves up mini classics such as beans or eggs on toast, bacon rolls, or sugar pearl waffles, all with a drink for just £5.

With bread from Gilda Bakery and sweet treats from Beardy Bakery, everything is fresh, local, and full of flavour.

So why not start your day the rugby way? Come hungry, leave happy, and make SCRUM Kitchen part of your matchday ritual.

Book your table or brose our menus at https://www.scumkitchen.co.uk

Regular Opening Hours

• Saturday: Breakfast from 9.00am coffee shop and light snacks
• Sunday BBQ breakfast from 9.00am and light snacks available from the clubhouse. Bar open from 12.00pm
• Pizza Nights (Tues, Wed, Thurs – 6.00pm to 8.00pm): Perfect for after training. Enjoy a pizza and a pint, or pre-order so the kids’ slices are ready as they come off the pitch. And if you’re the one training, what better way to round off your session than with a fresh slice. Check out the menus at https://www.scrumkitchen.co.uk
• Don’t forget the Six Nations Burgers, best eaten while watching the games live at the clubhouse.

SCRUM Kitchen: Made with pride, served with heart, bringing local ingredients to our community table.

Join the 300 Club and support your rugby family

The 300 Club is one of the simplest ways to make a real difference to Canterbury Rugby Club. For just £5 a month, you help fund the projects, facilities, and opportunities that keep the Black & Amber family thriving.

Every month, members are entered into a cash prize draw, and at Christmas we celebrate with a bumper £1000 prize. It is our way of giving something back to those who back us.

Getting involved is easy. Visit the club website to download the application and direct debit forms, or get in touch with Jill for more details at 300club@cantrugby.co.uk.

Your support goes straight into the heart of the club. Be in it to win it, and help keep our One Club spirit strong.

We wish you all the best of rugby!