News
Around the Ground at the MTG
It was a weekend of hard-fought battles and standout performances across all levels of Canterbury Rugby Club. The 1st XV came up just short in a closely contested 22-18 loss to Westcombe Park, while the Women’s team put in a determined display but fell 15-7 to Heathfield & Waldron.
There were plenty of positives elsewhere, with the Deacons delivering a dominant 76-0 victory over Vigo 2nds. In the junior ranks, the Boys U13’s Spitfires edged out Tonbridge Juddians 25-20, while the Hurricanes stormed to a 35-5 win over Bromley. The U16s narrowly lost 12-13 to Sevenoaks in a thriller, and the U14’s took on Dover winning 20 – 0.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another exciting weekend of rugby! Check out the upcoming fixtures below and come down to cheer on the teams.
A week of mixed results but plenty of positives for Canterbury Rugby Club!
Weekend roundup
Westcombe Park 22 – 18 1st XV: Canterbury’s six-match winning run came to a frustrating end in the muddy conditions at Westcombe Park, where despite dominating territory, they struggled to break down a resilient defence. A poor start saw them concede eight early points before Sam Rogers’ catch-and-drive try and a Frank Reynolds penalty brought them level. However, Combe struck again before half-time to take a 15-8 lead.
The hosts extended their advantage with a converted try in the second half, and despite Canterbury controlling territory, they couldn’t find a way through until Jamie Stephens powered over in the 63rd minute. A late Reynolds penalty secured a losing bonus point, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a disappointing 22-18 defeat.
Deacons 76 – 0 Vigo 2nds: After a tough defeat to Thanet last week, Deacons were determined to respond, and they did so in emphatic fashion with a dominant 72-0 victory over Vigo 2nds. A fast start saw the backs cross the line within 10 minutes, quickly followed by three more first-half tries, all converted by returning kicker Josh Lamb.
Despite losing a player to injury, Deacons upheld the spirit of the game, with Leon Benning stepping in to play for Vigo in the second half. Canterbury continued to apply pressure, running in try after try to seal their biggest win of the season.
Credit to Vigo for battling until the final whistle, and congratulations to Lennie “Westside” West, named Player of the Match!
Heathfield & Waldron Ladies 15 – 7 Canterbury Women: Canterbury Women put in a determined performance against league leaders Heathfield & Waldron but fell just short in tough conditions. Despite dominating at the breakdown and scoring a well-worked try, repeated penalties against us gave Heathfield the advantage. A second-half penalty extended their lead, and despite Canterbury’s relentless effort, the home defence held firm.
It was a hard-fought contest, highlighting the team’s resilience and strong defensive play. Plenty of positives to take forward as we look ahead to our next challenge!
Boys U13’s Spitfires 25 – 20 Tonbridge Juddians U13’s
Boys U13’s Hurricanes 35 – 5 Bromley U13’s
Boys U14’s 20 – 0 Dover
boys U16’s 12 – 13 Sevenoaks
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another exciting year of rugby action!
Next fixtures
Saturday 15th February
1st XV v Tonbridge Juddians – Home KO 3.00pm
Pilgrims v Beccehamians – Away KO 2.00pm
Canons v Bromley 2nds – Home KO 2.00pm
Deacons v Sittingbourne 2nds – Away KO 2.00pm
Zingari v Old Gravesendians 2nds – Away KO 2.00pm
Sunday 16th February
Mini and Youth
Mixed U6’s – Simon Langton 4G 9.00am to 10.00am
Mixed U7’s v Whitstable – Simon Langton 4G 9.00am to 10.00am
Mixed U8’s v Whitstable, Simon Langton 4G 9.00am to 10.00am
Mixed U9’s v Whitstable – Bottom Orchard 9.00am to 10.30am
Mixed U10’s v Whitstable – Top Orchard 9.00am to 10.30am
Mixed U11’s v Whitstable and Dover – Top Pitch 9.00am to 10.30am
Boys U12’s Gold v Old Alleynians – Away
Boys U12’s Black v Sheppey – Away
Boys U13’s weekend off
Boys U14’s v Lordswood – Bottom Orchard 10.30am
Boys U15’s v Chelmsford – Simon Langton 4G 12.00pm
Boys U16’s v Medway – Simon Langton 4G 10.00am
Colts v Deal and Betts – Top Pitch 11.00am
Please check the Mini & Youth webpages for updates
Canterbury Rugby Club and Marine Travel extend a warm welcome to all visiting teams, players, and supporters.
RALPHH donates life-saving defibrillator to Canterbury RFC
Rugby is more than just a game—it’s about community, support, and looking out for one another. That’s why Canterbury Rugby Club is incredibly grateful to RALPHH (The Robert Allen Life Promotion and Healthy Hearts Trust) for their generous donation of a defibrillator. This vital piece of equipment could one day save the life of a player, supporter, or member of our rugby family.
Safety in sport is a shared responsibility, and this donation reinforces our commitment to protecting everyone involved in our club. Our Chairman, proudly accepted the defibrillator alongside Richard Allen, Chairman of RALPHH, and club representatives Ella Jenkins and Harry Sloan, highlighting the importance of community in everything we do.
With 1,750 members, including 750 players across all age groups, Canterbury RFC is more than just a club—it’s a family. We sincerely thank RALPHH for their support, and while we hope we never need to use this defibrillator, knowing it’s there means the world to us.
Canterbury Hellfire’s Fresh Look Thanks to Sponsorship
Canterbury Hellfire Wheelchair Rugby is excited to reveal a brand-new look, made possible by generous sponsorship from Howden and Marine Travel Ltd. The support includes branded wheel stickers, team hoodies, and a new home kit, set to debut when the competition season begins in April.
This sponsorship strengthens team morale and identity as we compete nationwide. A huge thank you to Howden and Marine Travel for their continued support!
Canterbury RFC wins the Ultimate Guinness Rugby Experience!
Canterbury RFC’s dedication to growing and sustaining rugby has been recognised on a grand scale—we were honoured to win the Ultimate Guinness Rugby Experience at the Guinness Men’s Six Nations 2025! This prestigious award celebrates grassroots clubs making a significant impact on the sport, and we were privileged to be selected.
As part of this honour, ten of our club members enjoyed an unforgettable experience at the England vs. France clash on 8th February. They received exclusive behind-the-scenes access, including a dressing room tour, a player meet & greet, and the rare privilege of walking the match ball onto the pitch and overseeing the official coin toss.
A huge thank you to Guinness GB for this incredible opportunity and for championing grassroots rugby. This experience was a reminder of the values that define Canterbury RFC—teamwork, leadership, and community. Here’s to more unforgettable moments both on and off the pitch!
Canterbury 1st XV to Support Rugby Against Cancer This Saturday
Our 1st XV will not be sporting the usual black & amber socks this Saturday during their game against Tonbridge Juddians, but will be wearing Rugby against Cancer socks. A fantastic charity that has mobilised the rugby community to fundraise and help those living with cancer.
Over £30,000 has been donated by Rugby Against Cancer to help the lives of those affected by cancer in the UK. If you wish to find out more and donate, go to their website – https://www.rugbyagainstcancer.com/
Join Us for an exclusive City Lunch with Jamie Roberts!
Mark your calendars for Thursday, 20th March, as Canterbury RFC hosts an exclusive City Lunch with special guest Jamie Roberts—former Wales, British & Irish Lions, and Harlequins centre.
This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a great afternoon of rugby insights, delicious food, and top-class company. Tables for 8-12 guests are available at £65 per person, but spaces are limited and always sell out quickly!
To secure your place, book now by contacting [email protected]. Don’t miss out on what promises to be a memorable event!