News
Around the Ground at the MTG
What a week it has been at the club! Three senior teams took to the field on Saturday, and all three returned victorious. The 1st XV still have work to do to retain their current 4th place position, but their confidence is high after two hard-fought wins.
The Pilgrims have done it again! This time, they are not sharing the top spot but have claimed it outright, securing promotion to Regional 2 South East.
The Canons’ game was cancelled, but just a week earlier, they cemented their place at the top of the table and secured promotion to Counties 3 Kent.
Deacons travelled to Ashford Barbarians with revenge in mind, still stinging from their previous defeat. This time, the story was different, as Zingari dominated the game and secured a well-deserved win.
City Lunch at the MTG
Last Thursday, we welcomed 190 guests to the MTG for our City Lunch. It was a fantastic event filled with great food, excellent company, and an inspiring talk from our special guest speaker, Jamie Roberts—former Wales, British & Irish Lions, and Harlequins centre.
Thank you to everyone who attended. We look forward to seeing you at our next City Lunch event!
CRFC hosts inaugural Kent Girls’ 7s Tournament in true #OneClub Spirit
On Saturday, we hosted our first Kent Girls’ 7s Tournament at the MTG. A total of 27 teams competed at U12 and U14 levels, with 366 young players taking part. 7 Wells were the overall cup winners, while Beccs Valley claimed the U14 cup.
Each player received a bag and Jazz Apples, generously donated by our partners at World Wide Fruit. The day was a huge success, and congratulations must go to Becky McCracken and her team for organising such a fantastic event. It truly embodied our #OneClub spirit, with players from the Women’s, Men’s, and Colts teams stepping up to referee and oversee proceedings. Many volunteers from across the club also played a vital role in ensuring the day ran smoothly.
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to another brilliant week at Canterbury Rugby Club!
Scores roundup
1st XV 31 – 28 Henley Hawks: Canterbury have rediscovered their winning touch, digging deep to secure another tight victory after a recent dip in form. Coming from behind in the second half, the City side held firm under intense late pressure from Henley Hawks to claim a maximum five-point return, keeping them in fourth place in National 2 East.
They started brightly, dominating the early exchanges and racing into a two-try lead by the 18th minute. Eoin O’Donoghue’s break set up Frank Morgan for the opening score, following some slick handling from the backs. Frank Reynolds, making his 100th appearance, converted before O’Donoghue powered over from a driving maul to extend the lead.
At that stage, it looked like Canterbury might run away with it, but Henley refused to back down. A penalty from Max Titchener got them on the scoreboard before centre George Wood’s dazzling footwork cut the deficit. A classic catch-and-drive try from Rory Mason, converted by Titchener, put Hawks ahead briefly before Canterbury responded in kind, with O’Donoghue grabbing his second.
As the first half drew to a close, another Titchener penalty nudged Henley ahead, and they extended their lead soon after the restart, as Will Benning crossed to create an eight-point gap—a worrying sign given Canterbury’s recent second-half struggles.
But this time, they refused to falter. Reynolds’ pinpoint kick behind the defence was chased down by Morgan for his second try, closing the gap. They then took control with a powerful crash-ball finish from Harry Sloan, securing a vital bonus point.
Despite creating further opportunities, Canterbury couldn’t add to their tally, leaving the door slightly open for Henley. Titchener’s third penalty cut the lead to just three points, setting up a tense finish. But Canterbury’s defence held firm, restricting the Hawks to just a single losing bonus point—arguably less than they deserved.
A hard-fought five-point victory keeps Canterbury’s playoff hopes alive as they look to build on their return to winning ways.
Heathfield 7 – 27 Pilgrims: The Pilgrims travelled to Heathfield & Waldron knowing victory would secure them the league title—and they delivered in style with a dominant 27-7 win.
Despite early nerves, the Pilgrims quickly took control, with Owain Collins opening the scoring after strong forward play. Gus Lister added a second try, maintaining his spot as the league’s top try-scorer, and Collins’ accurate boot stretched the lead to 17-0 by half-time.
Heathfield looked to fight back after the break, but Pilgrims continued their dominance. Adrian Geddes powered over for another try, expertly converted by Collins, before a penalty pushed the lead to 27-0. A late Heathfield score was a mere consolation, as Pilgrims’ defence, led by captain Al Evans, held firm.
The victory sealed their third consecutive league title and confirmed their promotion to Level 6 next season—a fitting reward for an outstanding campaign.
Canons HWO Faversham: Faversham withdrew from the fixture, forfeiting the game.
Ashford Barbarians 15 – 22 Deacons: After over a month without a fixture, the Deacons travelled to face the league leaders, determined to avenge their January defeat.
The league leaders, Barbarians, having lost only twice all season, boasted a deep squad, home support, and confidence. Meanwhile, Deacons fielded a young, energetic team accustomed to the relentless pace of Colts rugby, supported by experienced regulars. The squad even featured a father-son duo and two brothers.
The opening half was a fierce battle, with Deacons’ defence proving impenetrable. Despite attacking uphill, they held firm for 35 minutes until Ashford broke the deadlock with a controversial try. However, Deacons struck back before the break, levelling the score at 5-5.
With fresh legs from the bench and the advantage of playing downhill in the second half, Deacons ramped up the pressure. Barbarians, rattled by the defensive resilience, opted for penalty kicks rather than challenging the defensive line.
At 8-5, Craig Fuller powered through for two stunning tries, with Josh Lamb adding the conversions to push Deacons ahead 8-22. Barbarians fought back with a late score, but it wasn’t enough. The final whistle blew at 15-22, handing them only their third defeat of the season and denying them a promotion-clinching win.
An incredible team effort, but Player of the Match went to Ruben Kalonji, who, in his first senior game at No. 8, caused havoc for the opposition.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to a continued, exciting season of rugby action!
Next fixtures
Saturday 29th March
Zingari v Whitstable 2nds
Sunday 30th March
Minis
Mixed U6’s Grids – 9.00am to 10.00am
Mixed U7’s Grids – 9.00am to 10.00am
Mixed U8’s Bottom Orchard – 9.00am to 10.00am
Mixed U9’s Simon Langton 4G – 9.00am to 10.30am
Mixed U10’s Training Pitch – 9.00am to 10.30am
Mixed U11’s Simon Langton 4G – 9.00am to 10.30am
U7s, U8’s, U9’s, U10’s will be hosting Thanet. Same pitches same times
Youth
Boys U12’s v TJ’s Top Orchard – KO 10.30am
Boys U13’s training, Simon Langton 4G – 10.30am
Boys U14’s v TJ’s, Bottom Orchard from 10.30am
Boys U15’s v Thanet, Langton Grass pitch – KO 10.00am
Boys U16’s no training
Colts Tigers v OE’s Main Pitch – KO Midday
Colts Dragons v Sevenoaks Top Pitch – KO Midday
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.
Canterbury Varsity: The ultimate rugby showdown!
It’s that time of year again! Canterbury Christ Church University and University of Kent go head-to-head in their annual Varsity Rugby Battle. A fantastic evening of sport awaits, with thrilling men’s and women’s rugby matches, plus food and bars to keep you refreshed as you cheer on your team.
Date: Friday 28 March 2025
Venue: Canterbury Rugby Club
Women’s 1st XV: KO 6.00pm
Men’s 1st XV: KO 8.00pm
Ticket-only entry for all (including CRFC members). Strictly no parking at the Marine Travel Ground.
For more details and to book your tickets, head over to the Varsity website.
We can’t wait to see you there and share in the excitement!
Celebrate the Pilgrims with a Saucy Flo’s curry meal!
Join us for a special pre-match dining experience and enjoy one of the club’s famous Saucy Flo’s curries for just £15 per head. Treat your friends, family, or clients to delicious food, great company, and the perfect build-up to the game. Served at 1:15 PM, it’s an occasion not to be missed! Book now at saucyflos@gmail.com.
This is the perfect way to celebrate the Pilgrims’ league victory and congratulate the team on their incredible season. It has been a fantastic two years under coach Jon ‘Fozzy’ Foster, and we’d love for you to be part of their final game!
3rd April – Pilgrims vs Crowborough (KO TBC)
Be there to show your support!
Canterbury RFC Golf Day – Thursday 1st May 2025
Join us for a fantastic day of golf at Canterbury Golf Club on Thursday 1st May 2025. This premier event promises great competition, top-class hospitality, and some unforgettable moments.
What’s Included:
- Welcome breakfast & registration (from 8.00am)
- Shotgun start at 10.00am with live on-course scoring
- Team & individual prizes up for grabs
- A CRFC backpack, sleeve of balls, and goody bag for every player
- A three-course lunch at 3:30pm
- Special guest comedian Adger Brown
- An iconic Spitfire flypast before play begins (weather permitting)
- BONUS: Each four-ball team receives a Canterbury Golf Club voucher for a future round
Entry for a 4-ball team: £1000
All Proceeds will go to Canterbury Rugby Academy.
A perfect day for golfers of all levels—don’t miss out!
To book your place, contact: kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk
Canterbury RFC May Ball – A night to remember!
Mark your calendars for Friday, 23rd May 2025, as Canterbury RFC hosts its much-anticipated May Ball – an evening of elegance, entertainment, and celebration!
Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner, followed by a night of dancing, games, and live music from FNKHAUS, delivering dancefloor fillers, club classics, and party anthems. The evening will also feature an auction, dodgems, a 360° photobooth, and more to keep the party atmosphere alive.
Date: Friday, 23rd May 2025
Dress Code: Black Tie
Dinner: 7.30pm (arrival from 6.30pm)
Carriages: 1.00am
Tickets: £80 per person
Don’t miss out on this fantastic event—book your place now! Contact Kirsty at kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk to secure your tickets.
Parking at the MTG
We are grateful to the MS Centre next door for allowing us to use their car park to help ease parking congestion. However, please be aware that on Sundays between 8:00 am and 11:00 am, their spaces will not be available for rugby club use. It is important that we respect this arrangement, as continued misuse could result in the loss of our parking privileges.
Additionally, we have noticed that some vehicles have been parked in the disabled bays at the club without displaying a Blue Badge. These spaces are reserved for disabled club users to provide them with the easiest access to our facilities. If a Blue Badge is not visible, we will request that the vehicle be moved.
To assist with parking awareness, any vehicles incorrectly parked in restricted areas will be displayed on the clubhouse screen. Please check before leaving your car to avoid any inconvenience.
Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring that parking remains fair and accessible for all.