October 2026 | Canterbury Rugby Football Club
Welcome back to Around the Ground!
It’s been a little while since our last edition of Around the Ground, but there’s certainly been no shortage of activity at Canterbury Rugby Club.
The 2026/27 season is well underway, with rugby being played across the club, new faces joining our senior squads and exciting developments continuing at the Marine Travel Ground.
From the growth of our men’s and women’s rugby sections to opportunities to eat, train and recover on site, there’s plenty to celebrate and even more to look forward to.
Here’s what’s happening around your club.
This week’s headliners
Friday Night Lights: Come and support our rising stars!
There’s something special about rugby under the lights at the Marine Travel Ground, and this Friday promises to be a fantastic evening!
Our Canterbury Colts welcome Haagsche, visiting from the Netherlands, for an exciting international rugby encounter on the Main Pitch.
It’s a wonderful opportunity for our young players to test themselves against overseas opposition, and for the Canterbury rugby family to get behind the next generation of Black and Amber talent.
Friday 23 October 2026
- Canterbury Colts v Haagsche
- Kick off: 6.30pm
- Venue: Main Pitch, Marine Travel Ground
- Clubhouse bar: Open from 6.00pm
- SCRUM Kitchen: Food available from 6.00pm
Come down, bring your friends and family, grab a drink or something to eat, and give our Colts the support they deserve!
These are the players coming through our club’s rugby pathway, and there’s no better way to encourage them than seeing a great Canterbury crowd cheering them on from the touchline.
Let’s make Friday night one to remember. Get behind our rising stars!
The season so far: Building for the future
The 2026/27 season has brought plenty of activity across our senior rugby sections, with teams working hard on the pitch and continuing to develop as the season progresses.
While results are always important, so too is the development of our players, the strength of our squads and the opportunities we’re creating for people to enjoy rugby at Canterbury.
Senior men’s rugby: A growing squad
It’s particularly encouraging to see our senior men’s squad expanding this season, with former Colts progressing into senior rugby alongside new players joining us from other clubs.
This is exactly the kind of development we want to encourage. Our young players have a pathway to continue their rugby journey at Canterbury, while the arrival of new talent and experience helps strengthen the senior playing group.
It’s good to see familiar faces progressing through the club and new ones becoming part of the Black and Amber family.
Women’s rugby: More opportunities than ever
Women’s rugby at Canterbury continues to grow, with the introduction of our Inner Warrior Development team, alongside our established Women’s 1st XV.
Having two senior women’s teams represents an important step forward for the club, creating more opportunities for women to enjoy rugby, develop their skills and progress within the game.
Whether someone is new to rugby, returning after time away or looking to develop towards 1st XV rugby, we’re proud to be building a welcoming environment where more women can become part of our club.
It’s another example of what #OneClub means in practice.
Senior rugby: The season so far
The 2026/27 season is well underway, and our senior teams have been putting in plenty of hard work across the leagues.
Men’s 1st XV
It’s been a competitive opening to the season for our 1st XV, with some closely fought encounters and plenty of attacking rugby.
The squad has recorded victories against Havant and Leicester Lions, an impressive 59 point performance against Havant and a narrow 34–31 win over Leicester Lions.
Several matches have been decided by fine margins, showing just how competitive the league is.
With an expanded senior squad bringing together players progressing from our Colts and new signings from other clubs, there are encouraging signs as the group continues to develop.
Women’s 1st XV
Our Women’s 1st XV recorded a strong 24–10 victory over Lordswood Valkyries Ladies on 18 October.
Alongside the 1st XV, the introduction of our Inner Warrior Development team is another important milestone for women’s rugby at Canterbury, creating more opportunities to play, develop and enjoy the game.
Pilgrims, Canons, Deacons and Zingari
There’s been plenty of rugby across our other senior men’s teams too.
The Pilgrims have produced some encouraging performances, including a convincing 48–10 result against Beccehamian, alongside a hard fought draw with Tonbridge Juddians 2nds.
The Canons have enjoyed some strong results, including a 61–19 performance against Cliffe Crusaders and a 41–14 result against Sevenoaks 3rds.
The Deacons have been involved in some high scoring encounters, including their recent meeting with Bexley, while Zingari have also been producing plenty of attacking rugby, with a particularly close 38–37 contest against Whitstable 2nds.
Across all our senior sides, it’s encouraging to see players representing the Black and Amber, building team spirit and contributing to the continued strength of rugby at Canterbury.
Get behind our teams as the season continues. Every bit of support matters.
This weekend’s rugby
Senior fixtures: Saturday 24 October
Four of our senior men’s sides are in league action this Saturday, with two home fixtures at the Marine Travel Ground.
| Team | Opposition | Venue | Kick off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pilgrims (2nd XV) | Gillingham Anchorians | Home | 3.00pm |
| Canons (3rd XV) | Old Gravesendians | Away | 3.00pm |
| Deacons (4th XV) | Gillingham II | Away | 3.00pm |
| Zingari (5th XV) | Ashford Barbarians | Home | 3.00pm |
If you’re at the Marine Travel Ground this Saturday, why not come along and support the Pilgrims or Zingari?
And to our travelling Canons and Deacons, good luck on the road!
Women’s 1st XV: Cup rugby on Sunday
Our Women’s 1st XV travel to Dartford Valley on Sunday 25 October for the second round of their cup competition.
Dartford Valley v Canterbury Women’s 1st XV
- Date: Sunday 25 October 2026
- Venue: Away
- Kick off: To be confirmed
Following their recent victory over Lordswood Valkyries Ladies, we wish the squad every success as they look to progress in the cup.
For the latest fixture information and confirmation of Sunday’s kick off time, please check our website and social media channels.
Mini & Youth Rugby: Sunday 25 October
Sunday mornings at Canterbury Rugby Club are always full of activity, and this weekend is no exception!
From our youngest Mustangs to our U18 girls, there’s another busy morning of rugby ahead, with training sessions, visiting teams and plenty of opportunities to get involved.
A warm Canterbury welcome to everyone joining us from Folkestone and Haywards Heath.
Sunday 25 October: Fixtures, training and pitch allocations
| Age group | Activity | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mixed U6 Mustangs | Training | 9.00–10.00am | The Grids (half) |
| Mixed U8 | Joint training with Folkestone | 9.00–10.00am | Langton 3G (half) |
| Mixed U10 | v Folkestone | 9.00–10.30am | Langton 3G (half) |
| Mixed U11 | v Folkestone | 9.00–10.30am | Top Orchard (half) |
| Mixed U7 | v Folkestone (Home) | 9.15–10.15am | Bottom Orchard (half) |
| Mixed U9 | Hosting Folkestone, training | 9.15–10.15am | Bottom Orchard (half) |
| Boys U12 | Session | 10.30am–12.00pm | Langton 3G (half) |
| Boys U13 | Session | 10.30am–12.00pm | Langton 3G (half) |
| Boys U15 | v Haywards Heath Spitfires | 10.30am–12.30pm | Top Pitch |
| Girls U16 | Training | 10.30am–12.30pm | Bottom Orchard (half) |
| Boys U16 | Session | 10.30am–12.30pm | Top Orchard (half) |
| Girls U18 | Training | 10.30am–12.30pm | Bottom Orchard (half) |
Whether you’re playing, coaching, supporting from the touchline or visiting Canterbury for the first time, we look forward to welcoming you.
Good luck to everyone representing the Black and Amber this weekend!
Around the Marine Travel Ground
Eat well. Train hard. Recover.
Three experiences. One destination. The Marine Travel Ground.
There’s more to Canterbury Rugby Club than rugby, and you don’t have to be a player or club member to enjoy what we have to offer.
Whether you’re looking for great food, a place to build your strength and fitness, or somewhere to relax and recharge, you’ll find it all at the Marine Travel Ground.
Eat well at SCRUM Kitchen
There’s always a good reason to visit SCRUM Kitchen, whether it’s starting your day with one of their popular breakfasts, getting together with friends and family for a pizza night, or simply enjoying great food in a welcoming atmosphere.
And you don’t need to be coming to the rugby to enjoy it!
Train hard at Feral Strength Club
A dedicated space to work on your strength, fitness and personal goals.
Recover at Soak House
Experience the benefits of sauna and cold water therapy, with space to relax, recover and recharge.
Eat well. Train hard. Recover.
Why not come and experience it for yourself?
Whether you’re a regular visitor to the club or have never been through our gates, there’s something here for you.
Come for breakfast, bring friends or family along to a pizza night, discover a new way to train or make time for some well deserved recovery.
Better still, make a day of it and experience all three.
Visit us at the Marine Travel Ground, Canterbury. Everyone is welcome.
Explore the links above to discover more and plan your visit.
Birthday celebrations around the club!
We’ve got two special birthdays to celebrate today!
Happy Birthday, Lou!
The legendary Lou, the driving force behind SCRUM Kitchen, is celebrating her birthday!
Whether you know her from one of SCRUM Kitchen’s popular breakfasts, pizza nights or simply the warm welcome she brings to the Marine Travel Ground, Lou is a much loved part of our club community.
If you’re passing, pop into SCRUM Kitchen and wish her a very Happy Birthday. Alternatively, leave her a birthday message on the SCRUM Kitchen Instagram or Facebook page.
Happy Birthday, Giles!
We’re also sending our very best birthday wishes to Giles Hilton MBE, Chairman of Canterbury Rugby Football Club.
Giles gives so much of his time and energy to the club, helping guide its development and supporting the people who make Canterbury Rugby such a special community.
From everyone across the Black and Amber family, thank you for everything you do, Giles. We hope you have a fantastic birthday!
Happy Birthday to you both, from everyone at Canterbury Rugby Club!
Dates for your diary
Turkey Trot Golf Day: Join us on the fairways!
It’s time to dust off the golf clubs and get ready for Canterbury Rugby Club’s Turkey Trot Golf Day, taking place at Canterbury Golf Club on Thursday 10 December 2026.
Join fellow members, supporters, friends and local businesses for a fantastic day of golf, friendly competition and great company, all while supporting Canterbury Rugby Club.
Whether you’re playing to win or simply looking forward to a great day out with friends, we’d love to see you there.
Event details
- Date: Thursday 10 December 2026
- Venue: Canterbury Golf Club, Littlebourne Road, Canterbury, CT1 1TW
- Registration: From 8.00am, with coffee and bacon rolls
- Shotgun start: 9.30am
- Format: Fourball, shotgun start
- Team entry: £300 per fourball
- Includes: A two course meal after play and prizegiving
- Hole sponsorship: £100 per hole
Get your team together and secure your place!
Why not bring along colleagues, clients or friends and enjoy a memorable day on the course?
To book your team or enquire about hole sponsorship, contact [email protected].
And one for next year’s diary…
Our next Canterbury RFC Golf Day is already scheduled for Thursday 7 October 2027, at Faversham Golf Club.
We look forward to seeing you on the fairways!
Club notices
Disabled parking bays: Please respect those who need them
It has come to our attention that some vehicles are being parked in the designated disabled parking bays at the Marine Travel Ground without displaying a valid Blue Badge.
These bays are reserved exclusively for people entitled to use them, and a valid Blue Badge must be clearly displayed when parking.
They are located close to the clubhouse and facilities for an important reason: to provide easier and safer access for those with disabilities or reduced mobility.
Parking in these spaces without displaying a valid Blue Badge prevents someone who genuinely needs that access from using it.
If you park in a designated disabled bay without displaying a valid Blue Badge, you will be told to move your vehicle, as you are not authorised to park there.
We expect all members, players, visitors and supporters to respect these spaces and help us ensure that Canterbury Rugby Club remains accessible and welcoming to everyone.
Thank you for your cooperation.
One Club. Rugby for Everyone.
#GetBehindUs
One club. More than rugby.
Whether you’re cheering on our senior teams, supporting our Mini & Youth players, enjoying a meal at SCRUM Kitchen or taking part in one of our club events, you’re helping make Canterbury Rugby Club what it is.
It’s the players, coaches, volunteers, members, partners, families and supporters who bring the Marine Travel Ground to life.
There’s always a place for you at Canterbury Rugby Club, and always a reason to get involved.
One Club. Rugby for Everyone.
Stay connected
There’s always something happening at Canterbury Rugby Club. Keep up with the latest news, fixtures, events and stories through our website and social channels.
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One club, moving forward together.
