Author: Denys Andrianjafy

Around the Ground

Around the Ground at the MTG

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Last weekend’s games

Old Albanian 17 – 54 1st XV: Head Coach Matt Corker expressed pride in his team’s “great performance” after Canterbury’s dominant victory over Old Albanians. In a thrilling display of attacking rugby, the team ran in seven tries, securing a win at a ground they hadn’t conquered in six years. Corker also applauded his players’ response to their recent setback against Barnes, noting how they took control early in the first half and maintained their grip on the game from start to finish.

Read the full match report

Pilgrims 45 – 7 Beccehamian 1st XV: The Pilgrims stepped onto the field with two goals: bounce back from their first league loss to Bromley and settle the score from last season’s tough 63-0 defeat. Mission accomplished! The city side came out firing, with the seasoned 10-12 duo of Will Hilton and Tom Best orchestrating play beautifully and driving deep into the visitors’ territory. A nasty ankle injury to loose forward Max McCormack caused a lengthy pause, but once play resumed, the Pilgrims didn’t skip a beat. They secured a bonus-point victory that keeps them on top of Counties 1. Next up, they head to local rivals Dover, setting the stage for another intense matchup!

View full match report

Bromley 13 – 29 Canons: The Canons travelled to Bromley determined to keep their unbeaten streak alive and settle the score against the team that handed the Pilgrims their recent defeat. The game was tight from the start, with the Canons holding off Bromley’s pressure in midfield. Just before halftime, some skilful phase play opened up space for fullback Liam Browne to score out wide, giving Canterbury the edge.

The second half was scrappy, with knock-ons and penalties interrupting the flow—and Canterbury often found themselves on the wrong side of these calls. But in the final 10 minutes, the Canons’ defense held firm, denying Bromley any chance to put points on the board and ensuring Canterbury walked away victorious.

A special shoutout to Mark Stone and Captain Ben Jones, who stepped up out of position into the front row, helping the Canons keep their perfect season intact!

View full match report

Deacons 21 – 60 Sittingbourne 2nds: The Deacons came out strong, finishing the first half in the lead and showing their potential right from the start. The second half, however, proved challenging as we struggled to maintain that initial momentum. Despite a couple of fortunate quick scores from Sittingbourne early on, our heads never dropped. The Deacons fought back hard, determined to regain their edge from the first half. Though we couldn’t quite close the gap, it was a fantastic effort against a well-prepared side. A great game with plenty to build on!

Zingari 22 – 29 Old Gravesendians 2nds: At halftime, Zingari trailed by just two points at 10-12, and with only 10 minutes left on the clock, the match was still anyone’s game. In a nail-biting finish, however, Old Gravesendians clinched the victory with a final score of 29-22. Zingari battled through three injuries—to a winger, fly-half, and second row—but in true sportsmanship, Old Gravesendians evened up the numbers by lending a player to keep the competition fierce. A cracking game and a great display of rugby spirit!

Canterbury Women 58 – 19 Jersey Women: Canterbury Women were thrilled to welcome Jersey Women for the first time since 2015. Before the match, the teams observed a two-minute silence in honour of Remembrance Sunday—a moment made especially meaningful as Major A. Willis, a current Canterbury player and serving officer, led the commemorative parade with her battalion.

On the pitch, Canterbury delivered a powerful and united performance, taking command early and heading into halftime with a 31-14 lead, securing the try bonus point. With the second half underway, Canterbury Women stayed focused on dominating the scoreboard, giving the incredible crowd every reason to keep the cheers coming!

A special thanks to our Mini and Junior supporters who helped on the day, running water and retrieving balls—you were brilliant!

Read full match report

Canterbury Hellfire – The Canterbury Hellfire team sends a huge thank you to everyone at the club for their unwavering support! Finishing the 2024 league in third place is a massive achievement for us, especially as the league’s smallest team, and we couldn’t be prouder. Now, we’re gearing up to kick off the 2024/25 campaign next week with an exciting clash against Saracens—let’s bring the heat!

Sevenoaks 19 – 40 Colts 1st XV: Canterbury started the game by absorbing some steady pressure from the Sevenoaks team and quickly came alive and with some slick handling turned defence into attack to score the first of two converted tries in the first half.  Sevenoaks did not give up and managed to also score an unconverted try in the initial thirty five minutes.

A more dominant second half by Canterbury saw a couple of clear run in tries making use of space out wide and two further tries from slick handling across the backline.  Three of the tries were converted to add further to Canterbury’s points tally.  Not to be outdone, Sevenoaks also ran in some strong tries by the uprights to allow more straightforward conversions to bring the final total to Canterbury 40 – Sevenoaks 19.

Sevenoaks 12 – 51 Colts 2nd XV: After a slow start and a shock missed penalty kick by Sevenoaks, Canterbury Colts turned around the game to start a scoring bonanza.  Maintaining a steady level of pressure the lads ran in and converted four tries in the first half accompanied by a penalty kick, whilst defending their own try line to keep the opponents scoreline to zero.

The lads continued with the sustained pressure from the start in the second half running four more tries that were unconverted, but Sevenoaks did not give up and managed to run in two tries and convert one of them to yield a final score line of Canterbury 51 – Sevenoaks 12.

It is worth noting that both of our Colts teams are currently undefeated in their respective leagues.

Dorking 5 – 35 Canterbury Boys U15: The boys travelled to Dorking and came away with an impressive victory after a hard-fought match! With discipline, precision, and dominance across every area of the pitch, the team showed why they’re holding onto that top league spot. Up next is a challenging clash with Blackheath, where they’ll be bringing fresh focus and even more intensity.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another exciting weekend of rugby action!

This weekend’s fixtures

Saturday 16/11

1st XV v Bury St Edmunds – Home KO 3.00pm
There will be a minute’s silence before the match on Saturday in memory of David Hallwood, much loved member who passed over the weekend.

Dover v Pilgrims – Away KO 2.00pm
Canons v Cliffe 1st XV – Home KO 2.00pm
Gillingham 2nds v Zingari – Away KO 2.00pm

Mini & Youth Training and Fixtures

Sunday 17/11

Boys U6’s Grids – 9.00am to 10.00am

Boys U7’s – U11’s v Cranbrook – Away

Boys U12’s v Deal and Betteshanger Top Pitch – KO 11.00am

Boys U13’s v Blackheath Bottom Orchard – 10.00am

Boys U14’s v Dart Valley Top Orchard – 10.00am

Boys U15’s Training Pitch – 10.00am

Boys U16’s A v Aylesford Simon Langton 4G – 10.00am

Boys U16’s B v Deal and Betts Simon Langton 4G

Colts Tigers v Aylesford – Away

Colts Dragons v Thanet Top Pitch – 12:00pm

Canterbury Rugby Club and Marine Travel extend a warm welcome to all visiting teams, players, and supporters.

The passing of a Club Legend

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of former President David Hallwood, a cherished and influential figure at Canterbury Rugby Club. David joined in 1958, following in the footsteps of his father, Dudley, the club’s first captain. As a player, David’s steady kicking made him a valued fly-half, especially for the formidable ‘A’ XV of the 1960s.

Beyond the field, his leadership as secretary and later president, in partnership with Tony Redsell, drove Canterbury to new heights, including the club’s first Kent Cup win in 1975. Known for his wit and dedication, David’s contributions spanned decades, from pioneering club improvements to building a reputation for hospitality and humour. His legacy endures, and our deepest sympathies go to his family.

Read full article

Supporting local impact: The Fifth Trust to share their mission and latest fundraising campaign

The Fifth Trust is joining us at this weekend’s 1st XV pre-match meal to share with us their latest fundraising campaign, and to make a collection during the match.

The Fifth Trust is a Kent-based charity dedicated to supporting adults with learning disabilities from the age of 16. They provide day care services to around 170 students across two skill centres located in the scenic Elham Valley near Canterbury, where a wide range of activities and opportunities are available.

Taking a person-centred approach, The Fifth Trust tailors its programs and methods to meet the unique needs of each individual. Through creative, educational, and hands-on sessions, as well as fulfilling work at the Vineyard Garden Centre, Vineyard Café, and within the local community, students gain essential life skills and the confidence to make choices—both big and small.

This individualised approach extends to staff as well, who are encouraged to grow their skills and experience across the organisation.

Turkey Trot Golf Day – Join us for a fantastic day on the greens!

Get your team together and tee off with us at the stunning Cave Hotel and Golf Resort in Boughton for our annual Turkey Trot Golf Day on Tuesday, 17th December! Enjoy a fun-filled day of golf with:

Registration, tea/coffee, and bacon rolls starting at 9:00 am

18 holes, Texas Scramble format with a shotgun start at 10:30 am

Teams of 4, Fourball Entry: £280

Hole Sponsorship: £100

Wrap up the day with a prize-giving ceremony and a delicious two-course lunch!

Secure your spot today—email Kirsty at Kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk. Don’t miss it!

We wish you all the best of rugby!

David Hallwood

David Hallwood 1937-2024

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of former President David Hallwood, one of the club’s outstanding servants.

David was born in the North East and came south from Northumberland to work for Hebden Phillips in 1958 when he joined Canterbury rugby club. By an extraordinary coincidence, this was the club that his father, Dudley Hallwood, had helped to found. Dudley would be the very first captain of the club.

David never became the captain nor did he have the electrifying pace of his father, but he and Tony Redsell, as chairman and secretary, would revitalise Canterbury in the 1970s and lead us to our very first piece of silverware, the Kent Cup in 1975. However, he was always conservative, fighting against plans to make the club a multi-sports venue, always on the fence about juniors and don’t talk about logos and merchandising!

David played fly half, his kicking prowess bringing him into the 1st XV ranks in the early 1960s. But his great contribution was to a stellar ‘A’ XV in the 1960s – it only became named the Pilgrims after he stood down. He hung up his boots on numerous occasions only to make more comebacks than Sinatra. The secretary, Martin Osborne, summed up his qualities: ‘his ability to instill doubts into any new referee on the conduct of the opposing team’ and ‘his devastating tackling’. The former was undoubtedly true, although the pristine state of his knees at the end of matches cast doubt on the latter.

David was a committee member from his earliest days at the club, first as social secretary in 1960 where he and Peter Cooke were in a job-share, a combination that Osborne described as successful ‘albeit with some disregard for organisation but somehow managing to come out on the right side’. His ability with language meant that he was soon roped in as press secretary. On the committee, David sourced eight barrel chairs and four barrel tables together with a refrigerator from a pub closure. These were the basic furniture of the club for decades.

In May 1973 he took over the role of secretary, working in partnership with chair, Tony Redsell. One immediate change was a larger format fixture card with a list of VPs in proper alphabetical order. In stark contrast to Osborne, his minutes were always compendious and his excellent annual reports full and detailed. His reading of the minutes was the highlight of many a lengthy committee meeting. Over the next ten years, the minutes reveal an insistence on the club’s reputation for hospitality. There are letters from visiting officials, clubs, referees thanking the club. David kept up a lively and informal correspondence with other clubs about their achievements, their bad behaviour, fixtures cancelled or with people who had helped (or hindered) the club in some way or another. He became well known on the club supper circuit as a polished and witty after dinner speaker. It all boosted the club’s reputation.

In 1979, he masterminded the club’s 50th Jubilee Season and gave a brilliantly funny speech at the Westgate Hall. Taking over as president from Philip Wacher, his way with language could always be relied on. In 2014 he revealed another talent when he published a novel The Brewer’s Wife.

David lost his wife Ann (née Sedrin) in 1978 but found a great deal of happiness later with Vanessa. Our deepest condolences to her and to the family. The club has lost one of its greatest sons.

David’s farewell will be held at noon on December 12th at Herne Bay Crematorium.

Canons extend unbeaten run

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

BROMLEY 2nd 13 CANTERBURY CANONS 29

The Canons travelled to Bromley looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the season and get one back against the club who had taken that badge from the Pilgrims 2 weeks earlier.

The game was evenly matched in the opening quarter, with the Canons absorbing pressure from Bromley in the midfield. After finally getting some possession and instantly working their way into the Bromley 22, there was some good phase play by the forwards , eventually creating enough space for Henry Carruthers to snipe through and score. The game repeated itself after the kick off with Canterbury’s defensive effort stopping every attempt Bromley threw at them, and when the Canons eventually took control of the ball, on the next entry to the Bromley 22, the same result was achieved with Carruthers sniping from close range. Bromley struck back with a rolling maul, but in the last the last play of the half, Canterbury built some good phase play, allowing full back Liam Browne to score out wide.

The second half was a scrappy affair, with knock-ons and penalties taking over. Canterbury were often on the wrong side of these, but due to an immense defensive effort, it took Bromley 25 minutes to eventually break through and score the first points of the half, crashing over from short range after a lineout on the 5m. Canterbury responded a minute later, with Semi Adewole taking a kick return 15m inside of the Canterbury half. He ran through one Bromley player, stepped quite a few more before having the pace to beat another around the outside and score in the corner to get the try bonus point. Canterbury held out strong defensively for the last 10 minutes of the half and deny Bromley any opportunity to score any league points from the game.

A big shout out goes to Mark Stone and Captain Ben Jones, playing out of position and stepping into the front row for this fixture, ensuring the Canons’ perfect start to the season continues.

Ella Jenkins v Jersey Women

Emphatic win over travelling Reds

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Canterbury Women welcomed Jersey Women, the last time the Reds visited was back in 2015. The match was preceded by a two minutes silence to mark Remembrance Sunday. It is especially important as current serving officer, and Canterbury player, Major A. Willis was away from the pitch leading the commemorative parade with her battalion.

Major A Willis RE, Officer Commanding 5 Armoured Engineer Squadron, 22 Engineer Regiment
Major A Willis RE, Officer Commanding 5 Armoured Engineer Squadron, 22 Engineer Regiment

With an early kick off (noon) to accommodate the return flight, the Reds certainly brought power, passion and energy from the first whistle. This was matched by Canterbury with Lily Adams finishing off a slick attacking phase of play which saw every back involved. Kate Rutherford smoothly slotted the conversion.

From the restart Canterbury were buoyed by with enthusiasm, a text book jackal from Captain Daniella Charles. Janina Hassen running an aching line from outside centre to set up a two on one down the left wing. It saw Alice Hayward take the ball at full pace and score. A quick restart from Rutherford saw Jersey on the back foot with a huge hit coming in from Inger Philpott. Quick rucking and a sniping line break from Rutherford. She dotted the ball down under the post but a high tackle from the Reds, as she made her break, resulted in a penalty try being awarded. Taking Canterbury to a 19-0 lead within 15 minutes.

Jersey hit back from the restart and maintained control of the ball for several phases, hitting back with a converted try. This buoyed the spirits amongst the Reds and within minutes they had scored again closing the gap to 19-14.
The ten minutes which followed saw aggressive tackling from Canterbury driving Jersey deep into their own half. With organised rucking offering scrum half Ella Jenkins a clean platform. The backs ran wonderful lines drawing in the Reds to over commit at the breakdown. Rutherford identified a gap, tapping down to get her name on the score sheet.

Number 8 Hannah Sandeman saw her dogged determination in the contact rewarded with a turnover, twenty metre run including two powerful fends rewarded with a try; converted by Rutherford.

Canterbury headed into halftime with a 31-14 lead and the try bonus point already secured.

With the second half underway, the Canterbury Women were set on controlling the scoreboard and offer further reasons for the incredible supporters to continue to roar!

Alice Hayward made a strong break down the wing to score her second in the corner. Canterbury rang in the changes with the game offering an opportunity for new players to take to the field. Jersey took advantage of the players looking to reorganise their defensive line and touched down for a further 5 points. From this score, Canterbury kicked on with clinical rucking and quick delivery from Jenkins linking to forwards and backs. Lily Adams impressed with her dynamic side stepping which was rewarded with a converted try. Second-row partners Emma Alleyne and Jo Cole-Biroth dominated in the contact area and inspired debutant Olivia Crebbin to carry the ball hard setting up a great platform for scrum-half Jenkins to unleash a fierce fend and get her name on the score sheet. The next try saw the Double Emily show unleashed with a powerful carry from Emily Kent which was lifted gently into the hands of Emily Moriarity who broke the gain line and offloaded to the maverick Lucy Relf who secured a further five points for Canterbury. The final play of the afternoon saw Nicole Money score her first, hopefully of many, try in the back and amber jersey.

Canterbury women would like to say a special thank you to the Mini and Juniors who came to support today, run water on and retrieve the balls.

Around the Ground

Around the Ground at the MTG

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Last weekend’s games

Deacons 19 – 38 Sheppey 2nds: Despite a spirited effort, the Deacons continue to face challenges in assembling a core team with sufficient replacements.

Faversham Castaways 19 – 12 Zingari: In a hard-fought battle, Zingari held their own against a strong Faversham squad boosted by 1st XV players. Though Zingari kept the score level at 12-12 for much of the game, a final push by Faversham in the closing minutes secured their win. A thrilling match to watch!

Colts 1st XV 69 – 19 Bury St Edmunds: The Colts delivered a dominant performance, showcasing top-tier rugby to secure a convincing victory.

Westcombe Park 64 – 12 Colts Tigers: A challenging away game for the Tigers, who struggled to break through as Westcombe Park controlled the field.

OA’s 7 – 60 Canterbury U15s: Following a decisive win over Tunbridge Wells, the Canterbury U15s Black secured another victory, propelling them to the top of Kent U15 League 1.

Folkestone U13s Spitfires 10 – 30 Canterbury U13s Spitfires: The Canterbury Spitfires celebrated a solid win on the road, displaying strong teamwork.

Canterbury U13s Hurricanes 5 – 50 Medway RFC U13s: Despite a tough defeat, the Hurricanes showed commendable resilience, keeping their spirits high throughout.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another exciting weekend of rugby action!

This weekend’s fixtures

Saturday 9/11

Old Albanian v 1st XV – Away KO 3.00pm
Pilgrims v Beccehamians 1st XV – Home KO 2.30pm
Bromley 2nds v Canons – Away KO 2.30pm
Deacons v Sittingbourne 2nds – Home KO 2.30pm
Zingari – Old Gravesendians 2nds – Home KO 2.30pm

Sunday 10/11

Canterbury Women v Jersey Women – Home KO 12.00pm

Mini & Youth Training and Fixtures

Sunday 10/11

U6’s Grids 9.00am – 10.00am

U7’s to U11’s v  Thanet  – Home KO 9.00am – 10:30

U7’s – Grids

U8’s – Simon Langton 4G

U9’s – Simon Langton 4G

U10’s – Bottom Orchard

U11’s – Top Orchard

Youth

Colts 1st XV v Sevenoaks – Away KO 12.00pm

Colts 2nd XV V OA’s – Away KO 10.20pm

U12’s v Aylesford – Home Top Pitch KO 11.00am

U13’s  – Simon Langton 4G 10:30 onwards

U14’s v TJ’s – Home Top Orchard

U15’s v Dorking – Away

U16’s v Dover – Home @ Kent College KO 11.00am

Girls

U12’s @ Deal

U14’s @ Deal

U16’s v TJ’s – Away

Canterbury Rugby Club and Marine Travel extend a warm welcome to all visiting teams, players, and supporters.

 Rugby Showdown Saturday: Wallabies, Warmth, and Winning Spirit!

After a tough Autumn Internationals round 1 loss to the All Blacks that kept us on the edge of our seats, we’re ready to bounce back this Saturday as we take on the Wallabies at 3:10 pm! Join us at the clubhouse to catch all the action live on every screen.

The bar opens at 1:00 pm with 50p off pints at halftime, and Saucy Flo’s will be serving up hot food from the hatch. And to keep things cozy, the wood burner will be on!

Plus, our Pilgrims, Deacons, and Zingari teams are all playing at home, so it’s a full day of rugby excitement at the MTG. Don’t miss it!

Careers Fair

Looking for career advice or a new direction? Join us on Tuesday, 19th November from 10:00 to 14:00 for Canterbury Rugby Club’s Careers Event, where you can connect with over 15 local employers offering valuable guidance on a wide range of career opportunities.

Representatives from industries such as Accountancy, Architecture, Automotive, Construction, Design, Education, Property, Legal, Surveying, and Travel will be available to offer insights and advice. Local organizations like the Construction Industry Training Board, Canterbury Christ Church University, and Canterbury College will also be on hand to provide expert support.

This event is open to all age groups, so whether you’re just starting out or considering a career change, come along and explore new possibilities. Parking and entry are free, so don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity! Event information and registration here.

See you at the Canterbury Rugby Club Careers Fair!

We wish you all the best of rugby!

Around the Ground

Around the Ground at the MTG

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Early errors and tough defence see 1st XV fall to Barnes
The team fell short, with early errors proving costly against a resilient visiting side. Struggling to find rhythm, Canterbury went scoreless in the second half, unable to penetrate Barnes’ disciplined defence. Barnes capitalised swiftly, scoring two of their three tries in the first ten minutes to take an early lead. Though Canterbury kept the game within reach by halftime, trailing by just six points, Barnes’ smart game management in the closing stages ultimately secured their victory. View the full match report.

Pilgrims’ unbeaten run ends against Bromley
In a tough match that saw a heavily rotated Pilgrims team take to the field, the team found it challenging to fully gel despite holding a lead at halftime. Bromley capitalised on the Pilgrims’ lack of cohesion, taking control in the second half and ultimately ending the Pilgrims’ unbeaten streak.

On the upside, the Pilgrims secured valuable bonus points, which could prove crucial as the season progresses.

Canons defend top spot with a commanding win over Kings College Hospital
League leaders Canons maintained their undefeated record with a commanding performance at home, fending off mid-table visitors Kings College Hospital to keep their MTG fortress intact. Demonstrating strength and discipline throughout, the Canons controlled the game, showcasing their well-drilled teamwork, though Kings College managed to put some points on the board. The Canons are now well-prepared to take their momentum on the road as they face Bromley 2nds this Saturday.

Resilient Deacons battle hard against Thanet
In a spirited away match, a new-look Deacons squad featuring a mix of youth and experience – including recent graduates from Colts rugby and core Deacons players – took on Thanet’s strong third team. Starting shorthanded, the Deacons showed tremendous defensive resilience in the first 20 minutes, pushing hard in Thanet’s 22 whenever they gained possession. Though outnumbered, the Deacons kept Thanet on edge with relentless pressure and skillful disruption at line-outs.

As rain intensified in the second half, the Canterbury pack showcased their power, with senior debutant Lennie West making a significant impact, dominating the opposition’s loosehead. Tries by Henry Collins and Rob Horan (an absolute stunner!) kept the Deacons within reach. However, with only 12 players due to injuries, Thanet capitalized on their bench strength, scoring a series of late tries that belied the Deacons’ valiant effort.

Despite the challenging scoreline, it was a hard-fought, good-natured game that featured outstanding performances across the Deacons’ squad.

U16 Girls shine in hard-fought home match against GAS
What an incredible performance from our U16 girls! Playing at home against the combined GAS team (Old Gravesendians RFC, Aylesford Bulls RFC, and Sheppey RFC), the girls put up a fantastic effort. While they didn’t quite clinch the win, the experience—bolstered by some support from GAS players—proved invaluable, and the team is already looking forward to their league rematch later in the season. The girls’ hard work and determination truly shone through, and the smiles on their faces at the end of the game said it all.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another exciting week of rugby action!

Last weekend’s scores

1st XV 13 – 22 Barnes
Bromley 35 – 29 Pilgrims
Canons 26 – 7 Kings College Hospital
Thanet 3rds 52 – 12 Deacons
Colts Dragons XV 28 – 24 Haagsche RFC
Colts Tigers 26 – 38 Haagsche RFC
Girls U16’s 28 – 13 GAS (Gravesend and Sheppey Combined)

This weekend’s fixtures

Saturday 2/11

Deacons v Sheppey 2nds – Home KO TBC
Faversham 2nds v Zingari – Away KO 2.30pm

Sunday 3/11

Thanet Vets v Cardinals – Away 2.00pm
Colts 1st XV v Bury St Edmunds – Home KO 12.20pm
Colts Tigers v Westcombe Park – Away KO 12.00pm
U16’s v Tunbridge Wells Simon Langton 4G – Home KO 10.30
U15’s v OA’s – Away
U14’s v Sittingbourne – Away
U13’s
– Hurricanes v Medway Bottom Orchard – Home KO 10.30
– Spitfires v Folkestone – Away
U12’s v OE’s – Away

Mini and Youth

U6’s – Grids – 9.00am to 10.00am
U7’s – Grids – 9.00am to 10.00am
U8’s – Simon Langton 4G
U9’s – Simon Langton 4G – 9.00am to 10.30am
U10’s – Bottom orchard – 9.00am to 10.30am
U11’s – Top Orchard – 9.00am to 10.30am

Canterbury Rugby Club and Marine Travel extend a warm welcome to all visiting teams, players, and supporters.

Careers Fair

Looking for career advice or a new direction? Join us on Tuesday, 19th November from 10:00 to 14:00 for Canterbury Rugby Club’s Careers Event, where you can connect with over 15 local employers offering valuable guidance on a wide range of career opportunities.

Representatives from industries such as Accountancy, Architecture, Automotive, Construction, Design, Education, Property, Legal, Surveying, and Travel will be available to offer insights and advice. Local organizations like the Construction Industry Training Board, Canterbury Christ Church University, and Canterbury College will also be on hand to provide expert support.

This event is open to all age groups, so whether you’re just starting out or considering a career change, come along and explore new possibilities. Parking and entry are free, so don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity! Event information and registration here.

See you at the Canterbury Rugby Club Careers Fair!

Turkey Trot Golf Day – Join us for a fantastic day on the greens!

Get your team together and tee off with us at the stunning Cave Hotel and Golf Resort in Boughton for our annual Turkey Trot Golf Day on Tuesday, 17th December! Enjoy a fun-filled day of golf with:

  • Registration, tea/coffee, and bacon rolls starting at 9:00 am
  • 18 holes, Texas Scramble format with a shotgun start at 10:30 am
  • Teams of 4, Fourball Entry: £280
  • Hole Sponsorship: £100

Wrap up the day with a prize-giving ceremony and a delicious two-course lunch!

Secure your spot today—email Kirsty at kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk. Don’t miss it!

We are hiring

We are looking for an enthusiastic and skilled Lead Coach to guide our CRFC Women’s squad!

In this role, you’ll oversee all aspects of coaching, from designing dynamic training sessions to developing winning match strategies. Your goal will be to foster a high-performance environment that drives both individual and team success.

We want to hear from you if you’re passionate about rugby, leadership, and empowering women athletes!

View the full job specification and how to apply.

We wish you all the best of rugby!

Around the Ground

Around the Ground at the MTG

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

1st XV
A second half onslaught, which, yielded five tries, ended Canterbury’s challenge to the unbeaten league leaders. In the final play of the game the city side salvaged a bonus point with a Garry Jones try, so did not come way empty handed, but Juddians power and tactical nous had by then settled the issue. A solid first half saw Canterbury reach the break five points ahead, suggesting this could be another of the tightly contested affairs which have been the hallmark of this Kent derby fixture over the past two seasons.

Pilgrims
Continued their undefeated run with a dominant Friday Night Lights performance over Deal and Betteshanger. A good crowd of vocal supporters cheered the lads on.

Canons
Our second undefeated team went to Foots Cray and left with a convincing win. The team looked strong and well drilled.

Deacons
unfortunately, the game was cancelled. The team are looking forward to their match up against Thanet 3rds next weekend.

Zingari
Another defeat for the Zingari. Recruitment is key for the team to mount a decent challenge in the league. Come and join us at the club for open training Wednesdays between 7.00pm and 9.00pm.

CRFC Women
Unfortunately, the game was cancelled. The women’s team have a bit of a break before their next game on November 10th when they welcome Jersey Women to the MTG.

Colts
Our Colts teams were both away. The 1st XV chalking up a good win again Old Colfeians, but Colts Tigers were comprehensively beaten by Eton Manor.

U13’s
The team had a good home win against Sevenoaks, playing some very good flowing rugby.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another exciting week of rugby action!

Last weekend’s scores

Pilgrims 43 – 7 Deal & Betteshanger
Tonbridge Juddians 40 – 24 1st XV
Foots Cray 14 – 31 Canons
Deacons AWO Maidstone 2
Zingari 35 – 19 Gravesend 4ths
Heathfield & Waldron Ladies HWO Canterbury Women
Old Colfeians 12 – 24 Colts 1st XV
Eton Manor 64 – 14 Colts Tigers
U13’s Canterbury 35 v 5 Sevenoaks

This weekend’s fixtures

Saturday 26/10
1st XV v Barnes Home – KO 3.00pm
Bromley v Pilgrims Away – KO 3.00pm
Canons v Kings College Hospital Home – KO 3.00pm
Thanet 3rds v Deacons Away – KO 3.00pm

Mini and Youth – Sunday 27/10

U6’s Grids – 9.00am to 10.00am
U7’s – U11’s Away at the Ashford Festival
U12’s Simon Langton 4G – 9:00am to 10:30am
U13’s Rest Week.
U14’s Training/possible match Top Orchard from 10.30am
U15’s Simon Langton 4G – 10:30am to 12:00pm
U16’s v Esher (Away)
Colts A v Haagsche RFC Home Top Pitch – KO 2:30pm
Colts Tigers v Haagsche RFC Home Top Pitch – KO 1:00pm
Girls U16’s v GAS (Gravesend and Sheppey Combined) Home Bottom Orchard – KO 10:30

Canterbury Rugby Club and Marine Travel extend a warm welcome to all visiting teams, players, and supporters.

We are hiring

We are looking for an enthusiastic and skilled Lead Coach to guide our CRFC Women’s squad!

In this role, you’ll oversee all aspects of coaching, from designing dynamic training sessions to developing winning match strategies. Your goal will be to foster a high-performance environment that drives both individual and team success.

We want to hear from you if you’re passionate about rugby, leadership, and empowering women athletes!

View the full job specification and how to apply

Careers Fair

Looking for career advice or a new direction? Join us on Tuesday, 19th November from 10:00 to 14:00 for Canterbury Rugby Club’s Careers Event, where you can connect with over 15 local employers offering valuable guidance on a wide range of career opportunities.

Representatives from industries such as Accountancy, Architecture, Automotive, Construction, Design, Education, Property, Legal, Surveying, and Travel will be available to offer insights and advice. Local organizations like the Construction Industry Training Board, Canterbury Christ Church University, and Canterbury College will also be on hand to provide expert support.

This event is open to all age groups, so whether you’re just starting out or considering a career change, come along and explore new possibilities. Parking and entry are free, so don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity! Event information and registration here.

See you at the Canterbury Rugby Club Careers Fair!

We wish you all the best of rugby!

Zingari 2024-25

It was always going to be tough.

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Canterbury 5th v Gravesend 4th
Canterbury 19pts. Gravesend 4th 35pts.

This makeshift Zingari side made a poor start against a well drilled Gravesend fifteen. The home side used their heavier pack to dominate territory and possession and with it came early tries and the conversions with some excellent place kicking. Canterbury reeling from their early battering recovered late in the first half making the most of possession inside the Gravesend twenty-two for Jonnie Gaylor to break the line out wide for the city’s first try. Gravesend reply was almost instant with another try, but Canterbury had the last word with Tom Goode bulldozing his way through the Gravesend defence to reduce the deficit to 28-12 at halftime with the converted try. The second half saw Canterbury come under intense pressure for the first ten minutes conceding another try, but this time unconverted. The Zingari however were looking more comfortable despite losing their only recognised kicker were adapting to their unfamiliar positions. It had been a steep learning curve with a lot of the players adapting to their new positions now put Gravesend on the back foot before putting the ball wide for Dan Till siding in near the posts for a converted try to give an air of respectability to the final score.

click to expand photo

We are recruiting for a Lead Coach

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Job Title: Lead Coach – CRFC Women
Location: Canterbury Rugby Football Club (CRFC), Canterbury, UK
Contract Type: Part-time
Closing Date: 11/11/24

About Canterbury Rugby Football Club (CRFC)
Founded in 1929, Canterbury Rugby Football Club (CRFC) has earned its place as a beacon of excellence and community spirit in the world of rugby. With a long history of success both on and off the pitch, CRFC is committed to developing talent, fostering growth, and maintaining its strong community ethos. Over the decades, the club has achieved remarkable victories in various competitions, consistently producing exceptional players through its focus on high-quality coaching and player development.
At CRFC, we are particularly proud of our rapidly growing girls’ section, which provides a clear pathway from minis rugby to senior women’s rugby, ensuring a strong future for female players at the club. Our women’s team currently competes in the National Challenge 1 South East East (South) League, and we are now seeking an experienced and passionate coach to lead this squad.

Role Overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic and skilled Lead Coach to guide our CRFC Women’s squad. In this role, you will oversee all coaching aspects, from designing training sessions to developing match strategies, with the aim of fostering a high-performance environment that promotes both individual and team success. As Lead Coach, you will play a key role in ensuring the progression from the club’s thriving girls’ section into the senior women’s team. Training is held on Thursday evenings, with matches played on Sunday afternoons.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage the CRFC Women’s team, building an inclusive, positive, and high-performance culture that aligns with the club’s values.
  • Develop tailored training programs that enhance players’ technical, tactical, and physical abilities, while supporting both individual and team growth.
  • Create match strategies to optimise team performance and competitiveness within the league.
  • Work closely with the girls’ section, helping to create a seamless pathway for young players transitioning into senior women’s rugby.
  • Mentor and develop players, focusing on leadership, teamwork, and personal growth on and off the field.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Rugby and the broader coaching team to align the women’s program with the overall vision of the club.
  • Monitor and assess performance, providing constructive feedback to drive continual improvement.

Key Skills & Experience

  • Rugby coaching qualification at Level 2 (minimum), with a strong track record of success in competitive coaching.
  • Proven experience in developing players and leading teams, particularly in women’s rugby.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and motivational skills, with the ability to foster a cohesive team environment.
  • Passion for developing female talent, ensuring a pathway for players from youth through to senior rugby.
  • A sound understanding of game analysis and the ability to adapt training and strategies based on performance reviews.

What We Offer

  • The chance to lead and develop women’s rugby at one of the most respected clubs in the region.
  • An exciting opportunity to shape the future of rugby for women and girls at CRFC, from minis to senior level.
  • Negotiable expenses and remuneration dependent on experience.
  • A supportive environment with opportunities for further coaching qualifications and professional growth.

How to Apply
If you’re passionate about leading a dynamic women’s team and contributing to the future of female rugby at CRFC, we’d love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your coaching experience and philosophy to the Director of Rugby, Taff Gwilliam at dor@cantrugby.co.uk by 11/11/24.

Around the Ground

Around the Ground at the MTG

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

1st XV back to winning ways

Our 1st XV returned to winning form with a hard-fought victory over a strong Westcombe Park side at the MTG. Looking ahead, we face a tough challenge against old rivals Tonbridge Juddians (TJ’s). While TJ’s currently top the table, we’ve had great success at their home ground, winning our last two visits to The Slade.

As per tradition, supporters will be travelling together by train. Club Chair, Giles Hilton, will be presenting all attendees with a CRFC baseball cap. The train departs Canterbury West at 12:07, arriving in Tonbridge at 13:06, leaving plenty of time for fans to gather at The Station House before heading to The Slade. This match is expected to be a battle, with only a single win and six points separating us from TJ’s.

Pilgrims and Canons continue dominance

Both the Pilgrims and Canons are undefeated and currently sit at the top of their respective tables. Last weekend, the Pilgrims had to dig deep against a tough Park House team, whose strong pack and fast backline pushed them to the limit. However, thanks to some key tactical changes and the captain’s leadership, the Pilgrims took control in the second half, securing another hard-earned victory. The Pilgrims take our Friday Night Lights slot this Friday with a 7.30pm kick-off against Deal & Betteshanger. Come and cheer the lads on! The bar is open from 5.30pm and food will be available from 6.00pm.

The Canons, on the other hand, secured a solid win at home, continuing their impressive run with clinical play.

Deacons & Zingari challenges

Unfortunately, the Deacons had to forfeit their match due to a lack of available players. Meanwhile, the Zingari started strong against Folkestone 3, leading at halftime, but with only 15 players and no substitutions, they struggled in the second half as Folkestone capitalized on fresh legs. The Zingari fought hard but ultimately ran out of steam.

We’re always looking for new recruits, so if you’re interested in playing competitive but social rugby, please join us! Open training sessions are held at the club every Wednesday from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Contact Nathan Morris at nathan.morris@cantrugby.co.uk for more details.

Thank you to our sponsors

A special thank you to our sponsors for this past Saturday: Technifire Solutions, Canterbury Christ Church University, MODUS, Just Welfare, and Marine Travel. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Women’s team shows spirit against league leaders

On Sunday, Canterbury Women faced the daunting task of playing away against league leaders Dartford Valley Ladies. While the results didn’t go in our favour, the heart and determination shown by the team was remarkable. They took the challenge head-on, and their effort was a testament to the team’s spirit.

Youth success

A huge congratulations to our U13’s, who retained the South England Regional Trophy at the Richmond Tournament! This is a fantastic achievement, and we couldn’t be prouder of their hard work and dedication.

Thank you all for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing many of you at the games this weekend!

Last weekend’s scores

1st XV 39 – 22 Westcombe Park
Park House 9 – 15 Pilgrims
Canons 28 – 17 Old Colfeians
Vigo 2 HWO Deacons
Folkestone 3 56 – 35 Zingari
Dartford Valley Ladies 74 – 14 Canterbury Women

U13’s retained the South England Regional Trophy at the Richmond Tournament

This weekend’s fixtures

Friday 18/10

Pilgrims v Deal – Home 7.30pm KO Friday Night Lights

Saturday 19/10

Tonbridge Juddians v 1st XV – Away 3.00pm KO
Canons v Foots Cray – Away 3.00pm KO
Deacons v Maidstone 2nds – Home 3.00pm KO
Zingari v Gravesend 4ths – Away 3.00pm KO

Sunday 20/10

Heathfield & Waldron Ladies v Canterbury Women – Away KO 2.30pm

Mini and Youth

U6’s Grids – 9.00am to 10.00am
U7’s – U11’s Host Ashford U7’s Grids – 9.00am to 10.00am
U8’s Simon Langton 4G –  9.00am to 10.00am
U9’s Simon Langton 4G –  9.00am to 10.30am
U10’s Bottom Orchard – 9.00am to 10.30am
U11’s Top Orchard – 9.00am to 10.30am
U12’s v Westcombe Park (Away)
U13’s Spitfires v Old Dunstonians – Bottom Orchard – 10.30am
U13’s Hurricanes v Old Colf’s (Away)
U14’s Simon Langton 4G – from 10.30am
U15’s v Tunbridge Wells – (TBC @ Kent College) 10:30am
U16’s A v OE’s (Away)
U16’s B v Folkestone (Away)
Colts 1XV v Old Colfeians (Away)
Colts 2XV v TJ’s Top Pitch – 10:30am
Girls U12’s Deal (Away)
Girls U14’s Medway (Away)
Girls U16’s Bass (Away)

Canterbury Rugby Club and Marine Travel extend a warm welcome to all visiting teams, players, and supporters.

Important Parking Reminder for Visitors to the MTG

Our neighbours at the Kent MS Therapy Centre, who generously allow us to use their car park when we need extra spaces, have kindly asked that visitors to the MTG refrain from using the disabled parking bays at their facility. These spaces are reserved specifically for their clients who require them.

Please note that we have dedicated disabled parking for Blue Badge holders in our main car park. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring these spaces are kept available for those who need them.

Thank you for your understanding

Exclusive member offers

The perfect gift for rugby fans – 10% Off Iconic Rugby Commentary Prints

Canterbury RFC supporters can now enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on a stunning collection of framed prints featuring the original commentary notes used during some of the greatest rugby matches from the past 50 years.

Available for the first time, these unique prints showcase the facts, figures, anecdotes, and soundbites used by legendary rugby commentators like Nigel Starmer-Smith, John Taylor, Nick Mullins, and Miles Harrison.

  • The collection highlights unforgettable moments, including:
  • The iconic British Lions tours of 1974, 1997, and 2017
  • England’s glory years under Will Carling
  • The 2003 Men’s and 2014 Women’s World Cup victories
  • Classic Six Nations encounters
  • The best of domestic and European club competitions

Don’t miss out on owning a piece of rugby history!

Visit https://www.thesportscommentators.com to explore the collection and find your perfect match. Use code CRFC10 at checkout to claim your discount.

Grab this unique opportunity to celebrate rugby’s greatest moments today!

Autumn at The Granville: Our favourite time of year!

We can’t believe it’s already autumn, but we’re excited because this is one of our favourite seasons here at The Granville. Last weekend, we lit our first cozy fire of the season, and Head Chef Carl has introduced some delicious, comforting pies to the menu—perfect for those cooler days!

As proud sponsors of Canterbury Rugby Club, we’re happy to offer a 10% discount on food to all club members and friends. Simply quote “Canterbury Rugby Club” when booking. Just a reminder that this discount can’t be combined with other promotions, offers, special menus, or events.

Stay tuned, and we hope to see you soon at The Granville!  We’ve got plenty of exciting events and new things coming up over the next few weeks and months, so here’s a quick sneak peek to get these great happenings on your radar…-  See what is coming up at the Granville.

Pre-match lunches

There are still places and tables available at our home game pre-match lunches. Food, drink, raffle, auction, and good company before home games. What’s not to like?

26-Oct-24 Barnes
16-Nov-24 Bury St Edmunds
07-Dec-24 Oxford Harlequins
21-Dec-24 Sevenoaks
18-Jan-25 Guernsey
15-Feb-25 Tonbridge Juddians
08-Mar-25 Old Albanian
22-Mar-25 Henley

Contact kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk to book a place or a table of 8 – 12

We wish you all the best of rugby!