Author: Denys Andrianjafy

Around the Ground

Around the Ground at the MTG

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

The 2024/25 season has returned with a bang! Three senior teams were out last Saturday bringing home three victories. We also had an exciting demonstration of Wheelchair Rugby from our Hellfires team who were joined by representatives from Crawley Jets and Brighton Buccaneers. Hellfire player Owain West was presented with a new wheelchair by Steve Brown, former captain of the GB wheelchair rugby squad and Hellfires Lead Coach. The custom built wheelchairs run into thousands of pounds and thanks to a deposit paid through money left to Owain from his granddad Barrie West, and funding from Cauldwell Children, Owain now has his own chair, leaving a club chair vacant for whoever wants to give this exhilarating and fast paced sport a try.

Continued support for the club from our business partners is so important, and with that we would like to thank Quinn Estates (Match Sponsor), City Contractors LTD (Ball Sponsor), East Kent Recycling Ltd and Gray Plant Hire (Lunch Sponsors) for their generous support on Saturday.

Our fantastic home game online live stream was brought to us by MMS-360 (Streaming Partner) and powered by OrbitalNet (Network Partner). The full match can be watched back at https://cantrugby-live.uk.

Last weekend’s scores

Canterbury 53 – 13 Colchester
Crowborough 15 – 21 Pilgrims
Canons 60 – 12 Medway III

Tonbridge Juddians 28 – 31 Canterbury U18 1st XV

This weekend’s fixtures and training

Saturday 14/09

Sevenoaks v 1st XV – Away KO 3.00pm
Pilgrims v Sevenoaks 2nds – Home KO 3.00pm
Sheppey v Canons – Away KO 3.00pm
Deacons v Sheppey 2nds – Home KO 3.00pm
Zingari v New Ash Green 2nds  – Home KO 3.00pm

Sunday 15/09

Horsham Women v Canterbury Women – Away KO TBC

Mini and Youth

U6 – Main Pitch Deadball area –  9.00am to 10.00am
U7- Grids – 9.00am to 10.00am
U8- Langton 4G – 9.00am to 10.30am
U9- Langton 4G – 9.30am to 10.00am
U10- Top Orchard – 9.00am to 10.30am
U11- Bottom Orchard – 9.00am to10:30am
U12- Training Pitch 10:30am to 12.00pm
U13- v London Irish, Bottom Orchard – 12.00pm KO
U14- Top Orchard – 10:30 to 12.00pm
U15- Top Pitch – 10:30 to 12.00pm
U16- Langton 4G from 10:30am
Colts 2nds v Thanet, Main Pitch – 12.00pm KO
Girls U12-U16 v Thanet (A)
Girls U18 v Old Alleynians (A)

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

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?

21-Sep-24 Worthing
05-Oct-24 Havant
12-Oct-24 Westcombe Park
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

Memberships

If you still haven’t renewed your club membership, now is the time to do it. All members must renew through the RFU GMS system. Details are available on the memberships page of the club website – https://cantrugby.co.uk/membership/

Alternatively, Sally will be at the Club to help Tues- 10th, Wed 11th, (6.00pm-7.00pm) Thurs 12th (6.30pm – 7.00pm), Sat 21st Worthing at home from 1.00pm -3.00pm.

You can also email members@cantrugby.co.uk. Associate members and season ticket holders will receive a card in the post. If this has not been received by 18th September please email Sally. Black membership cards will continue to give a discount at the bar/shop and Saucy Flo’s but will no longer give access to the ground on match days. That will be by Season card only. Age grade members can collect their cards from Sally on Sunday morning or during the midweek evening training at the times mentioned. All Seniors cards will be issued through the coaches.

Save the date!

Along with LGT Wealth Management, we are once again hosting our famous City Lunch at Smith & Wollensky on November 20th, 2024 at noon.

Lawrence Dallaglio OBE will be the guest speaker, and the cost will be £125 per person including a drink on arrival and wine with your lunch. For more details contact kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk

 

We wish you all the best of rugby!

And we are off!!

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

To celebrate the Paris 2024 Paralympics, the first home game of the season, and welcoming Colchester to National 2 East, Canterbury Hellfire is bringing Wheelchair Rugby to the Marine Travel Ground for the very first time. Players, Members, Supporters, and Sponsors are all invited to come and see the incredible fast pace, hard hits, and amazing skills that come together in Wheelchair Rugby as a thank you from Hellfire for your support over the years.

Wheelchair Rugby is normally played indoors on a basketball court but to shake things up Hellfire along with many of the very best Wheelchair Rugby players from across the South East of England will be playing outside. In another first we have spare chairs and all the kit needed so you too can become part of the team, you don’t need a disability to be part of this extraordinary event. You will even get coached by 2012 Team GB Captain and Hellfire Lead Coach Steve Brown and Brighton Coach and former Hellfire member Omar Foster.

Tip off (the Wheelchair Rugby version of a kick off) is at 12:30. Get strapped in and come and be part of our amazing #OneClub experience.

Wasps’ Strategic Move to Kent: A Game-Changer for English Rugby

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

In a bold and transformative move, Wasps Rugby Club is set to make a significant comeback by potentially relocating to Kent, a region often overlooked in professional rugby. This move, expected to take place during the 2025-26 season, could be a turning point for the sport in England, not only reviving a storied club but also unlocking a new, fertile ground for rugby talent.

A Strategic Resurgence

Wasps, who entered administration in 2022, have been exploring ways to re-establish themselves in English rugby’s competitive landscape. The latest plans suggest that the club will play at The Valley, in a ground-share arrangement with Charlton Athletic, as they prepare for their revival in the Championship. However, this is more than just a venue shift—it’s a strategic decision with far-reaching implications.

Kent, known as the Garden of England, is home to 63 community rugby clubs, yet it remains largely untapped by the professional rugby circuit. The county has produced a number of top-tier players, but many have had to leave the region to pursue professional opportunities. By establishing a permanent base in Kent, Wasps aim to provide a clear pathway for local talent, ensuring that the region’s potential is fully realised.

The Broader Impact

The implications of Wasps’ move extend beyond the rugby pitch. This decision is part of a broader effort by the RFU and Premiership Rugby to decentralize talent development, ensuring that promising players don’t have to travel long distances to access elite training facilities. With plans for satellite hubs and revised academy boundaries, the landscape of English rugby is evolving to become more inclusive and regionally diverse.

Canterbury Rugby Club Leads the Charge

While Wasps are laying the groundwork for their future in Kent, Canterbury Rugby Club has already taken significant action. Recognising the need to develop local talent, Canterbury has launched an academy linked to Archbishop’s School in the city. This innovative program offers four rugby sessions a week to pupils aged 16 to 18, many of whom are refugees from Ukraine and Syria. The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between grassroots and professional rugby, helping local players transition into the professional ranks.

Funded by local sponsors and independent of the RFU system, Canterbury’s academy is part of a larger strategy to position the club as a key player in the region’s rugby ecosystem. The club is in talks with Saracens to establish Canterbury as a hub for their satellite academy, ensuring that talented players in Kent have a direct route to top-tier rugby without leaving the county.

A Vision for the Future

Wasps’ potential move to Kent represents a significant opportunity to transform the region into a powerhouse of English rugby. With Canterbury Rugby Club already taking the lead in talent development, the Garden of England is poised to become a key contributor to the national rugby scene.

As Wasps work towards securing a permanent home in Kent, they stand to not only strengthen the game but also to create a lasting impact on the community. This move could mark the beginning of a new era for English rugby, where regions like Kent play a central role in shaping the future of the sport.

Stay tuned as Wasps, a club with a rich history, embarks on this transformative journey. The potential for growth, both on and off the field, is immense, and the future of rugby in Kent has never looked brighter.

Read the full article at – https://lnkd.in/ej3PnZJT (subscription needed)

 

BLACKHEATH HERE ON FRIDAY

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy
The senior squad round off their pre-season preparations on Friday evening this week (August 30) when National Division One side Blackheath are the visitors to the Marine Travel Ground. Kick-off 8.00pm.  The bars and kitchen will be open from 6pm and admission to the game is free.
In a busy weekend there is rugby on Saturday when the Pilgrims squad is scheduled to meet Gravesend 1st, kick-off 3pm, and the 3rds entertain
 Gravesend 2nd.
ACE Academy launch

BIG NAMES LAUNCH NEW ACADEMY

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

International rugby stars Alex Lowzoski and John Gallagher launched our ambitious new rugby academy on August 21st. The ACE Academy, a joint venture with the city’s Archbishop’s School, is based on a Rugby Football Union pathway programme designed to transition academy players into professional rugby. It aims to provide a facility for local children which removes all socio-economic barriers facing local students.

Saracens and England centre Lozowski and World Cup winning New Zealand All Black full back Gallagher performed the official honours before meeting some of the first students at the Academy, club officials, Archishop’s school senior staff and sponsors. Our Head of Player Pathway, Nathan Morris, who will lead the Academy’s community coaching team, said: “The aim of the ACE academy is dualistic, we wish to provide high-quality coaching as well as creating opportunities for the young people of East Kent. We have been very lucky to have great support from our sponsors who will also support the students with work experience and career advice.”

Together with Nathan, the academy will be run by coaches Matt Corker, Alice Hayward and Ella Jenkins.

Archbishop’s School provides education for 750 mixed ability students aged from 11 to 19. Welcoming the new initiative Head Teacher David Elliott said: “The school is proud to partner with Canterbury Rugby Football Club to introduce the Archbishop’s Canterbury Educational (ACE) Rugby Academy from September 2024. Our new partnership will offer unique opportunities for our higher year students. The Academy programme will further enhance our sports offer at the school.

“This new venture perfectly aligns with our vision which enables students to flourish. Engaging with Canterbury Rugby Club, our students will learn and grow and we are confident this partnership will be transformative for all involved.”

The Academy is a major addition to the club’s commitment to providing opportunities for everyone in the local community through a series of exciting new programmes for local schools.

Pre-season warm up for senior squad

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Canterbury start their warm-up for the new league rugby season on Saturday when National One side Esher are the visitors to the Marine Travel Ground, kick-off 3 pm. It is the first of three pre-season matches for the senior squad ahead of the National 2 East campaign which starts on September 7th with a home game against newly promoted Colchester. Head Coach Matt Corker will use Saturday’s clash with Esher to integrate several new summer signings into his plans. Admission to the game is free.

David Haigh - Press Officer CRFC

The Oracle reaches 90 Not Out

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Our much-loved David Haigh has today reached the magnificent age of ninety.

Born in Liverpool in 1934, David’s love for sport started at Newton-Le-Willows Grammar School playing both 1st XV rugby and cricket and representing Liverpool public schools at rugby. Leaving school with ‘A’ levels in English & History he always wanted to be a journalist with his first experience gained at the Wigan Examiner, whilst playing rugby at Waterloo

With his career going from strength to strength as a journalist, it was whilst working for the Sunday Express in the North East that he met his long-suffering wife Wendy, a secretary for the editor of the Daily Express in Glasgow, at a inter-department cricket match. They went on to get married in July 1961 in Newton Willows.

At 32 David made the permanent move to Broadcasting with the BBC and set up Look North in Leeds, rugby had taken a back seat as working all hours freelancing with BBC Radio outside broadcasts including Test Cricket with Jorn Arlott, Brian Johnstone, and Trevor Bailey.

Work brought David south as a producer at Southern TV on day by day where his love for rugby and cricket was re-kindled at Trojans RFC before moving locally to become a reporter in the Dover area, which is when he joined Canterbury RFC in 1976. By this time David had hung up his playing boots and taken up ‘the whistle’ refereeing with Kent Society for ten years.

David soon became a committee man and after retiring from refereeing first team manager and subsequently was player registrar, always getting the job done, and is now Press Officer, match day reporter, and announcer. He got involved with Kent RFU in the early 1990s as a selector, pushing the case for the inclusion of talented East Kent players in the county teams, and became East Kent rep on the county committee. Until recently he was team secretary for the County Championship squad and is now a county vice-president. Speaking to David he says “One of my highlights of being involved at Canterbury was being given a national valued volunteer award by the RFU in 2017, but the real achievement and pleasure has been playing a small part, together with so many good people, in the club’s progress over the years. I have been in love with rugby ever since the ball was put in my hands as an eleven-year-old.”

Happy Birthday David x

Around the Ground

Around the Ground at the MTG

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

The 2024/25 season is almost upon us and we look forward to inviting you all back to the Marine Travel Ground to cheer on the Amber & Black teams. A massive thank you to all those who volunteered for the big cleanup of the ground Last Sunday. We are nearly ready to throw open our doors thanks to your efforts painting, scrubbing, cleaning and, weeding. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Memberships

It is that time of year again when memberships need to be renewed. All current members, must go online and renew through the RFU GMS portal . Guidance and memberships information can be found on the Memberships  page on our club website.

AGM

The next Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held Monday 19th August 2024 at 7pm for a 7,30 start at the clubhouse. To view the full agenda click here (PDF)

Sport and fun for all ages

We have been blessed with some glorious weather this summer. Why not make the most of it and come join us for activities for all ages and abilities –

Summer of fun – Rugby based games and fitness for all the family. Every Friday from 5.30pm to 7.00pm. More details here
Walking Rugby – Come for the slower paced rugby – Stay for the friends. Every Friday from 7.oopm to 8.00pm till August 30th. More details here
Children’s rugby and sports camps – Check out our Community webpages to see more details

Pre-season

A fantastic chance not only for our players to get some game time in before the season starts, but also for you to practice cheering them on. Save these dates –

1st XV
17 August – Home vs Esher
24 August – Away vs Harpenden
30 August – Home vs Blackheath

Pilgrims
31 August – Home vs Gravesend 1st XV

Canons
31 August – Home vs Gravesend 2nd XV

Pre-match lunches

The 2024/25 season kicks off proper 7 September. Why not join us pre-match for a three course lunch, with speeches, presentations, and a raffle. A fantastic way to meet other supporters, eat fantastic food prepared on-site by our fantastic club caterers Saucy Flo’s . Email Kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk for more details, or to book a table/place.

There are plenty of home games to choose from. Check out the fixtures list on the 1st XV webpage

Talking of fixtures, here is what to expect in the first month of the season –
1st XV
7 September – Colchester home
14 September – Sevenoaks away
21 September – Worthing home
28 September – Guernsey away

Women
15 September – Horsham Women away
22 September – Medway Ladies home

Pilgrims
7 September – Crowsborough away
14 September – Sevenoaks II home
20 September – Ashford home
28 September – Charlton Park home

Canons
7 September – Medway III home
14 September – Sheppey away
21 September – Rye home
28 September – Dartfordians away

Deacons
14 September – Sheppey 2nd XV home
21 September – Leigh 1st XV away
28 September – Gravesend 3rds home

Zingari
21 September – New Ash Green 2nd XV home
21 September – Deal 3rds away

We look forward to welcoming you all to the Marine Travel Ground – Bring the noise!