Author: Denys Andrianjafy

European Touch Championships medal haul

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Last week, 10 England Touch teams descended on the small city of Vichy, France. With the thermometer tipping 30◦C plus, our fitness and endurance were tested to the max throughout the 4 days of competition. Going in as favourites for most categories, we did not disappoint!

Canterbury had representation in both Mens and Womens Opens categories. Vaughn Meredith continued his success with the Mens Opens team, coming away with the gold! After a tight 10-10 draw with Ireland in the group stages, England showed their class in the final to run out 10-3 winners against the Irish.

Lydia Ticehurst and Erin Payten won gold with the Womens Open team! Erin stepped into the side to replace her sister Danni, who missed out due to injury. England were the reigning European Champions and came into the tournament as favourites. They did not disappoint and went undefeated throughout the tournament, beating France 10-4 in the final.

This year was the first time a Womens 40s category was run at a European Championships! It was a milestone moment for European Touch and touch rugby in general. Suz Wilson brought home the gold with England W40s who went undefeated throughout and beat Scotland 5-1 in the final.

Eddie French had his first outing as an Assistant Coach for the Mens 45s team. It was a rocky road in the group stages with 3 wins, a draw and a loss to Wales but they pulled it out the bag in the final to beat the Welsh side 6-3 and take gold!

As the dust settles on an amazing tournament, the attention turns to the World Cup which takes place in Nottingham UK, in July 2024. With less than a year to go, competition will be fierce for places and we look forward to seeing our Canterbury players and coaches represent in those World Cup Teams!

Minis pre-registration

Mini’s Pre-Registration rugby and fun

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

*When?* Saturday 19th August at 11:45,

*Where?* The training pitch at the Marine Travel Ground

*What?* ball drills and touch rugby tournament, mixed ages, with a visit from the first team all before the 1st team play a preseason friendly against London Welsh, kick-off 2pm.

Please bring a picnic or buy from the BBQ and take this opportunity beat the registration queue for our membership secretary and stay around and support the first team.

Please can you register your attendance so that we know numbers for the event – https://forms.gle/ryZwxt5mnt69nnhA8

We look forward to seeing you there.

 

Pre-season 2023/24

2023/24 pre-season games

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Get ready for the 2023/24 season, as the anticipation for the upcoming pre-season games reaches a fever pitch. With adrenaline-pumping action and pitchside excitement, these friendlies are set to ignite the passion of rugby fans and provide a tantalising glimpse into what the new season has in store. As our senior squad fine-tunes its strategies and welcomes fresh talent into the ranks, there’s an undeniable sense of anticipation in the air. Join us and cheer our teams across the line, and watch the fierce rivalries that will unfold on the pitch. The stage is set, the battle lines are being drawn, and the countdown to an electrifying rugby extravaganza has begun!

Friday 11th August – FREE ENTRY

Friday Night Lights vs Tonbridge Juddians at the Marine Travel Ground

U22’s kick-off 6.30pm
1st XV kick-off 7.45pm

The BBQ will be fired up. Saucy Flo’s curries and filled baguettes available pre-match and during matches in the clubhouse. The coffee shop will also be open serving hot drinks and cakes, along with the fully stocked clubhouse bar serving from 5.30pm. We have something for everyone!

Saturday 19th August – FREE ENTRY

vs London Welsh. Will the one-time London Welsh hero Matt Corker turn into their villain?

1st XV kick-off 2pm
Pilgrims kick-off 2pm

Food and drinks will be available from the BBQ area and the clubhouse cafe and bar, as above. The bar opening time will be 1.00pm.

McElvis will be providing the post-match music and entertainment – Get ready to sing and dance!

Friday 25th August

vs Blackheath away. Newly promoted to National 1, this should be a tough game, but the team is up for the challenge,

1stXV kick-off 8.pm

Saturday 2nd September

vs Sevenoaks away. Our season opener for the 1st XV, and friendly for the Pilgrims.

1stXV kick-off 3pm
Pilgrims kick-off 3pm


Come the start of the competitive season, the cobwebs will be shaken off and the Canterbury machine should be at full speed. Pull on your colours, bring the cheers, bring the noise, and get behind the players.
Touch Rugby Summer League 2023

Touch Summer League Finals

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

The exciting Miles & Barr Touch Rugby Summer League came to an end mid July, with Premiership and Championship plates and cups at stake. For seven weeks, sixteen teams of mixed ages have been battling it out every Wednesday evening over forty-minute games at the Marine Travel Ground. Each game was hard-fought, faced-paced, and played in the best spirit. There was certainly a lot of laughter, but on the field of play it was deadly serious, and all were focused on the opposing try line.

All who participated by sponsoring, organising, officiating, or playing deserve praise for the way in which the season ran and the spirit in which the games were played. When the dust finally settled, all that was left to do was hail the winners and celebrate with all the participants, match officials, organisers, and supporters.

Championship Plate Winners: Hawaii Try-O
Championship Cup Winners: Human Touch
Championship MVPs: Will Rayner and Vicky O’Sullivan
Premiership Plate Winners: Horndogs
Premiership Cup Winners: Invicta
Premiership MVPs: Dan Eaglestone and Mille Knight

Winners were presented with their coveted prizes by the Club President, Greg Mayne, who said of the event

“The Touch section of the Club is hugely popular and successful, with a large number of players taking part, many of whom are playing or coaching at national level in different age group categories. The commitment of players, coaches, referees, and above all, the tournament organisers, must be applauded, and the continued growth of the Touch section will be supported by the Club.”

Suzy Wilson, Touch section Chair added

‘’Seeing so many people enjoying playing touch makes all the organisation worth it! We also had lots of new referees stepping up to help out which is great. Looking forward to next year! ‘’

A huge thank you to Miles & Barr for their generous sponsorship of the Touch Rugby Summer League.

Golf Day - Faversham Golf Club 11 October 2023

Golf Day

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Wednesday 11th October at Faversham Golf Club.

Registration with Tea/Coffee and Bacon Rolls from 11:30 am
1pm Shotgun Start – 18 holes in teams of 4 Followed by prizegiving and a 2-course meal.

Only £280. Hole Sponsorship £100

Contact kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk to book in a team or for more information.

2023 Atlantic Youth Touch Cup

Canterbury represents!

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Atlantic Youth Cup Touch Cup 2023The Touch Atlantic Youth Cup kicked off in Nottingham this week with 10 nations competing across 3 days. Teams have travelled from across Europe but also from USA, Cayman Islands, South Africa and China. England has teams competing in all age categories from Under 15s to Under 20s and we have players and coaches from Canterbury representing England across these teams. Touch is a unique sport as we have girls and boys teams but also mixed teams where girls and boys play together on the pitch.

Abby Pritchard and Iris Nasir are part of the Girls U18s team. Both have been playing for nearly 8 years and have previously represented England at Under 15 and Under 18 level. Abby has also played for Middle East Under 15s. Canterbury also features on the coaching panel for Girls Under 18’s with Flori Nasir stepping into the Assistant Coach role for the first time this year after. She previously captained the Mixed U15s and was a junior touch coach at Canterbury for a number of years. Lola Sanderson is a newcomer to touch and the great progress she has made has resulted in her being named as a reserve player in the Mixed Under 15s team. She plays for both Canterbury and Wolves.

JJ Lister is playing in the Mixed Under 18 category and Danny Ticehurst in the Mixed U20s. Both are making their England debut at this tournament! Danny also plays touch for Bath University. Eliot Nye and Matt Mayall are playing in the Boys U20s category. They have both been playing for about 8 years and have represented England at previous junior tournaments. Eliot was also part of the Mixed Open squad for last years European Championships.

Alice Summers is playing in the Girls U20s team. She has previously represented England at Under 18 and Under 15 level. She was also part of the Mixed Open squad at the European Championships last year. Lydia Ticehurst is debuting as Assistant Coach for the Girls U20s and she is also an England Womens Opens player so is a great addition to the coaching panel!

Matches kick off on Thursday 20th July with finals being played on Saturday 22nd. Follow England Touch on socials for a link to the live stream and regular updates!

If you’re interested in coming along to play some Touch at Canterbury, we welcome all players from beginners through to elite level. Contact info@canterburytouch.co.uk for more information.

AGM-2023

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2023

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

 Notice of calling:

As advised the AGM of the Canterbury Rugby Club has been called for Tuesday 8th August 2023 at 7 pm for a sharp 7.30 start.

The Secretary will receive

  1. Nominations duly seconded, and in writing, for the positions of President, Treasurer, and Secretary
  2. Nominations duly seconded, and in writing for positions on the Executive Committee
  3. And motions or business proposed and seconded, and in writing, in accordance with Rule 8.5 of any matter relating to the rules of the club and submitted to the Secretary at least 14 days before the AGM

The email to the current Secretary is secretary@cantrugby.co.uk

Please find the following below:

  • Agenda
  • List of the Committee Members – For reference at the time of voting

Please note: Financials – a full breakdown of the financial statement from the club is held by the Secretary, anyone wishing to see these please contact the secretary at secretary@cantrugby.co.uk and they will be emailed to you as soon as they are available.

Agenda for the Annual General Meeting of Canterbury Rugby Union Football Club

To be held on Tuesday 8th August 2023 at the Clubhouse, Merton Lane, Canterbury at 7.00 pm. For 7.30 pm

  1. Apologies for absence
  2. To consider and approve the minutes of the Annual General Meetings held on Tuesday 9th August 2022.
  3. To receive and approve a Chairman’s Report from the Committee on the affairs of the club for the season 2022/23.
  4. To receive and approve a report on the Canterbury RFC Finances for the year 2022/2023.
  5. To consider a resolution disapplying the provisions of the Cooperative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014, that the Membership of the Club represented at the Annual General Meeting does not require an Audit to be completed on the Accounts for the Year Ended 30th May 2022, subject to confirmation at the AGM that the accounts for the Year Ended 30th May 2023 meet the requirements.
  6. To elect officers for the forthcoming year:- a. President b. Treasurer c. Secretary
  7. To appoint other Committee Members as required.
  8. To consider any other motion or business duly proposed in accordance with Rule 8.5. This relates to any matter relating to the rules of the club proposed and seconded by Members of the Club that is submitted in writing to the Secretary at least fourteen days before the Annual General Meeting.
  9. To hear any other relevant matter for the consideration of the Committee during the ensuing year but upon which no voting may be allowed.

CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2022-2023 season

  • President – Greg Mayne
  • Treasurer – Mike Dodd
  • Secretary – Sally Taylor
  • Chairman – Giles Hilton
  • Communications Officer – Denys Andrianjafy
  • Commercial Manager – Giles Hilton
  • Head of Rugby – Matt Corker
  • Mini and Youth Chairman – Matt Pinnick
  • Membership Secretary – Matt Carr
  • Safeguarding Officer – Chris Bull
  • Compliance Officer – Dom Graham
3 Peaks Challenge

The peak of achievement

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Phillipa Hilton recently took part in an 8-strong team to tackle the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge.

We did it! She cried triumphantly. It was a smashing team effort completing the 24.5-mile challenge and 1585m of ascent in just 10hrs 35 mins, beating the 12hr target!

Peak 1 (Pen-y-Ghent) – On a glorious spring day, they began their 694m climb up Pen-y-Ghent, the longest trip of the three peaks. It wasn’t long before it was realised waterproofs wouldn’t be needed, so they were left at the first pit stop to lighten the load.

Peak 2 (Whernside) – Following the first pit stop, next up was 736m up Whernside. This peak proved more of a challenge on the descent than on the climb – it was very steep with lots of loose rocks.

Peak 3 (Ingleborough) – Finally, the last climb was to be 723m up Ingleborough. The first two peaks took a lot out of the team; they were all feeling tired but needed to keep going before seizing up! But, after 24.5 miles of walking, they finally completed the challenge and couldn’t wait to meet up with the support crew to enjoy a well-deserved drink!

The walking team wanted to thank their support crew for keeping them fed and watered throughout – they could not have done it without them!

A huge thank you to also those who very kindly donated, it is very much appreciated.

Congratulations to Albert on ticking off yet another challenge from his list in aid of the charity Mesothelioma UK.

To donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/albert-walton-1673094432701

County Championship Final

Bill Beaumont Division 1 County Championship Final

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

After Kent’s exhilarating win against Cornwall in the Bill Beaumont Division 1 County Championship last weekend, our county lads travel to Twickenham to take on Lancashire in the final. Canterbury Rugby Club is well represented in the playing side. We have a coach leaving the Marine Travel Ground at 12 noon Sunday 28th May directly to Twickenham to take 30 people to cheer on Kent at the Bill Beaumont Division 1 County Championship final v Lancashire. £20 a head (drinks and snacks provided). Please note that entrance to the game needs to be purchased separately.

Contact either kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk or chair@cantrugby.co.uk to book places. Coach places are secured on a first come first served basis.

Come and bring the noise.

The RFU are offering all Counties a Special Category 1 Ticket Offer – over 50% off Adult tickets, down from £65 to *£25 & Kids (U16’s) *£15, which will entitle you to an action packed day of rugby and watch all three matches:

– Gill Burns County Championship Division 1 Final

– The Killik Cup Barbarians v World XV

– Bill Beaumont County Championship Division 1 Final

Hurry these tickets won’t last – Book now via the link below:

https://www.eticketing.co.uk/rfu/Authentication/Login?returnUrl=%2Frfu%2FEDP%2FEvent%2FIndex%2F3005%3Fgroupref%3D3%26digest%3D6768f46031ec9570cfb708e7e406d88c097a132fa23544d2f206b0abcad0e51e

(*Booking fees apply and subject to availability).
Charlie Mumford, top fundraiser for 2022/23 The Rugby Project

The Rugby Project and Wooden Spoon Kent

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Now that the playing season is over, clubs and teams are reflecting on the highs, lows and what could have beens on the pitch. The fumbled pass, the missed conversion, that moment the team hooked up all the phases and scored the magnificent try that will be the talk of the clubhouse for years to come.

Let us for a moment look at what happens off the field and the amazing work being undertaken within the rugby community to support and raise funds for good causes within the community. Two in particular, worthy of mention at this point are Wooden Spoon Kent, and The Rugby Project.

On April 24th, The Rugby Project held their awards evening at Medway RFC. The Rugby Project was set up last year by Chris Smith and Grant Scandling, and was built on the same foundations as the Young Leaders in Cricket (YLIC) which Grant was involved in. YLIC is similar to the Duke of Edinburgh Award where youngsters complete coaching, umpiring, scoring, and groundsman courses as well as fundraising and volunteering in their communities/cricket clubs and raise money for charity. ECB was so impressed with the scheme that they adopted it throughout cricket. It is now a National Programme.

Chris and Grant have adopted and adapted this for rugby with the intention to get and keep youngsters involved in rugby. They are both huge rugby fans and are involved in various activities across the County. They are part of the Kent Society of Rugby Football Union Referees (KSRFUR). The Society is a Partner Club of Wooden Spoon Kent and the only society of referees to be a partner club in the UK & Ireland.

Last year at KSRFUR’s AGM Chris and Grant presented Kent Spoon a cheque for £657.83 which was raised by 22 young people. Like KSRFUR they were both impressed that all money raised for Kent Wooden Spoon is spent on our projects for disadvantaged children in Kent. Not a penny going towards HQ administrative or running costs.

For the 2022/23 session, they had 50 youngsters sign up from various rugby clubs and schools. 33 completed the course and received certificates.

There were special mentions for the 3 top fundraisers.  3rd place went to Jake Sales £264.00. Number of Keepie Uppies with a rugby ball in an hour, any less than three in a row not counted, managed 3,161.  2nd place Medway RFC girls, Honor Marwood, Rose Stoke & Titiyanh Samuels. £310.00 each, a total of £930.00. Sponsored walk. Believe it was a half marathon.  1st place Charlie Mumford of Simon Langton School & Canterbury RFC £1,315.00. Running 126 miles in six weeks (the duration of the Six Nations). The equivalent of running from Canterbury RFC to Twickenham national stadium and back.

Charlie Mumford, top fundraiser for 2022/23 The Rugby ProjectCharlie Mumford presenting a cheques for £4,000 Wooden Spoon Kent

At the awards evening, Wooden Spoon Kent representative Peter Johnston was invited to say a few words about the organisation and present a certificate to Charlie plus a Wooden Spoon rugby jersey and rugby socks. Together Wooden Spoon was presented with a cheque for the amazing amount of £4,000. The final amount received was £4,200.

Credit to Chris and Grant’s drive, they have already signed up 60 youngsters for 2023/2024 session and confirmed they will be supporting Kent Spoon again.

It is not just on the field of play that heroes and legends are made. The Rugby Project and Wooden Spoon not only deserve our applause, but they also need our support. To find out more about these initiatives, visit their websites at:

Wooden Spoon – https://woodenspoon.org.uk/region/kent/

The Rugby Project – https://therugbyproject.org/