Author: Denys Andrianjafy

Around the Ground

Around the Ground at the MTG

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Scores roundup

1st XV v Old Albanian: Canterbury’s tough run continued as they suffered a fourth consecutive defeat, letting an 18-point first-half lead slip against Old Albanians. Despite a dominant opening 40 minutes, missed chances and errors proved costly, allowing the visitors to snatch victory in the final moments.

Old Williamsonians v Canons: The Canons travelled to Old Williamsonians determined to avenge their home defeat. Leading at half-time, they looked poised for redemption, but missed opportunities saw the hosts fight back, ultimately edging a 22-14 win.

Boys U15s v Sidcup: Canterbury U15s capped off a remarkable unbeaten season in style, securing the Kent League title with a dominant 43-19 victory over Sidcup. A year on from finishing second to the same opponents, the squad proved their growth and resilience, defending the MTG fortress with confidence and control.

Canterbury Colts: It was a superb weekend for Canterbury Colts, with both the 1st XV and 2nd XV claiming impressive wins over strong Tonbridge Juddians sides. The squads demonstrated outstanding organisation and decision-making, with the 1st XV shutting out TJ’s 5-49, while the 2nd XV came out on top in a thrilling 34-43 battle.

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

Next fixtures

Saturday 15th March

Canterbury Sin Binners v Breda RC – Home KO 12.30pm
1st XV v Bury St Edmunds – Away KO 3.00pm

A Super Saturday of rugby at the MTG!

This Saturday promises an international flavour at the Marine Travel Ground as we welcome Dutch side Bredase RC, who take on the Sin Binners—a squad made up of Canons, Deacons, and Zingari players. It’s set to be a fantastic afternoon of rugby, so come down, cheer on the teams, and enjoy the action!

After the on-field battle, head into the clubhouse for the final round of the Six Nations. The tournament is on a knife-edge, with multiple teams still in the title race:

  • France will be crowned champions if they secure a bonus-point win over Scotland.
  • England must beat Wales with a bonus point while hoping France slip up.
  • Ireland need a bonus-point victory over Italy, plus favourable results elsewhere.
  • Scotland have an outside chance, but only if they defeat France by a big margin and other results go their way.

Got all that? No worries—what really matters is an electric atmosphere, great company, and top-quality rugby! So, apart from being at the stadiums themselves, where better to enjoy the drama than cheering with the CRFC rugby family, and our visitors from the Netherlands at the clubhouse?

The bar is open from 11.00am and food is available all day!

See you there!

Sunday 16th March

Minis

9-10am:
Mixed U6’s Simon Langton 4G
Mixed U7’s Simon Langton 4G
Mixed U8’s Simon Langton 4G

9-10:30am:
Mixed U9 Bottom Orchard – training and hosting Lorenden School
Mixed U10’s v Sevenoaks  – Away
Mixed U11’s Top Orchard

Youth
Boys U12’s Amber v Old Alleynians – Away KO 10:15am
Boys U12’s Black Bottom Orchard – 10:30
Boys U13’s Spitfires v OD’s – Home KO 11.00am
Boys U13’s Hurricanes v Sevenoaks – Home KO 11.00am
Boys U14’s v TJ’s Simon Langton 4G – KO  10.00am
Boys U14’s v Aylesford Simon Langton 4G – KO 10.00am
Boys U15’s v Tunbridge Wells – Away KO 11.30am
Boys U16’s v Blackheath Top Pitch – KO 10.30am
Boys U16’s Dev v Aylesford Top Orchard – KO 10:30
Colts v Bury St Edmunds – Away KO 12.00pm
Colts v Tunbridge Wells – Away KO 11.30pm

Please check the Mini & Youth webpages for updates

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

Introducing Milly – Taking on the English Channel for Three Great Causes

At Canterbury Rugby Club, we love to celebrate the achievements of our rugby family, and today, we’re shining a spotlight on Milly, sister of 1st XV player Harvey Furneaux, who is taking on an incredible challenge.

In August 2025, Milly will be swimming the English Channel, a 21-mile stretch of open water from Dover to Cap-Gris-Nez in France. Growing up just a stone’s throw from the Dover shore, this has been a lifelong goal, and she’s now putting in countless hours of training in both the cold open water and the pool to prepare.

But this challenge isn’t just about her—it requires a highly skilled boat crew to guide her safely across, just as they have done for hundreds of swimmers before her. To help with these costs and to raise funds for three incredible causes, Milly has set up a GoFundMe page.

Who Milly is Supporting:

Pilgrims Hospices – A cause close to Milly’s heart after her grandfather spent his final weeks in a hospice. These wonderful facilities provide incredible care and support to both patients and their families, making a difficult time as comfortable as possible.

Myeloma UK – Supporting research and treatment for myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer, which has directly impacted Milly’s family. Myeloma UK is the only UK charity dedicated to funding research, improving treatments, and supporting those affected.

RNLI – The volunteer crews of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution work tirelessly 24/7 to save lives at sea. Their dedication and bravery have saved over 146,000 lives since 1824, and they continue to patrol our coasts, keeping people safe.

Milly’s challenge is a huge undertaking, and we’d love for the Canterbury rugby family to support her in any way possible. If you’d like to donate, visit: Milly’s Channel Swim 2025

Let’s get behind Milly and help her make a difference for these amazing causes!

Steak lovers, this one’s for you!

Tuesdays just got tastier at The Granville! From 5pm every Tuesday, it’s ‘Steak Tuesday’ – buy one steak main, get one free! That’s right—order your favourite steak, and they’ll throw in another completely free, served with triple-cooked chips and salad.

How’s that for a double protein feast?

Don’t miss out—book your table now https://thegranvillecanterbury.co.uk/

Pre-match Pilgrims home game curry

Pre-match dining? Treat your friends, family, or clients to one of the club’s famous Saucy Flo’s curries for just £15 per head. Delicious food, great company, and the perfect prelude to the game, served at 12.30pm! Book now at saucyflos@gmail.com

Next curry lunch available for April 5th v Crowborough

Don’t miss out and join us!

Canterbury RFC Golf Day – Thursday 1st May 2025

Join us for a fantastic day of golf at Canterbury Golf Club on Thursday 1st May 2025. This premier event promises great competition, top-class hospitality, and some unforgettable moments.

What’s Included:

  • Welcome breakfast & registration (from 8.00am)
  • Shotgun start at 10.00am with live on-course scoring
  • Team & individual prizes up for grabs
  • A CRFC backpack, sleeve of balls, and goody bag for every player
  • A three-course lunch at 3:30pm
  • Special guest comedian Adger Brown
  • An iconic Spitfire flypast before play begins (weather permitting)
  • BONUS: Each four-ball team receives a Canterbury Golf Club voucher for a future round

Entry for a 4-ball team: £1000

All Proceeds will go to Canterbury Rugby Academy.

A perfect day for golfers of all levels—don’t miss out!

To book your place, contact: kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk

Canterbury RFC May Ball – A night to remember!

Mark your calendars for Friday, 23rd May 2025, as Canterbury RFC hosts its much-anticipated May Ball – an evening of elegance, entertainment, and celebration!

Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner, followed by a night of dancing, games, and live music from FNKHAUS, delivering dancefloor fillers, club classics, and party anthems. The evening will also feature an auction, dodgems, a 360° photobooth, and more to keep the party atmosphere alive.

Date: Friday, 23rd May 2025
Dress Code: Black Tie
Dinner: 7.30pm (arrival from 6.30pm)
Carriages: 1.00am
Tickets: £80 per person

Don’t miss out on this fantastic event—book your place now! Contact Kirsty at kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk to secure your tickets.

Parking at the MTG

We are grateful to the MS Centre next door for allowing us to use their car park to help ease parking congestion. However, please be aware that on Sundays between 8:00 am and 11:00 am, their spaces will not be available for rugby club use. It is important that we respect this arrangement, as continued misuse could result in the loss of our parking privileges.

Additionally, we have noticed that some vehicles have been parked in the disabled bays at the club without displaying a Blue Badge. These spaces are reserved for disabled club users to provide them with the easiest access to our facilities. If a Blue Badge is not visible, we will request that the vehicle be moved.

To assist with parking awareness, any vehicles incorrectly parked in restricted areas will be displayed on the clubhouse screen. Please check before leaving your car to avoid any inconvenience.

Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring that parking remains fair and accessible for all.

We wish you all the best of rugby!

 

Around the Ground

Around the Ground at the MTG

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Scores roundup

Barnes 45 – 35 1st XV: A stunning second-half comeback saw Canterbury salvage pride and a crucial losing bonus point against second-placed Barnes, despite a torrid first half. Trailing 40-0 at the break, the city side roared back with five unanswered tries, proving their resilience.

Barnes dominated the opening 40 minutes, punishing Canterbury’s errors and running in six tries, with Elliot Haydon and Ethan Sikorski among the scorers. However, a rousing half-time talk from Head Coach Matt Corker sparked a remarkable response. Eoin O’Donoghue crossed early in the second half before Olly Frostick, Presley Farrance, Jesse de Vries, and Aaron Cooper all added to the tally. Frank Reynolds converted all five second-half tries, securing a valuable bonus point.

Despite the defeat, Canterbury remain fourth in National 2 East and will take confidence from their spirited fightback as they prepare for the next challenge.

Pilgrims 43 – 19 Dover: Pilgrims maintained their grip on Counties 1 with a commanding 45-19 victory over Dover in a thrilling local derby. Playing up the slope in the first half, they wasted no time imposing their game, with Gus Lister racing away for the opener after a strong break from Guy Hilton. Harry Sloan and Isaac Divine followed with well-taken tries before Adrian Geddes secured the bonus point, giving Canterbury a 24-0 lead.

Dover responded with two late first-half tries, closing the gap to 24-14 at the break. They carried their momentum into the second half, adding another to narrow the deficit to five points. However, Pilgrims hit back hard, with returning centre Tom Halliday making an immediate impact before Lister completed a superb hat-trick. Sonny Trew-Neville put the finishing touch on a solid team performance, keeping Pilgrims top of the table with three games to go.

Next up, on the road to Heathfield & Waldron as Pilgrims continue their push for the title.

Cliffe Crusaders 22 – 27 Canons: The Canons moved a step closer to the Counties 4 Kent title with a hard-earned victory away at Cliffe Crusaders. Using their pace and agility to counter Cliffe’s physicality, the Canons took control early, with Liam Browne slotting two penalties before Jake Upward crossed for the first try, set up by Josh Lamb. Lamb then added a second just before half-time, giving Canterbury a 20-3 lead at the break.

Cliffe responded strongly in the second half with an early try, and tensions rose as the game turned scrappy. However, the Canons struck back, with Browne’s chip-and-chase setting up Upward for his second. Despite Cliffe adding two late tries, the Canons secured a well-deserved four points against tough opposition.

All focus now turns to this weekend’s top-of-the-table showdown against Old Williamsonians, where the Canons will be out for revenge and looking to take a huge step towards the title.

Zingari 33 – 14 Gillingham 2nds: The Zingari continued their winning streak with an explosive second-half performance, dismantling top-of-the-table Anchorians in emphatic fashion.

A cautious first half saw both sides struggle for control, with Patrick Collins opening the scoring for Canterbury before Anchorians hit back to level things at the break. However, whatever was said at half-time worked wonders, as the Zingari emerged fired up.

Early pressure saw Connor Langley cross under the posts, quickly followed by a Callium Townshend try to stretch the lead. Anchorians attempted a response but were shut down by relentless defence. The Canterbury forwards dominated the turnover battle, allowing the backs to carve open the opposition defence.

As pressure mounted, Ash Nwapa powered over for a brace of tries, both converted by Jacob Coffin, sealing an unassailable lead. Anchorians grabbed a late consolation, but the Zingari’s second-half dominance ensured a statement victory.

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

Next fixtures

Saturday 8th March
1st XV v Old Albanian – Home KO 3.00pm
Pilgrims v Cranbrook – Home KO 3.00pm CANCELLED
Old Williamsonians v Canons – Away KO 2.30pm
Lordswood v Zingari – Away KO 2.30pm

Sunday 9th March
Mini & Youth
Mixed U6’s, U7’s and U8’s Simon Langton 4G – 9.00am to 10.00am
Mixed U12’s Amber v Beckenham – Away
Boys U12’s Black v Thanet Top Pitch – KO 10.30
Boys U13’s v Blackheath – Away
Boys U14’s v Sevenoaks – Away
Boys U15’s v Sidcup Main Pitch – KO 11.00am
Boys U16’s Simon Langton 4G – 10.00am to11.am
Boys U16’s Development v Dover – KO 11.00am
Colts v TJ’s  – Away

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

U15s title decider – Support needed!

Canterbury U15s are currently top of the table, and this weekend’s clash against Sidcup is a Kent League title decider! Let’s get as many supporters as possible around the main pitch to cheer them on and help them bring home the victory. Your support could make all the difference!

Please check the Mini & Youth webpages for updates

Parking at the MTG

We are grateful to the MS Centre next door for allowing us to use their car park to help ease parking congestion. However, please be aware that on Sundays between 8:00 am and 11:00 am, their spaces will not be available for rugby club use. It is important that we respect this arrangement, as continued misuse could result in the loss of our parking privileges.

Additionally, we have noticed that some vehicles have been parked in the disabled bays at the club without displaying a Blue Badge. These spaces are reserved for disabled club users to provide them with the easiest access to our facilities. If a Blue Badge is not visible, we will request that the vehicle be moved.

To assist with parking awareness, any vehicles incorrectly parked in restricted areas will be displayed on the clubhouse screen. Please check before leaving your car to avoid any inconvenience.

Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring that parking remains fair and accessible for all.

Pre-match Pilgrims home game curry

Pre-match dining? Treat your friends, family, or clients to one of the club’s famous Saucy Flo’s curries for just £15 per head. Delicious food, great company, and the perfect prelude to the game, served at 12.30pm! Book now at saucyflos@gmail.com

Next curry lunch available for April 5th v Crowborough

Don’t miss out and join us!

Join us for an exclusive City Lunch with Jamie Roberts!

Mark your calendars for Thursday, 20th March, as Canterbury RFC hosts an exclusive City Lunch with special guest Jamie Roberts—former Wales, British & Irish Lions, and Harlequins centre.

This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a great afternoon of rugby insights, delicious food, and top-class company. Tables for 8-12 guests are available at £65 per person, but spaces are limited and always sell out quickly!

To secure your place, book now by contacting kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk. Don’t miss out on what promises to be a memorable event!

Canterbury RFC Golf Day – Thursday 1st May 2025

Join us for a fantastic day of golf at Canterbury Golf Club on Thursday 1st May 2025. This premier event promises great competition, top-class hospitality, and some unforgettable moments.

What’s Included:

  • Welcome breakfast & registration (from 8.00am)
  • Shotgun start at 10.00am with live on-course scoring
  • Team & individual prizes up for grabs
  • A CRFC backpack, sleeve of balls, and goody bag for every player
  • A three-course lunch at 3:30pm
  • Special guest comedian Adger Brown
  • An iconic Spitfire flypast before play begins (weather permitting)
  • BONUS: Each four-ball team receives a Canterbury Golf Club voucher for a future round

Entry for a 4-ball team: £1000

All Proceeds will go to Canterbury Rugby Academy.

A perfect day for golfers of all levels—don’t miss out!

To book your place, contact: kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk

Canterbury RFC May Ball – A night to remember!

Mark your calendars for Friday, 23rd May 2025, as Canterbury RFC hosts its much-anticipated May Ball – an evening of elegance, entertainment, and celebration!

Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner, followed by a night of dancing, games, and live music from FNKHAUS, delivering dancefloor fillers, club classics, and party anthems. The evening will also feature an auction, dodgems, a 360° photobooth, and more to keep the party atmosphere alive.

Date: Friday, 23rd May 2025
Dress Code: Black Tie
Dinner: 7.30pm (arrival from 6.30pm)
Carriages: 1.00am
Tickets: £80 per person

Don’t miss out on this fantastic event—book your place now! Contact Kirsty at kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk to secure your tickets.

Preston Summerfest – Exclusive group ticket offer for Rugby Club members!

Club members are invited to Preston Summerfest, a fantastic family-friendly music festival taking place over the August bank holiday weekend in the village of Preston, near Canterbury.

This year’s lineup includes an incredible mix of live bands and DJs, with performances from Toploader (Dancing in the Moonlight, Achilles Heel), The Petebox (from The Voice), Hullaballo, Shiva, The Red Hot Tribute Peppers, Hurly Burly, and Certified Madness. An acoustic stage and DJ area will also feature well-known names such as Graham Gold, Pique, Miles Gorfy, and Greg Brookman.

Beyond the music, festivalgoers can enjoy great value food and drink, fun activities for children, and a vibrant community atmosphere throughout the weekend.

Exclusive Group Ticket Offer!

A special discount is available for sports clubs and groups:

Weekend tickets for groups of five or more – just £20 per person (+ booking fee).

(Cheaper than early bird and day ticket prices – and less than the cost of a single gig for some of these artists!)

Ticket Prices:

Under 12s – Free

Teenagers (12-17) – £10 (+ booking fee)

Those attending should ensure they purchase parking or camping tickets if required.

All festival profits support good causes, including Demelza and Pilgrims Hospices. It promises to be an unforgettable weekend of live music, great vibes, and community spirit.

Full lineup and event details can be found at https://www.PrestonSummerfest.com

Get Tickets Now!

We wish you all the best of rugby!

Canons edge closer to Counties 4 Kent title with gritty win

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

The Canons took one step closer to the Counties 4 Kent title with a hard earned win away at Cliffe Crusaders on Saturday.

Knowing that it would be a tough afternoon if they got dragged into Cliffe’s physical game, the Canons recognised that using their pace and agility would be key in taking the spoils home.

The opening quarter of the game was tight, with the Canons having good field position following great work at the breakdown to turn over any Cliffe possession.  2 penalties from Liam Browne gave the Canons the early lead.  Despite a few squandered opportunities, put down to sickness in the squad and lapses in concentration, the Canons scored the first try of the game through Jake Upward, following good footwork and evasive running from Josh Lamb.  Cliffe responded with a penalty of their own, before Josh Lamb evaded more tackles again to score under the posts in the last play of the half.  Once again converted by Browne, Canterbury led 20-3 at the break.

The Cliffe coach must have delivered a rocket at half time, as the home side came out with much more quality and purpose following the break.  They worked the ball wide before their monstrous second row crashed over in the corner for an unconverted try. 20-8.

The game began to get scrappy and niggly as Cliffe did their reputation no harm with a number of late challenges and throwing handbags in mauls and rucks.  It was the Canons who had the next points, however, following a chip and chase from Browne that was collected by the galloping Upward to score under the posts.  The last quarter of the game continued to be a physical battle, and following a number of injuries and positional changes for the Canons, Cliffe scored 2 late tries to flatter the scoreline.  Nonetheless, the Canons took 4 points home from a tough opposition who a week earlier had beaten Old Williamsonians, who are hot on the heels of the Canons in the league standings.

This weekend brings what could be a season-defining match against second place Old Williamsonians in a top of the league crunch.  Having endured their sole loss of the season in the reverse fixture at the MTG, there is only one outcome on the Canons mind this weekend – win.

Zingari storm past league leaders

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Canterbury 33pts. Gillingham Anchorians 2nd 14pts.

The Zingari continue their winning ways with an outstanding second half performance, sweeping aside top of the table Anchorians. Both sides made a cautious if not faltering start with handling errors being at the fore until things began to settled down into a regular pattern. The first break came twenty minutes into the half with Canterbury making a half line break opening up Gillingham’s defence for Patrick Collins to slice his way through for the cities first try, and Jacob Coffin conversion. However, minutes later their work was undone after Canterbury came offside at a maul and Anchorians took advantage with a quickly taken penalty setting up their forwards to go over near the posts, and with the conversion, all was level. Things now looked a little more settled, with both sides unable to gain control at the set piece, and the half ended with honours even.

Whatever was said at half time seemed to do the trick, the Zingari came out fired up and within minutes the Zingari forwards had Anchorians in trouble probing deep into their territory before Connor Langley finished off the move under the posts, and Coffin to slot the extras. Within minutes of the restart a turnover ball was exploited by the city backs to take the ball wide for Callium Townshend to make the touch down extending the lead. Gillingham rallied with a series of attacks using their forwards to make ground down the middle, only to be thwarted by the city’s ferocious tackling that eventually had Gillingham on the back foot. The Canterbury forwards began to show themselves masters of the turnover ball setting up the Zingari backs who then exploited the extra possession punching holes in the defence, and setting up attacking positions deep into the Anchorians territory. Gillingham’s scrambled defence initially stood up well, but as the pressure increased, they were forced to give away penalties in an attempt to stop the onslaught. This was exploited with Ash Nwapa making a charge breaking tackle to touch down for his first try, followed ten minutes later after a poor clearance kick was returned for Ash to finish off for his second, both converted by Coffin to put Canterbury out of sight. With the clock running down Anchorians got their chance after Canterbury made a defensive error that was snapped up by their wing man, who found the outside before going behind the posts for a well-deserved consolation converted try.

Around the Ground

Around the Ground at the MTG

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

It’s been another action-packed week of battles, victories and honours for Canterbury Rugby Club, with thrilling matches, hard-fought battles, and well-deserved county call-ups. Canterbury Women secured a dramatic 22-20 victory over Jersey, clinching the win with a last-kick penalty in a fiercely contested encounter. Meanwhile, the Colts Tigers showed immense resilience against Westcliff, battling on with just 13 players before fatigue saw the hosts pull away in the final stages. The Colts Dragons faced a tough challenge against Tonbridge, gaining valuable experience as they prepare for next season.

On the junior front, the U15s delivered a dominant 31-10 victory over Sevenoaks, showcasing their defensive resilience and attacking flair despite being down to 14 men for part of the match.

Beyond the pitch, Canterbury continues to shine, with three Pilgrims players selected for the Kent U20s squad and six Canterbury Women’s players earning a place in the Kent 2025 squad. The Archbishop’s & CRFC Rugby Academy Girls also made history, competing for the first time in the Kent 7s and finishing a very impressive third.

Looking ahead, the Pilgrims take on Dover at home this Saturday – and what better way to kick things off than with one of Saucy Flo’s famous curries? Join us for pre-match dining and a top-of-the-table clash!

Scores roundup

Jersey Women 20 – 22 Canterbury Women: Canterbury Women made the trip to Jersey for a fiercely contested clash against Jersey Women. The match was a close affair from start to finish, with both teams keeping the scoreboard ticking. Jersey held a narrow lead at half-time, but Canterbury stuck to their game plan and remained composed, never allowing their opponents to gain full control.

Despite Jersey scoring four tries to Canterbury’s three, it was the accuracy from the tee that proved decisive. Two conversions and a last-kick penalty sealed a well-earned victory for the Black & Amber. A disciplined and determined performance saw the team return home with a well-deserved win.

Westcliff U18’s A 31 – 10 Colts Tigers: A hastily arranged Colts Tigers friendly saw a determined Canterbury side travel to face Essex champions Westcliffe with just 15 players. The Tigers started strong, trading early tries to sit level at 5-5 after 20 minutes. However, an injury left them down to 14, making the challenge even tougher.

Despite the setback, Canterbury battled on and trailed just 10-5 at halftime. Another injury early in the second half reduced them to 13 players, but the Tigers refused to back down, holding their own against a full-strength Westcliffe side. Only in the final 10 minutes did fatigue take its toll, with the hosts pulling away to secure a 31-10 win.

A superb effort from the squad, showing resilience and determination—valuable lessons learned for the crucial league games ahead!

Tonbridge U18’s B 42 – 12 Colts Dragons: Canterbury’s U17s, with an eye on next season’s 1st team, faced a formidable Tonbridge Juddians B side in a highly physical and intense contest. Under relentless pressure, Canterbury went into the break scoreless, trailing 24-0.

Despite the uphill battle, the team showed resilience in the second half, with Alex Sweetman and Michael Le Roux crossing the line for well-earned tries. Although the final score reflected a tough outing, there were plenty of positives, as many players stepped up physically. This match serves as a valuable reality check, highlighting the standards and intensity required for next season.

Sevenoaks Boys U15’s 10 – 31 Canterbury Boys U15’s: Canterbury U15s put in a dominant display to claim victory over Sevenoaks, running in five tries to two. Their defensive resilience was outstanding, particularly in the first half when they stood firm against a well-drilled opposition—despite playing 12 minutes with a man down due to a harsh yellow card.

Against the odds, Canterbury’s discipline, teamwork, and attacking flair proved too much for Sevenoaks, sealing a fantastic performance. Well done, Canterbury U15s!

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

Next fixtures

Saturday 1st March

Barnes v 1st XV – Away KO 2.00pm
Pilgrims v Dover – Home KO 2.30pm
Cliffe Crusaders v Canons – Away KO 2.30pm
Zingari v Gillingham 2nds – Home KO 2.30pm

Pre-match curry meal available on pre-order for both the Pilgrims and Zingari games – details here

Sunday March 2nd

Minis
Mixed U6’s Grids – 9.00am to 10.00am
Mixed U7’s Grids – 9.00am to 10.00am
Mixed U8’s Simon Langton 4G – 9.00am to 10.00am
Mixed U9’s Simon Langton 4G – 9.00am to 10.30am
Mixed U10’s Bottom Orchard – 9.00am to 10.30am
Mixed U11’s Richmond Festival – Away

Youth

Boys U12’s v Beccehamian Simon Langton 4G – KO 10.30am
Boys U13’s Spitfire v Winchester Top Orchard – KO 11.00am
Boys U13’s Hurricanes v Winchester Bottom Orchard – KO 11.00am
Boys U14’s v Lordswood Top Pitch – KO 11.00am
Boys U15’s v Saracens – Away
Boys U16’s Training Pitch – 10:30am – 12.00pm
Girls U16’s v Bass Simon Langton 4G – KO 12:00pm

Please check the Mini & Youth webpages for updates

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

County honours for Canterbury trio

Three players from our successful Pilgrims squad have been selected for the Kent Under-20 squad ahead of this season’s Jason Leonard County Championship campaign. Congratulations to Aidan Demery (hooker), Hector Valladares (scrum-half), and Owain Collins (full-back/fly-half) on their well-deserved call-ups.

The squad will train at Charlton Park Rugby Club as they prepare for their opening fixture against Hertfordshire at Blackheath on Sunday, 30th March. Best of luck to our boys in county colours!

Canterbury Women shine in Kent selection

Six players from Canterbury Women have been selected for the Kent 2025 Squad, once again showcasing the talent and quality within our ranks. A huge congratulations to:

Katherine Rutherford
Ella Jenkins
Daniella Charles
Janina Hanssen
Lily Adams
Hannah Sandeman

A fantastic achievement—well done to all! We look forward to seeing you represent the county with pride.

The Archbishop’s & CRFC (ACE) Rugby Academy Girls shine in Kent 7s Debut

Since its inception, The ACE Rugby Academy has focused on providing a well-rounded education while instilling the core values of rugby—sportsmanship, respect, and competitiveness. This commitment took an exciting step forward as, for the first time, the ACE Academy fielded a girls’ team at the Kent 7s Tournament.

Despite the dismal weather en route to Dartford Grammar School, the squad’s spirits were high, and they were ready for the challenge. They certainly made an impact, losing only one group stage match before narrowly missing out in the semi-final, finishing third overall on points.

A fantastic debut performance, showcasing their technical ability, teamwork, and determination—this is a group to watch for the future!

Pre-match Pilgrims home game curry

Pilgrims, currently sitting at the top of Counties 1 Kent – take on Dover this Saturday at the MTG at 2.30pm. This promises to be a thrilling derby clash!

Pre-match dining? Treat your friends, family, or clients to one of the club’s famous Saucy Flo’s curries for just £15 per head. Delicious food, great company, and the perfect prelude to the game, served at 12.30pm! Book now at saucyflos@gmail.com

Don’t miss out and join us!

Join us for an exclusive City Lunch with Jamie Roberts!

Mark your calendars for Thursday, 20th March, as Canterbury RFC hosts an exclusive City Lunch with special guest Jamie Roberts—former Wales, British & Irish Lions, and Harlequins centre.

This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a great afternoon of rugby insights, delicious food, and top-class company. Tables for 8-12 guests are available at £65 per person, but spaces are limited and always sell out quickly!

To secure your place, book now by contacting kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk. Don’t miss out on what promises to be a memorable event!

Canterbury RFC Golf Day – Thursday 1st May 2025

Join us for a fantastic day of golf at Canterbury Golf Club on Thursday 1st May 2025. This premier event promises great competition, top-class hospitality, and some unforgettable moments.

What’s Included:

  • Welcome breakfast & registration (from 8.00am)
  • Shotgun start at 10.00am with live on-course scoring
  • Team & individual prizes up for grabs
  • A CRFC backpack, sleeve of balls, and goody bag for every player
  • A three-course lunch at 3:30pm
  • Special guest comedian Adger Brown
  • An iconic Spitfire flypast before play begins (weather permitting)
  • BONUS: Each four-ball team receives a Canterbury Golf Club voucher for a future round

Entry for a 4-ball team: £1000

All Proceeds will go to Canterbury Rugby Academy.

A perfect day for golfers of all levels—don’t miss out!

To book your place, contact: kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk

Canterbury RFC May Ball – A night to remember!

Mark your calendars for Friday, 23rd May 2025, as Canterbury RFC hosts its much-anticipated May Ball – an evening of elegance, entertainment, and celebration!

Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner, followed by a night of dancing, games, and live music from FNKHAUS, delivering dancefloor fillers, club classics, and party anthems. The evening will also feature an auction, dodgems, a 360° photobooth, and more to keep the party atmosphere alive.

Date: Friday, 23rd May 2025
Dress Code: Black Tie
Dinner: 7.30pm (arrival from 6.30pm)
Carriages: 1.00am
Tickets: £80 per person

Don’t miss out on this fantastic event—book your place now! Contact Kirsty at kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk to secure your tickets.

Preston Summerfest – Exclusive group ticket offer for Rugby Club members!

Club members are invited to Preston Summerfest, a fantastic family-friendly music festival taking place over the August bank holiday weekend in the village of Preston, near Canterbury.

This year’s lineup includes an incredible mix of live bands and DJs, with performances from Toploader (Dancing in the Moonlight, Achilles Heel), The Petebox (from The Voice), Hullaballo, Shiva, The Red Hot Tribute Peppers, Hurly Burly, and Certified Madness. An acoustic stage and DJ area will also feature well-known names such as Graham Gold, Pique, Miles Gorfy, and Greg Brookman.

Beyond the music, festivalgoers can enjoy great value food and drink, fun activities for children, and a vibrant community atmosphere throughout the weekend.


Exclusive Group Ticket Offer!

A special discount is available for sports clubs and groups:

Weekend tickets for groups of five or more – just £20 per person (+ booking fee).

(Cheaper than early bird and day ticket prices – and less than the cost of a single gig for some of these artists!)

Ticket Prices:

Under 12s – Free

Teenagers (12-17) – £10 (+ booking fee)

Those attending should ensure they purchase parking or camping tickets if required.

All festival profits support good causes, including Demelza and Pilgrims Hospices. It promises to be an unforgettable weekend of live music, great vibes, and community spirit.

Full lineup and event details can be found at https://www.PrestonSummerfest.com

Get Tickets Now!

We wish you all the best of rugby!

Last-minute heroics secures win for Canterbury Women in Jersey

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Sunday 23rd February 03:00 am … alarms ring out across the city … in preparation for Canterbury Women’s squads 04:00am departure from Merton Lane to Jersey.

Canterbury travelled with reduced numbers as injury and unavailability impacted the squad. However, the eighteen players were buoyant in the warmup and extremely keen to experience Canterbury women’s first ever live streamed fixture.

Jersey’s fly-half Taye Boakye-Yiadom, who had not made the trip to Canterbury back in November, certainly made her presence felt from the kick off. Chasing her penetrating kick down and forcing Canterbury to knock on the ball.

The first scrum saw Jersey take control with a well organised, forceful drive taking them into the Canterbury twenty-two.
A swift pass – from the base of the scrum – by Jersey nine ignited Boakye-Yiadom. She displayed outstanding footwork to sidestep Lily Adams (her opposing ten) then break through the newly formed centre partnership of Anneka Willis and Lily Philpott. Boakye-Yiadom grounded the ball and converted to take Jersey into an early 7-0 lead.

For a further ten minutes, Canterbury continue to absorb relentless waves of attack by Jersey. Uncharacteristic handling errors and missed tackles from Canterbury allowed Jersey to take control of possession and territory. It was clear Canterbury were adjusting to the new lineup but perseverance and communication saw momentum shift. Fly half Lily Adams inspired the team around her with some blistering tackles on her opposite number; it certainly was the battle of the afternoon.

With increased cohesion in Canterbury’s defence, Jersey found themselves being driven back in the contact. Captain Daniella Charles deployed her super strength, in the jackal, turning over numerous balls and frustrating Jersey. Canterbury forwards began to work as solid units hitting rucks hard and providing clean ball for scrum-half Ella Jenkins. Forward of the match, Alexia Scarpulla, impressed in both attack and defence. Her relentless disruption at the rucks resulted in numerous turnover balls for Canterbury.

Jersey fly half Boakye-Yiadom orchestrated a relentless rush defence but their penalty count was increasing with the referee sighting a number of high tackle offences. Boakye-Yiadom not adjusting her tackle height, following a team warning, received the first yellow card of the match.

Canterbury realised these 10 minutes were essential for them to find cohesion in attack and look to threaten Jersey while they were down to 14 players.

Jersey’s hooker overthrew a line out ball, on the halfway line, Phoebe Brennan was quick to react, making a dominant tackle which forced a knock on. The scrum saw the Canterbury pack drive effectively as a full eight. The ball was passed rapidly along the back line and wing Alice Hayward cut back inside on a dummy line to gain a central attacking platform. Unfortunately, in the ensuing ruck Canterbury’s Captain Charles had to leave the field with a head injury.

Vice-captain Lucy Relf roused the team with a positive message to have confidence! A simple plan attack Jersey with the dominant carrying which the squad have been working so hard on in training. Alex Mills replaced Charles and made an immediate impact with a blistering run and hand off which floor the Jersey Centre.

Strong carriers from prop Olivia Crebbin and second row Alex Flisher opened up the Jersey defensive line. Jenkins unleashed Willis who offloaded a sweet pop to Philpott who attacked the gain line at pace and scored her debut try for Canterbury. Returning fullback Grace Cranham slotted a tricky conversion into the wind.

Jersey scrumhalf Bethan Hughes ignited pace into the breakdown all afternoon. Taking advantage of a penalty on the Canterbury twenty-two Hughes demonstrated exceptional game awareness to take a quick tap. She attacked the retreating defenders – standing in an offside position – and scored Jersey’s second try with just twenty minutes on the clock. The conversion was missed.

With the clock ticking down to halftime, Canterbury were awarded a penalty within kicking range. A cruel gust of wind saw Cranham’s attempt drop agonisingly short. Going into the break both teams had everything to play for with Jersey taking a 10-7 lead.

Both sides returned to the field with renewed enthusiasm this match was there for the taking. Waves of positive attack came from both sides however, this play remains in the middle of the pitch.

It took until the 54th minute for the next points to be added by the formidable Jersey fly half Boakye-Yiadom. The Jersey tight eight worked hard to carry the ball deep into the Canterbury 22. Boakye-Yiadom deployed her silky footwork to evade the oncoming tackles. However, Canterbury did ensure that the try was scored in the corner and not converted. With the score at 15-7 Canterbury were still in touching distance.

From the restart wing Emily Moriarty, who had been solid in defence all afternoon, found attacking space by running at tired forwards. Her trademark yellow boots were seen on numerous occasions poking out from the bottom of a ruck. Hooker, Inger Philpott was always on hand to support at the breakdown as well as create constant disruption during the opposition scrum.

The Jersey penalty count was rising and Canterbury took advantage with Jenkins playing the quick tap penalties. Momentum shifted towards Canterbury following solid carriers by Amber Waitimas and dynamic running from the ever spritely Mills. Substitute Tazmyn Marks (making her Canterbury debut) immediately threw herself into the action with a powerful tackle turnover. The resulting scrum offered opportunity for Relf to snipe around the fringes and make valuable territorial gains. Winger Hayward, looking to support her forward pack, noticed a gap in the Jersey defence five metres from the line. She pounce on the ball drove hard with her legs and dived for the line. The try wasn’t converted so taking the scoreboard to 15-12.

Canterbury’s concentration dipped and Jersey took full advantage. The ball being passed quickly and effectively along the back line eventually being touched down, in the corner, by outside centre Georgina Ruellan. Once again Canterbury forcing the play to the very edges of the pitch resulted in the try not being converted. At seventy-one minutes the score stood at 20-12.

From this point on Canterbury showed determination and passion as every player on the pitch fought hard in the carries and focused to ensure clean ball at the breakdown. Substitute Claire Bernthal combined well with Alex Mills running tips lines and unsettling the jersey defence. Jenkins recycled the ball quickly popped it onto the attacking Willis who scored under the posts. Cranham stepped up and converted the try confidently. The scoreboard now sat at Jersey 20 Canterbury 19.

The scoreboard clock was sitting at 80 minutes, it had been left running through stoppages and the referee informed both sides there was still time to play. Jersey pushed hard from the restart kicking the ball deep into the Canterbury twenty-two. Ferocious tackles were being made across the pitch but Jersey maintained their composure and pressed towards the try line.

Fierce counter rucking resulted in possession being turned over to Canterbury. Jenkins unleashed her back line who worked harmoniously together to push Canterbury towards the halfway line. Jersey infringing, by entering the rock at the side, saw the referee award Canterbury a penalty.

Once again, Canterbury set up a clear attacking platform for Adams and Lily Philpot to interconnect and lead the charge up the pitch. Willis looped round to support and was felled by a high tackle. The referee awarded a further penalty Canterbury were informed this would be the last play of the match with a penalty being awarded in front of the posts. Cranham stepped up to take the kick. You could hear a pin drop around the ground. Cranham set the ball on her kicking tea only for the wind to blow it off. The tension mounted but Cranham remained calm and collected. She reset the ball, took a deep breath and slotted it seamlessly through the centre of the uprights.

Cranham was immediately engulfed by a jubilant Canterbury squad to celebrate an incredible victory on the road. It was heartbreak for Jersey who certainly contributed to an enthralling game. As a club Jersey were incredible hosts for the day and the Canterbury squad would like to thank them for their hospitality as well as the live stream. The whole Canterbury squad are definitely looking forward to meeting next season.

Finally, squad would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Meadow Grange Nursery, Honey Hill, Whitstable for their sponsorship which helped fund the squads’ epic twenty-one hour adventure to the Channel Island.

Around the Ground

Around the Ground at the MTG

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

It’s been another action-packed week at Canterbury RFC, with teams delivering some thrilling performances across the leagues. From hard-fought victories to valuable lessons on the pitch, our squads have shown incredible determination, resilience, and teamwork.

We’re also proud to celebrate Fady Sheta’s international call-up, as he represented Egypt in the 10th Arab Rugby 7s Tournament in Alexandria last weekend. A fantastic achievement for both Fady and the club!

Off the field, excitement is building for the May Ball on Friday, 23rd May, a night of fine dining, entertainment, and celebration—don’t miss out on what promises to be a spectacular evening.

Read on for all the latest match reports, club news, and upcoming events. #OneClub Weekend roundup

1st XV 23 – 46 Tonbridge Juddians: Canterbury put up a spirited fight against league leaders Tonbridge Juddians but ultimately fell short in a tough National 2 East encounter. An early Frank Reynolds penalty gave the city side a brief lead, but Juddians capitalised on Canterbury’s mistakes, with their hooker Will Colling scoring a hat-trick from driving mauls. Injuries to key players forced Canterbury into a reshuffle, but Reynolds’ kicking kept them in contention at 22-9 at half-time.

A resurgent Canterbury dominated the third quarter, closing the gap to six points with a well-finished try from Frank Morgan. However, handling errors and a strong Juddians defence prevented further scores. The visitors took full control in the final ten minutes, punishing Canterbury with three late tries. A last-minute effort from Sam Rogers, converted by Reynolds, provided some consolation, but the league leaders’ clinical finishing proved decisive.

Pilgrims 27 – 20 Beccehamians: Pilgrims avenged last season’s heavy defeat at Beccehamians with a determined 27-20 victory, keeping them top of Counties 1. Despite conceding an early converted try, they responded well with an Owain Collins penalty before Henry Kenny powered over for yet another try in his remarkable scoring streak. Collins added another penalty before Gus Lister finished a well-worked backs move, giving Pilgrims a 20-12 half-time lead.

A scrappy second half saw Beccehamians close the gap with a penalty, but Pilgrims sealed the win late on when prop Nathan Morris intercepted a loose pass to score under the posts. The home side managed a last-minute try for a losing bonus point, but Pilgrims’ solid defence and set-piece dominance ensured an important win. They now have a week off before facing local rivals Dover on 1st March.

Canons 46 – 22 Bromley 2nd: With five games remaining, the Canons knew victory was essential in their Counties 4 title push—and they delivered with a dominant finish against Bromley. Despite conceding an early try, they responded with a penalty and two first-half tries from captain Ben Jones and Will Rayner to lead 20-15 at the break.

Bromley fought back to take the lead in the second half, but the Canons stepped up in the final 15 minutes. Josh Lamb’s break restored their advantage before Harry Jackson and Vaughan Rothery added tries. Lamb then sealed the win with a superb second, latching onto Rayner’s pinpoint grubber.

With two tough away fixtures ahead, including a key clash against second-place Old Williamsonians, the Canons know their fate is in their hands.

Deacons 0 – 66 Sittingbourne 2nds: A depleted Deacons squad, bolstered by CCCU players, faced an experienced and well-drilled Sittingbourne side that started fast and capitalised on their cohesion. With several players out of position, it took a half to settle, but by then, a 33-point deficit left a mountain to climb.

Despite the challenges, the Deacons’ determination never wavered. Tom Smith impressed on his return from injury, Jasper Emmanuel shone in a new role at 12, and the team continued to test the opposition defence. Sittingbourne’s strong breakdown work limited scoring chances, but the Deacons controlled the second half, forcing mistakes and penalties.

Though the game ended 59-0, the squad’s resilience and discipline stood out. Captain Brad Nicholson earned POTM for his leadership, kicking, and defensive efforts.

Zingari 14 – 12 Old Gravesendians 2nds: In a fiercely contested match, the Zingari held on in the dying moments to secure a hard-fought victory. Gravesend started strongly, dominating early territory and scoring the opening try, but a quick response from Rob Horan brought Canterbury level. A well-worked try just before halftime gave the visitors a narrow five-point lead.

The second half saw both sides battle for control, with neither able to dominate in the set piece. As the game entered the final quarter, a series of Gravesend penalties allowed Henry Collins to power over the line, with Horan’s conversion giving the Zingari a slender two-point lead.

With time running out, Gravesend launched a relentless final attack, but Canterbury’s heroic defence held firm. A crucial clearance in injury time secured a dramatic and well-earned victory for the Zingari.

Boys U15’s 50 – 0 Chelmsford: Canterbury welcomed last year’s Essex champions for a friendly and showed exactly why they are the team to beat this season. From the opening whistle, the home side controlled the game, moving the ball with confidence and shutting down opposition attacks before they could develop.

Despite their reputation, the visitors struggled to match Canterbury’s pace and precision. An early lead set the tone, with well-worked goals adding to the scoreboard. Credit to the opposition for making the trip, but there was no doubt about the better side on the day.

A sharp attacking display, disciplined defence, and relentless energy made for a dominant performance—if this form continues, it promises to be a thrilling season ahead.

Colts 48 – 33 Club Atlético San Isidro: Canterbury Colts had the honour of hosting Argentinian touring team CASI in a last-minute fixture at the Simon Langton 4G on Wednesday. The match was played in three 30-minute periods, allowing all 45 players to take part in a highly competitive and entertaining evening of rugby.

CASI started strong, taking the first third 15-5, but Canterbury responded well in the second, matching their physicality to edge a 25-20 scoreline. In the final period, both teams fielded their strongest line-ups, with Canterbury dominating the set piece and proving too strong in attack despite CASI’s determined defence.

A fantastic evening of rugby, showcasing skill, resilience, and international camaraderie.

Colts Tigers 50 – 0 Deal Colts 1st XV: Canterbury Colts delivered a commanding performance on the Top Pitch, overpowering Deal Colts with an impressive display of running rugby. The home side ran in ten tries, leaving the visitors struggling to contain their relentless attack.

Freddie Philpott (2), Andrew Thomas, Bobby Noone, Josh AE, Eddie Coupe, Oscar Sands, Oli Harding, Charlie Roberts, and Oli Crowther all crossed the whitewash, with every try expertly converted by Oli Harding.

A dominant showing from start to finish, this was a statement performance from a confident Canterbury side.

Sidcup 1st XV 38 – 17 Colts Dragons: Canterbury Colts Dragons faced a challenging away fixture against a well-drilled Sidcup side, falling to a defeat in a fiercely contested match.

Despite flashes of quality and determined attacking play, Canterbury struggled to break through Sidcup’s resolute defence. Tries from Ryan Beerstrecher, Riley Soutan, and Gam Esan—who combined brilliantly with Cai Redmond for a slick chip-and-chase finish—showcased the Dragons’ attacking potential. Scrum-half Barney Smith controlled play well, while captain Piers Weigh led from the front, keeping the team focused until the final whistle.

Though the result didn’t go their way, the Dragons showed resilience and will take valuable lessons into their next fixture.

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

Next fixtures

Saturday 22nd February

No senior men’s games

Sunday 23rd February

Canterbury Women v Jersey Women – Away KO 12.00pm

Mini and Youth

Mixed U6’s Simon Langton artificial 4G –  9.00am to 10.00am
Mixed U7’s to U11’s  – Away at Medway RFC
Boys U12’s Simon Langton artificial 4G –  9.00am to 10.30am
Boys U13’s Simon Langton artificial 4G –  10.30am to 12.00pm
Boys U14’s Simon Langton artificial 4G –  10.30am to 12.00pm
Boys U15’s v Sevenoaks (Away)
Boys U16’s v Maidstone – Top Orchard KO 11.00am
Colts 2nds v TJ’s – Top pitch KO 11.30am

Please check the Mini & Youth webpages for updates

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

Canterbury’s Fady Sheta represents Egypt at Arab Rugby 7s

The 10th Arab Rugby 7s Tournament took place on 14th–15th February in Alexandria, Egypt, featuring 16 competing teams. The UAE claimed gold with a victory over Morocco in the final, while Egypt secured bronze by defeating Libya.

Canterbury RFC’s own Fady Sheta proudly represented Egypt in the tournament, showcasing his talent on the international stage.

6 Nations is back at the Clubhouse

The competition kicks off again, and the clubhouse welcomes you all to come and watch every match, streamed to all screens. The bar will be open and look out on social media for any available food.

The fixtures are as following:

ROUND 3 – Saturday 22nd February

Wales v Ireland: Principality Stadium – KO 2.15pm
England v Scotland: Twickenham – KO 4.45pm

Sunday 23rd February

Italy v France: Stadio Olimpico – KO 3.00pm

Please let the clubhouse know if you are bringing a group in to watch the games – bar@cantrugby.co.uk

Pre-match Pilgrims home game curry

Pilgrims, currently sitting at the top of Counties 1 Kent – take on Dover March 1st at the MTG at 2.00pm. This promises to be a thrilling derby clash!

Pre-match dining? Treat your friends, family, or clients to one of the club’s famous Saucy Flo’s curries for just £15 per head. Delicious food, great company, and the perfect prelude to the game, served at 1.15pm! Book now at saucyflos@gmail.com

Don’t miss out, and join us!

Join us for an exclusive City Lunch with Jamie Roberts!

Mark your calendars for Thursday, 20th March, as Canterbury RFC hosts an exclusive City Lunch with special guest Jamie Roberts—former Wales, British & Irish Lions, and Harlequins centre.

This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a great afternoon of rugby insights, delicious food, and top-class company. Tables for 8-12 guests are available at £65 per person, but spaces are limited and always sell out quickly!

To secure your place, book now by contacting kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk. Don’t miss out on what promises to be a memorable event!

Save the date!

A Golf Day to be held at Canterbury Golf Club on Thursday, 1st May. Further details will be announced soon – stay tuned!

Canterbury RFC May Ball – A night to remember!

Mark your calendars for Friday, 23rd May 2025, as Canterbury RFC hosts its much-anticipated May Ball – an evening of elegance, entertainment, and celebration!

Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner, followed by a night of dancing, games, and live music from FNKHAUS, delivering dancefloor fillers, club classics, and party anthems. The evening will also feature an auction, dodgems, a 360° photobooth, and more to keep the party atmosphere alive.

Date: Friday, 23rd May 2025
Dress Code: Black Tie
Dinner: 7:30pm (arrival from 6:30pm)
Carriages: 1:00am
Tickets: £80 per person

Don’t miss out on this fantastic event—book your place now! Contact Kirsty at kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk to secure your tickets.

Preston Summerfest – Exclusive group ticket offer for Rugby Club members!

Club members are invited to Preston Summerfest, a fantastic family-friendly music festival taking place over the August bank holiday weekend in the village of Preston, near Canterbury.

This year’s lineup includes an incredible mix of live bands and DJs, with performances from Toploader (Dancing in the Moonlight, Achilles Heel), The Petebox (from The Voice), Hullaballo, Shiva, The Red Hot Tribute Peppers, Hurly Burly, and Certified Madness. An acoustic stage and DJ area will also feature well-known names such as Graham Gold, Pique, Miles Gorfy, and Greg Brookman.

Beyond the music, festivalgoers can enjoy great value food and drink, fun activities for children, and a vibrant community atmosphere throughout the weekend.

Exclusive Group Ticket Offer!

A special discount is available for sports clubs and groups:

Weekend tickets for groups of five or more – just £20 per person (+ booking fee).

(Cheaper than early bird and day ticket prices – and less than the cost of a single gig for some of these artists!)

Ticket Prices:

Under 12s – Free

Teenagers (12-17) – £10 (+ booking fee)

Those attending should ensure they purchase parking or camping tickets if required.

All festival profits support good causes, including Demelza and Pilgrims Hospices. It promises to be an unforgettable weekend of live music, great vibes, and community spirit.

Full lineup and event details can be found at https://www.PrestonSummerfest.com

Get Tickets Now!

We wish you all the best of rugby!

Deacons show heart as experience prevails

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Deacons vs Sittingbourne 2’s Match Report

Fast starting Sittingbourne demonstrate experience is as important as youthfulness.

After 5 games in a row, injuries and a lack of Colts availability changed the nature of the squad. Up stepped the boys from CCCU, despite a number of them having played earlier in the week.

Captained by Brad Nicholson the youngsters encountered a very experienced, wiley & fired up Sittingbourne. The opposition had a plan and made a fast start, running hard lines & making full use of a forward pack that play and train together regularly. Every aspect of the Deacons defence was being tested relentlessly.

With several players playing out of their usual position it took a half to settle into the game. By then, at 33 points down we knew there was a mountain to climb.
Several regulars played with incredible passion and desire – Tom Smith (returning from injury), Oli Turton getting stopped a few metres short of the try line, our very own Big Lol narrowly missing out on a try & debutant Deacon Jasper Emmanuel stepping off his usual flank to have a spectacular game at 12.

Occasionally we needed some luck, and we didn’t have any on the day. The boys from Bourne weren’t willing to let us play and worked hard to retain the ball. When we had the ball we could challenge, play wide and came close to scoring and each time we entered the opposition 22. Credit to Sittingbourne for the work over the ball & on the floor to retrieve & retain possession, some of it legal.

Once again, the Deacons resolve and discipline shone. Heads never dropped & tempers didn’t flair even when mistakes were made. Despite the scoreline, the second half belonged to us as we made life difficult for the home side frustrating them into mistakes and penalties. We finished 59 – 0 working tirelessly for every minute to get some points on the board.

For outstanding leadership, solo running, kicking from hand & defence, POTM was awarded to our Loosehead Prop Mr Brad Nicholson.

Canons dig deep to keep title charge on track

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

With 5 games to go this season, the Canons knew that victory was the only option against a tough Bromley side to ensure that the Counties 4 title comes to the MTG in April.

The game did not start as intended with Bromley quickly scoring from the kickoff with a missed tackle on the wing allowing the fullback space to chip and chase and gather the ball and score under the posts.

The Canons responded however, winning a penalty in front of the post and choosing to take the points – the message before the game being to keep the scoreboard ticking over. This was quickly followed by a try from Captain Ben Jones, who battled over from short range. A second penalty preceded a second score from Will Rayner after some good footwork on the wing before Bromley responded with their own try just before the halftime whistle. At the break, the Canons lead 20 points to 15.

Bromley carried that momentum into the second half, playing with intent and putting pressure on the Canons’ defence. Canterbury‘s discipline started to slip which resulted in a number of penalties for Bromley allowing them to kick deep into the Canons half. Eventually, they made the most of the pressure and scored a converted try to take the lead.

However, it was in the last 15 minutes that the Canons switched back on and showed why they have been so dominant in this league. Good interplay created gaps in the Bromley defence, allowing Josh Lamb to break through and score under the posts. This was followed by a Harry Jackson try who, playing with intent, collected the ball outwide to charge over for a try.
From the kickoff the Canons won back the ball deep in their half and moved it through the hands to allow Lamb to break down the wing to get close before Vaughan Rothery dived over from close range.

With Bromley heads down, the final try of the afternoon was the pick of the bunch. Strong carries got the Canons back into the Bromley half, which allowed Will Rayner to play a beautiful grubber in behind the defence which was collected by Lamb to grab his second of the afternoon. Job done.

With 2 tough away games to come against Cliffe and 2nd place Old Williamsonians (the prior beating the latter this weekend!), the Canons know that their fate is in their hands for the run into the end of the season.