Author: Denys Andrianjafy

Huw Jones

Huw Jones named in Lions starting XV for first test

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

We’re beaming with pride here at Canterbury RFC as former junior player Huw Jones has been named in the starting line-up for the British & Irish Lions’ opening Test against Australia this Saturday in Brisbane.

In a landmark moment for Scottish rugby, the Lions will field an all-Scottish 10-12-13 axis for the first time in history, with Finn Russell, Sione Tuipulotu, and Huw Jones forming the playmaking spine for Andy Farrell’s side.

For all of us in the Black and Amber family, seeing Huw reach this level is nothing short of inspirational. He spent his entire junior rugby career at Canterbury RFC, developing his skills, work ethic, and love for the game on the very same pitches many of our young players call home today.

From minis to the Lions, Huw’s journey is a proud reminder of what grassroots rugby can achieve. His selection isn’t just a personal triumph—it’s a moment of celebration for every coach, teammate, and supporter who played a part along the way.

Congratulations, Huw. We’ll be cheering you on loud and proud. Once Black and Amber, always Black and Amber.

2025 AGM Notice image

Notice of Annual General Meeting 2025

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy
Canterbury Rugby Club’s Annual General Meeting will take place on Tuesday 19th August 2025 at The Marine Travel Ground, with doors open from 7.00pm for a prompt 7.30pm start.
All members are warmly invited to attend and take part in this important annual tradition as we reflect on the 2024/25 season and hear first-hand what lies ahead for the club. Whether you’re a lifelong member or newly involved, this is your opportunity to stay informed and engaged in our shared journey as a club and community.
AGM Details
Venue: The Clubhouse, Merton Lane, Canterbury
Date: Tuesday 19th August 2025
Time: 7.00pm arrival for a 7.30pm start
Agenda Highlights
  • Apologies for absence
  • Approval of 2024 AGM minutes
  • Chairman’s report on the 2024/25 season
  • Financial report and approval of club accounts
  • 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 AGM do not require an audit to be completed on the accounts for the year ended 30th May 2025, subject to confirmation at the meeting that the requirements are met
  • Election of officers for the 2025/26 season:
    • President – Pat Goode
    • Treasurer – Mike Dodd
    • Secretary – Sally Taylor
  • Appointment of Executive Committee members:
    • Youth Chair – Ky Campion (incoming)
    • Director of Rugby – Taff Gwilliam
    • Communications – Denys Andrianjafy
    • Commercial – Giles Hilton
    • Compliance – Dom Graham
    • Safeguarding – Chris Bull
  • Consideration of any proposed motions under Club Rule 8.5
  • Any other relevant matters for future Committee consideration (non-voting)
  • Appointment of new Chairman – John Halliday
Nominations & Motions
We welcome nominations and motions from members for the following roles:
  • Officers: President, Treasurer, Secretary
  • Executive Committee Members
  • Motions relating to Club Rules (in accordance with Rule 8.5)
All nominations and motions must be submitted in writing, proposed and seconded, and sent to the Club Secretary at:
secretary@cantrugby.co.uk
Deadline: Midnight, Sunday 27th July 2025
Financial Information
A full financial statement will be made available ahead of the meeting. If you would like a copy, please email the Secretary and it will be sent to you once available.
We hope to see as many of you as possible on the night. Come and hear directly from the Committee about how your club has progressed this year—and what the future holds. Your presence is always valued, and every voice strengthens the Black & Amber family.
Posted in AGM
Give it a go - Family Sports Day

Give it a Go! Free Family Sports Day

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Saturday 12 July 2025 | 10am – 4pm |The Marine Travel Ground

Get ready for a brilliant day of sport, fun, and community spirit as we host Give it a Go! – a completely free, action-packed family event designed to get young people moving and exploring new activities.

Whether you’re keen to pass a rugby ball, throw a punch in boxing, or give taekwondo a try, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With expert coaches and clubs on hand, it’s the perfect opportunity to try a new sport in a safe and welcoming environment.

Sports & Activities to Try:
Rugby | Football | Judo | Taekwondo | Boxing | Wrestling | Cricket | Wheelchair Rugby | Combat Archery | …and much more!

Open to all abilities, ages 4 to 18 – no experience needed, just bring your enthusiasm!

Plus:

  • Meet your local Blue Light services

  • Explore community safety, health, and well-being stalls

  • Tuck into tasty food & drink from our onsite vendors

Getting here is easy!
A free shuttle bus will run every 30 minutes from Canterbury Bus Station (stand D1) starting at 9.30am. The final return bus from the rugby club leaves at 4.30pm.

More info and FAQs:
canterburybid.co.uk/event/give-it-a-go-event-at-canterbury-rugby-club

Bring your mates, bring your family, and give it a go!

Bat and Trap

Still time to enter a team into one of Kent’s oldest sport

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Join the Bat & Trap Bash – Saturday 19th July 2025

Get ready for a summer showdown like no other as Canterbury Rugby Club hosts its much-loved Bat & Trap Tournament on Saturday 19th July – and we want you in on the action!

Whether you’re a seasoned slinger of the bat or just in it for the banter, this is your chance to get a team together, enjoy a day in the sun, and raise money for two fantastic causes – Kent MS Therapy Centre and Canterbury Rugby Club.

How it works

  • Teams of 6

  • £100 per team

  • 12pm start at The Marine Travel Ground

  • Music, food, and family-friendly fun all day long!

Expect a festival atmosphere with live DJs, mouth-watering food from Scrum Kitchen, and an ice cream truck on hand to keep things cool.

It’s not just about the sport – it’s about the spirit. So rally your mates, pick a witty team name, and get involved in a proper Canterbury tradition.

Spaces are limited, so don’t wait! Book your team today by emailing:
fundraising@kentmstc.org

Seven Points

Sun, celebration, and Seven Points

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

No rugby? No problem. The summer is still sparkling.

There may be no scrums at The Marine Travel Ground right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t raise a glass to the season (or the sunshine!).

Reach for a glass of Seven Points,  our very own sparkling Rosé, crafted just a drop-kick from the clubhouse using the finest Kent-grown grapes. A balanced blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, it’s a light pink fizz that’s as good for summer relaxing as it is for celebrating a cup final.

Fresh, elegant, and full of flavour – this is a try-worthy wine made to toast the big moments on and off the field.

Perfect for:
Garden BBQs
Graduation cheers
Post-training treats
Missing-matchday pick-me-ups

Available now from Canterbury RFC:

£30 per bottle (sold in cases of 6)

Collection only

Dean Martin, - Southeastern, Alice Hayward - CRFC, Nathan Morris - CRFC

CRFC partners with Southeastern to deliver safety and wellbeing programme

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

We’re delighted to announce a new community partnership between Canterbury Rugby Football Club and Southeastern Railway.

This exciting collaboration will bring Southeastern’s Trackside Safety Programme to our wider rugby family, with a series of self-development days taking place across the season. Delivered to members of CRFC and Canterbury ACE, these sessions will explore key themes around safety, wellbeing, and education, using the power of sport as a catalyst for personal growth and community learning.

Sport changes lives, and we believe this initiative is a brilliant example of rugby’s role beyond the pitch.

Keep an eye out for our club posters and a signed CRFC match shirt in the ticket hall at Canterbury East station in the coming months – and join us in supporting this fantastic initiative!

Pilgrims set sights on another strong campaign in Regional 2 South East

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

After securing back-to-back promotions in the past two seasons, our Pilgrims (2nd XV) are ready to take on new challenges in the 2025/26 Regional 2 South East league.

With momentum and confidence behind them, the squad will be looking to continue their on-field success and make their mark in this highly competitive division. With a blend of returning players and emerging talent pushing through, the season promises plenty of exciting rugby for our supporters.

Here’s the full fixture list for the campaign — get these dates in your diary and come and get behind the boys in Black & Amber!

2025/26 Pilgrims Fixtures – Regional 2 South East

  • 06-Sep-25 – Canterbury II v Battersea Ironsides (H)

  • 13-Sep-25 – Horsham v Canterbury II (A)

  • 20-Sep-25 – Canterbury II v Gravesend (H)

  • 04-Oct-25 – Canterbury II v Brighton (H)

  • 11-Oct-25 – Bromley v Canterbury II (A)

  • 18-Oct-25 – Canterbury II v Dartfordians (H)

  • 25-Oct-25 – O. Reigatians v Canterbury II (A)

  • 08-Nov-25 – Canterbury II v O. Colfeians (H)

  • 22-Nov-25 – Sidcup v Canterbury II (A)

  • 29-Nov-25 – Canterbury II v Sutton & Epsom (H)

  • 06-Dec-25 – Beckenham v Canterbury II (A)

  • 13-Dec-25 – Canterbury II v Horsham (H)

  • 20-Dec-25 – Gravesend v Canterbury II (A)

  • 10-Jan-26 – Brighton v Canterbury II (A)

  • 17-Jan-26 – Canterbury II v Bromley (H)

  • 31-Jan-26 – Dartfordians v Canterbury II (A)

  • 14-Feb-26 – Canterbury II v O. Reigatians (H)

  • 28-Feb-26 – O. Colfeians v Canterbury II (A)

  • 07-Mar-26 – Canterbury II v Sidcup (H)

  • 21-Mar-26 – Sutton & Epsom v Canterbury II (A)

  • 28-Mar-26 – Canterbury II v Beckenham (H)

  • 11-Apr-26 – Battersea Ironsides v Canterbury II (A)

Stay tuned for match previews, results, and updates throughout the season — and as always, thank you for your fantastic support.

British & Irish Lions

The Lions are back – Join us at the clubhouse!

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Missing rugby already? We’ve got you covered.
The 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour roars into action this Friday, 20th June, and we’re showing every match live in the clubhouse – starting with the opener against Argentina, kicking off at 8.00pm.

  • Scrum Kitchen open from 8am-12:30pm (Last food order at 12pm)
  • All screens showing the action
  • Scrum Kitchen is open and serving up breakfast for those early morning games

This is your chance to enjoy top-class international rugby with fellow fans, a pint in hand and plenty of atmosphere. Whether you’re in for one game or the whole tour, you’re more than welcome.

And for a special treat – Saturday 26th July – we’ll be showing the Lions v Australia Test Match live on our outdoor screen. A proper rugby occasion, rain or shine.
Lions Tour Fixtures – Showing Live at the Clubhouse:

Friday 20 June – KO 8.00pm
British & Irish Lions v Argentina

Saturday 28 June – KO 11.00am
Force v British & Irish Lions

Wednesday 2 July – KO 11.00am
Reds v British & Irish Lions

Saturday 5 July – KO 11.00am
Waratahs v British & Irish Lions

Wednesday 9 July – KO 11.00am
Brumbies v British & Irish Lions

Saturday 12 July – KO 11.00am
Opponent TBC v British & Irish Lions

Saturday 19 July – KO 11.00am
Australia v British & Irish Lions

Tuesday 22 July – KO 11.00am
Opponent TBC v British & Irish Lions

Saturday 26 July – KO 11.00am
Australia v British & Irish Lions
Outdoor screen showing

Saturday 2 August – KO 11.00am
Australia v British & Irish Lions

Come down for a drink, come for a hearty breakfast, but most of all – come to cheer on the Lions with your Canterbury rugby family.

26 fixtures announced – new faces, fresh challenges await the 1st XV

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

The wait is over – the 2025/26 men’s 1st XV fixtures have been confirmed, and there’s plenty to look forward to as we gear up for another National 2 East campaign.

This season sees two new sides entering the league following promotion from Regional One:

  • London Welsh, a famous name with rich rugby heritage, return to the national leagues with momentum.

  • Oundle RFC, based in Peterborough, also make the step up and will be an exciting new test for our squad.

They replace Colchester and Worthing, who drop down following relegation.

Also back in the mix are Esher, returning to National 2 East after relegation from National One. They’ll be looking to bounce back quickly and add further quality to what’s already shaping up to be a competitive league.

With new opposition, familiar foes, and the Black & Amber faithful behind us, 2025/26 promises another season full of passion, purpose, and pride.

Matt Corker, Head Coach shares:

The players are all working hard in the gym, and with the release of the fixtures, we now have our first game to focus on — and what a fixture it is. Barnes away has always been a tough challenge, and it will provide a great test for us at the end of preseason, kicking off what promises to be an exciting first month. Having our two biggest local derbies as our first two home games means that September at the Marine Travel Ground is set to be one to remember.

The squad will spend two more weeks focused on gym work before returning to the pitch in the final week of June. Everyone is eager to get back out there and start building on the momentum we created at the end of last season.

We know exactly what this group is capable of, and we’ll be using every session this preseason to prepare thoroughly and push ourselves to the next level.

2025/26 National 2 East fixtures

Round 1 – 06 September 2025
Barnes v Canterbury – Away

Round 2 – 13 September 2025
Canterbury v Sevenoaks – Home

Round 3 – 20 September 2025
Henley v Canterbury – Away

Round 4 – 27 September 2025
Canterbury v Westcombe Park – Home

Round 5 – 04 October 2025
Dorking v Canterbury – Away

Round 6 – 11 October 2025
Canterbury v Havant – Home

Round 7 – 18 October 2025
Old Albanian v Canterbury – Away

Round 8 – 25 October 2025
Canterbury v Bury St Edmunds – Home

Round 9 – 08 November 2025
Oundle v Canterbury – Away

Round 10 – 15 November 2025
Canterbury v London Welsh – Home

Round 11 – 22 November 2025
Oxford Harlequins v Canterbury – Away

Round 12 – 06 December 2025
Canterbury v Guernsey – Home

Round 13 – 13 December 2025
Esher v Canterbury – Away

Round 14 – 20 December 2025
Sevenoaks v Canterbury – Away

Round 15 – 10 January 2026
Canterbury v Henley – Home

Round 16 – 17 January 2026
Westcombe Park v Canterbury – Away

Round 17 – 24 January 2026
Canterbury v Dorking – Home

Round 18 – 31 January 2026
Havant v Canterbury – Away

Round 19 – 14 February 2026
Canterbury v Old Albanian – Home

Round 20 – 21 February 2026
Bury St Edmunds v Canterbury – Away

Round 21 – 28 February 2026
Canterbury v Oundle – Home

Round 22 – 14 March 2026
London Welsh v Canterbury – Away

Round 23 – 21 March 2026
Canterbury v Oxford Harlequins – Home

Round 24 – 11 April 2026
Guernsey v Canterbury – Away

Round 25 – 18 April 2026
Canterbury v Esher – Home

Round 26 – 25 April 2026
Canterbury v Barnes – Home

Round 22 – 14 March 2026

London Welsh v Canterbury

Round 23 – 21 March 2026
Canterbury v Oxford Harlequins

Round 24 – 11 April 2026
Guernsey v Canterbury

Round 25 – 18 April 2026
Canterbury v Esher

Round 26 – 25 April 2026
Canterbury v Barnes

It’s shaping up to be another blockbuster season of Black & Amber rugby. Fixture posters and key dates will be available soon to download or collect from the club.

Get the scarf, bring the noise, and mark your calendars – we’ll see you on the touchline!

#GetBehindUs