Author: Denys Andrianjafy

Seven join the Senior Squad

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

The club has announced seven new signings ahead of the September start to the National 2 East league season. The fresh faces are Ollie Frostick, Chad Thomas, Henry Kenny and Jack Cohen together with Aaron Cooper and Harvey Young, two experienced former Canterbury players who are rejoining the senior squad. The group will be further strengthened by Kent County forward Mo Pangarker who missed last season through injury.

Oli Frostik: An experienced National Division 2 tight head prop and Scotland Under 20 cap, Ollie joins from Henley Hawks. We are delighted he has chosen us to progress his career. Together with Aaron Cooper he adds depth and competition to the front row.

Aaron Cooper:– Another experienced and popular player who Canterbury supporters and sponsors will know from his previous seasons with the club. A loose head prop, he rejoins from Westcombe Park.

Chad Thomas: Welsh player who has come across the bridge looking for a new challenge. A utility forward who is equally adept at N0 6 or No 8. Previous club Merthyr RFC. A skilled operator with a lot of potential who will add physicality to the pack.

Harvey Young: Former Canterbury player whose previous club was Blackheath. His return to the fold will add flair to the backline. Equally comfortable at full back or fly half.

Jack Cohen: The back three player joins from London Welsh. A wing or full back, he is a Kent lad originally from Thanet. Whilst studying at Brunel University he spent two seasons representing Kent at Under 20 level in the National County Championship.

Henry Kenny: Strong tackling versatile forward who can play both lock and blind side. A former Medway player who represented Kent at under 20 level and was involved with the senior Kent squad last season. He moves from Westcombe Park.

 

Mo Pangarker: Powerful utility forward who is at home in either the back row or second row. Previous club. Medway. Mo played a major part in Kent’s senior County Championship success in the 2022/23 season. Injury while playing for Canterbury in a pre-season game last August sidelined him for twelve months but he will be a strong contender for a starting place once he regains full fitness.

Director of Rugby Taff Gwilliam said: “”We are delighted with the off season signings we have brought in .  Each and every one of them are known to the coaching staff. They all add greater depth and competition for places in our match day squad. Their characters are such that they fit in well to the culture within the existing squad and we look forward to driving up our standards to improve on field performances.

The coaching staff are keen to bring in more signings which we are in the process of trying to negotiate.   Pre season preparations are on track and going well.”
Kent RFU

KENT HONOURS OUR VOLUNTEERS

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Nine club members have been recognised in this year’s Kent RFU Honda Awards. They are made for outstanding volunteer services to rugby union in England. The recipients were named at an awards evening at Aylesford Rugby Club and were presented by Kent Executive Committee chairman and RFU Council member Roger Clarke. Canterbury winners were Denys Andrianjafy for his Communications work for the club; Jake Beesley, Young Persons Award; Richard Collins, Match Official Award; Press Officer David Haigh, Unsung Hero; Alice Hayward, Social Inclusion; Womens team member Ella Jenkins, Game For All, for her commitment to student rugby at Christchurch University; Youth chair Matt Pinnick was the Game Changer category winner and a second Game For All honour went to Becky McCracken who has founded the successful girls section at the club. Lola Sanderson’s great work and enthusiasm in coaching minis players earned her an accolade in the Young Persons category. Ella Jenkins has also been chosen as a national finalist.

Rugby walkabout

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Rugby is going walkabout in Canterbury this week. The club is introducing Walking Rugby to the summer programme which will run from Thursday and Friday, June 6th and 7th, through to Friday August 30th. There will be hour long morning sessions from 09.00 to 10.00 on Thursdays and an evening session on Friday’s from 19.00 to 20.00.

Walking Rugby is a simplified version of the game and no running or physical contact is involved. It is suitable for ex-players, injured and rehabilitating players and anyone interested in rugby without any experience! Those past retirement age can still indulge their passion for the game without the full-on contact, or those wishing to keep up their general activity levels can try a new sport.
Walking Rugby is a great leveller and you do not need to be fit; we can work on that together. You do need a certain degree of mobility but as the sessions are open to all genders and ages, a ‘team’ means you all work as one.

The club coffee shop will be open after the morning sessions and players can enjoy a drink at the bar on Friday evenings.
For more information contact Nathan Morris at: nathan.morris@cantrugby.co.uk or visit the community pages on the club web site.

24/25 1st XV fixtures

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

The fixtures for the 1st XV National League 2 East fixtures are out. It looks to be a tough season with 3 new teams joining the fray.

 

Message from the RFU

As National League Rugby have only four leagues to organise fixtures, they can be completed earlier than the other divisions (Regional 1 and below). The plan is to release fixtures for these leagues by the 14th June. This will include those for any other sides which you have playing in RFU Leagues. All will be viewable on the Fixtures and Results section of the RFU web site.

Kent RFU

Canterbury Women boost Kent

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy
Four Canterbury players were part of the Kent Womens team which romped to a 50-3 victory over Berkshire at the Medway club on Sunday, Daniela Charles, Janina Hanssen, Freddie Caspary-Pearson and Ella Jenkins helped the side to a first win in this season’s Gill Burns County Championship. Kent are playing in Division One, the top level of the competition, and bounced back from an opening game defeat by Buckinghamshire.

The county side play their final Pool match against Surrey, at Medway, next Sunday, June 2nd, Kick-off 3pm.
Canterbury women represent Kent

Ride, Walk, Fundraise

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

We are once again the starting point to the annual Canterbury Bike Ride and there will be a choice of routes provisionally 21, 55 and 76 miles long. The routes leave the rugby club and head south through the Kent Downs AONB, east to Dover Castle and along the top of the White Cliffs (with a potential view of France if the weather is kind), before heading back via Betteshanger Park, Eastry, Adisham and Bridge. The weekend will feature a new walking event called Walk Canterbury with various routes taking in historic Canterbury and the surrounding Kent countryside.

As an entrant to the Canterbury Bike Ride you benefit from:

  • A choice of 3 fully marked routes with a backup route map and GPS files
  • Feed stations on the long and medium routes
  • On-course first aid and mechanical support
  • A medal and a hot meal at the end of your ride
  • Free event parking

New for 2024 the Canterbury Bike Ride weekend will include the Walk Canterbury event. Three routes, approximately 5, 12 & 16 miles long, will take in historic Canterbury and the Kent countryside.

All of the Walk Canterbury routes leave the rugby club and head for the City centre where walkers will be able to visit Canterbury Cathedral – the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion, seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, UNESCO World Heritage Site, and resting place of royalty and saints. The short route heads back to the rugby club via St Augustine’s Abbey. The medium route passes St Austine’s and turns North East at St Martin’s Church (completing the trio of Canterbury’s UNESCO World Heritage sites), following the Stour Valley Way and Augustine Camino Way to Fordwich. From here the route heads south before picking up the Elham Valley Way and returning to the Rugby Club. The long route follows the same path but continues east at Fordwich along the Stour Valley Way as far as Stodmarsh, before heading south on Augustine Camino via Wickhambreaux, Littlebourne and Patrixbourne before picking up the Elham Valley Way and returning to the Rugby Club.

All of the Walk Canterbury participants will be provided with a route map containing information on local history and all walkers will receive a medal and food at the end of the walk.

Join us Sunday 21st July!

For more details or to register for the Canterbury Nike Ride HERE

For more details or to register for Walk Canterbury HERE

Around the Ground

Around the Ground at the MTG

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Our Colts kick off this rugby weekend as Westcliffe brings the battle to the MTG this Friday with a 7.00pm kick off. This will be a fantastic send off for our U18s. Come and cheer them on!

The last 1st XV game of the season is upon us. We are hosting Sevenoaks at the MTG and looking to round out the 2023/24 season with a win and mid-table finish.

Rounding out the weekend is the Kent Finals which should be a thrilling day of rugby at the MTG. East Kent clubs are well represented.

This weekend’s fixtures and training
Friday

Canterbury Colts v Westcliffe – Top Orchard KO 7.00pm

Saturday

Canterbury 1st XV v Sevenoaks – Main Pitch KO 3.00pm

Sunday

Kent Finals

Salver: Cliffe Crusaders v Ash – KO 12.00 noon
Vase: Whitstable v Brockleians – KO 1.00pm
Plate: Beccehamians 2 v Thanet Wanderers 2 – KO 2.00pm
Shield: Dover 2 v Bromley 2 – KO 3.30pm

We would like to extend a warm invitation to all visiting clubs, players, and supporters.

Save the date!
Still time to register. May 9th 2024 – Golf Day

Join us at the prestigious London Golf Club for a charity golf day on the Jack Nicklaus designed Heritage course. The day includes a welcome breakfast, two-course lunch, competitions, swing analysis along with a raffle and auction.

We are also delighted to be joined by comedian, Adger Brown and to have an iconic Spitfire fly past as the Shotgun start (weather dependent).

Ticket cost for 4-ball:

  • £1500 for team entry only.
  • £1750 for team entry and company
  • logo board to be displayed Canterbury RFC for 12 months.
  • All teams are provided with a buggy.

 

  • 9.00am Registration and breakfast
  • 10.30am Shotgun start
  • 3.00pm Two-course lunch

To register or for more details, contact kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk

Serving our very own Seven Points Sparkling Wine on the 10th Tee

Hosted by LGT Wealth Management on behalf of Canterbury Rugby Club

All proceeds from the day will go to Canterbury Rugby Academy

 

Only 5 weeks till the Club’s biggest party! There’s still time to get your tickets.
24th May 2024 – The May Ball

It’s time to mark your calendars because the Canterbury Rugby Club May Ball is BACK! That’s right, it’s the event of the year, and you’re all invited to join in on the shenanigans.

We’ve got a night jam-packed with everything you could ever want: delicious grub, flowing drinks, the ultimate strike-a-pose photobooth, super-fast dodgems, and enough laughter to shake the rafters. Whether you’re a dance floor diva or a social butterfly, there’s something for everyone at the May Ball.

Now, here’s the kicker: we’ve got tables up for grabs, and trust us, you’re going to want in on this action. Round up your squad, your teammates, your partners-in-crime, and snag yourselves a spot at the coolest table in town.

But wait, there’s more! By snagging a table, you’re not just ensuring a night of unforgettable fun – you’re also showing some serious love for our beloved Canterbury Rugby Club. It’s a win-win, folks!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your mates, grab your tickets, and let’s paint the town black and amber together at the May Ball!

3 course dinner, Dancing, auction, Raffle, Dodgems, Games – £80 per head.

6.30pm for Dinner at 7.30pm – Black tie – Carriages at 1.00am

For table reservations or any burning questions, contact Kirsty at kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk.

Get ready to boogie, folks and we’ll see you on the dance floor!

We wish you all the best of rugby weekends!

Around the Ground

Around the Ground at the MTG

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

We are now at the very sharp end of the 2023/24 season, with very few games remaining. Zingari ended seventh in Kent B Rural. Deacons have a final away fixture against Ash 1, Canons and Pilgrims end the season their respective league champions, Canterbury Women have been magnificent to end the season second, while our 1st XV are still in a good position to score more points than they did last season whilst gaining a good mid-level position. Let’s see how it all plays out at the end of the season, but for now, while there is still a ruck to defend, a lineout to win, a pass to be made, and a try to be converted, let us all bring the noise and cheer our teams home.

Last weekend’s scores

1st XV 29 – 25 Bury St Edmunds
Beccehamian 63 – 0  Pilgrims
Beccehamian 2nds 21 – 47 Canons
Medway 4ths v Deacons – HWO
Colts 1 v Bury St Edmunds Colts – MATCH CANCELLED
CRFC Women 32 – 12 Aylesford Bulls Ladies

This weekend’s fixtures and training
Saturday

Henley Hawks v 1st XV – Away KO 3.00pm
Ash 1st XV v Deacons – Away KO 1.00pm

Sunday

Farnham Falcons v Canterbury Women – Away KO TBC

Minis and Youth

COLTS v Dorking – Home KO 11.00am Main Pitch
COLTS Away v Westcliff
U16’s training – 9.00am to 10.30am Top Orchard
U15’s Away
U14’S Away v Sidcup
U13’S away
U12 Away Bournemouth Tour
U7’S to 11’s East Kent festival at Ashford 9.00am – 1.00pm
U6’s training grids – 9.00am -10.00am

Save the date!

May 9th 2024 – Golf Day

Join us at the prestigious London Golf Club for a charity golf day on the Jack Nicklaus designed Heritage course. The day includes a welcome breakfast, two-course lunch, competitions, swing analysis along with a raffle and auction.

We are also delighted to be joined by comedian, Adger Brown and to have an iconic Spitfire fly past as the Shotgun start (weather dependent).

Ticket cost for 4-ball:

  • £1500 for team entry only.
  • £1750 for team entry and company
  • logo board to be displayed Canterbury RFC for 12 months.
  • All teams are provided with a buggy.

 

  • 9.00am Registration and breakfast
  • 3.00am Shotgun start
  • 3.00pm Two-course lunch

To register or for more details, contact kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk

Serving our very own Seven Points Sparkling Wine on the 10th Tee

Hosted by LGT Wealth Management on behalf of Canterbury Rugby Club

All proceeds from the day will go to Canterbury Rugby Academy

24th May 2024 – The May Ball

It’s time to mark your calendars because the Canterbury Rugby Club May Ball is BACK! That’s right, it’s the event of the year, and you’re all invited to join in on the shenanigans.

We’ve got a night jam-packed with everything you could ever want: delicious grub, flowing drinks, the ultimate strike-a-pose photobooth, super-fast dodgems and enough laughter to shake the rafters. Whether you’re a dance floor diva or a social butterfly, there’s something for everyone at the May Ball.

Now, here’s the kicker: we’ve got tables up for grabs, and trust us, you’re going to want in on this action. Round up your squad, your teammates, your partners-in-crime, and snag yourselves a spot at the coolest table in town.

But wait, there’s more! By snagging a table, you’re not just ensuring a night of unforgettable fun – you’re also showing some serious love for our beloved Canterbury Rugby Club. It’s a win-win, folks!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your mates, grab your tickets, and let’s paint the town black and amber together at the May Ball!

3 course dinner, Dancing, auction, Raffle, Dodgems, Games – £80 per head.

6.30pm for Dinner at 7.30pm – Black tie – Carriages at 1.00am

For table reservations or any burning questions, contact Kirsty at kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk.

Get ready to boogie, folks and we’ll see you on the dance floor!

We wish you all the best of rugby weekends!

Community rugby initiative funded

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

We are thrilled to announce that one of our partners, Canterbury Christ Church University, has secured funding for a new inclusive rugby initiative to encourage active living and community engagement. The project aims to promote active living and community engagement through the introduction of touch rugby sessions.

The free touch rugby sessions are open to individuals of all skill levels, providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for participants. This initiative aligns with the Canterbury Christ Church University’s commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and strengthening community bonds through sports and recreational activities, and Canterbury Rugby Club’s sport for all and one club ethos. Sessions will be hosted at the Canterbury Rugby Club every Friday evening, from 7.00pm to 8.30pm.

The Touch Rugby Project will be spearheaded by University student and sports scholar, Ella Jenkins. Taking on the role of Touch Rugby Project Officer, Ella will dedicate 10 hours per week to support the development and execution of the project.

Nathan Morris, head of player pathway at Canterbury Rugby Club and first team player, said the project was a “fantastic opportunity to bring our community together through the love of the game”.

“This initiative not only promotes getting more active but also strengthens the bonds between our club and the broader community,” he said.

Paul Carney, Director of Sport at Canterbury christ church University added “I am thrilled to be part of an initiative that encourages more people to be active. Touch rugby is a fantastic sport and our superb women’s rugby community is already very friendly and supportive; the funding from the Rugby Football Union will help extend this opportunity even further. I am eager for our team to contribute to its success in our community.”