Author: Denys Andrianjafy

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.

Zingari edge thriller in gritty finale

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Canterbury 14pts. Old Gravesendians 2nd 12pts.

The Zingari just held on in the dying moments of the game to snatch the win in this fiercely competitive encounter that saw both sides give a display of not only exciting but skillful rugby. From the start, both sides only had attack on their minds with Gravesend having the better of the territory in the opening quarter. This eventually saw them camping on the Canterbury try line before their forwards forced an opening try out wide, and finished it off with a difficult conversion to put them in the lead. As so often happens after a score Gravesend made a poor clearance that was gathered by Rob Horan and run back at them with devastating consequences finishing off with a try near the posts for the simple conversion. Back on level terms, both sides re-engaged before a series of clever offloads opened up the Zingari defence, but the resulting try only delivered the five points with the conversion sliding past the near post to give Gravendians a five-point halftime lead.

The second half saw both sets of forwards struggled to dominate both in the loose and at the set piece, Old Gravesendians holding a slight advantage at the scrums and Canterbury disrupting Gravesendians lineouts neither side looked like they could break free. The breakthrough came as the game entered the last quarter with Gravesendians giving away a series of penalties the Zingari got within striking distance for Henry Collins to force his way over the line, and with Rob Horan slotting the extra points for the conversion secured the slender two-point lead. All to play for as the clock ticked down Gravesendians poured everything into the attack, the city side despite being now a man down through injury raised their game with a heroic display of tackling. With the game now into injury time it was not over with a final Gravesendians attack, ending with a messy scramble on the city line before a boot finally manage to clear the ball into touch, claiming a narrow, but well-deserved win.

POWER AND ACCURACY COUNT

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

CANTERBURY 23 TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS 46

by David Haigh

The league leaders gave Canterbury an impressive demonstration of accuracy and finishing power as they marched to this National 2 East victory. They built a winning platform in the first half, held off a spirited challenge in the third quarter then closed out the game decisively with three tries in the final ten minutes. An early lead for the city side, from a Frank Reynolds penalty goal, was quickly wiped out by a hat trick of tries by Juddians hooker Will Colling, all if them coming directly or indirectly from catch and drives as Canterbury paid the price of conceding penalties. Their troubles were compounded by injuries to full back Kurt Heatherley and wing Harvey Young, which meant a reshuflle of the back division, but after Colling had struck twice and the conversions failed , Reynolds kept them in touch with two further penalty goals. When Juddians pounced again with a third try, spreading the ball from a driving maul before Colling barreled over, the kick was again off target but two minutes before the break they worked a bonus point score for prolific wing Curtis Barnes and their first successful conversion opened a 22-9 lead. It was, however a newly energised Canterbury that emerged for the second half to put Juddians under sustained pressure. It brought them a try through Frank Morgan’s powerful finish and Reynolds conversion narrowed the gap to six points. But for all the territory they occupied and pressure applied in this dominant period the city side could not turn it into further scores. Handling errors were the chief culprit against an aggressive visiting defence and a Connor Lloyd penalty goal for Juddians disrupted the flow. Canterbury could not be faulted for effort but they faded and were ruthlessly exposed in the closing stages. A break in midfield left Howard Packman a straight run in; Lloyd spotted acres of space on the blind side of a maul to hand Barnes his second try and, as Canterbury gamely tried to attack, Charlie Self intercepted Reynolds pass to charge in for the seventh try. Lloyd converted all of them but there was last minute consolation for the city side when Sam Rogers, who worked tirelessly all day, forced his way over and Reynolds conversion ended a contest in which the title chasers were, unmistakably, the better side.

Canterbury: K.Heatherley, G.Jones, F.Morgan, W.Waddington, H.Young, F.Reynolds, P.Williams, D.Huntley, E.O’Donoghue, D.Herriott, C.McGovern, J.Stephens, C.Thomas, S.Rogers, T.Oliver. Replacements: T.Best, H.Furneaux, A.Cooper, O.Frostick, J.De Vries.

View match photos

v Tonbridge Juddians - 15 Feb 2025

Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton

CANTERBURY 23 TONBRIDGE JUDDIANS 46

Around the Ground

Around the Ground at the MTG

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

It was a weekend of hard-fought battles and standout performances across all levels of Canterbury Rugby Club. The 1st XV came up just short in a closely contested 22-18 loss to Westcombe Park, while the Women’s team put in a determined display but fell 15-7 to Heathfield & Waldron.

There were plenty of positives elsewhere, with the Deacons delivering a dominant 76-0 victory over Vigo 2nds. In the junior ranks, the Boys U13’s Spitfires edged out Tonbridge Juddians 25-20, while the Hurricanes stormed to a 35-5 win over Bromley. The U16s narrowly lost 12-13 to Sevenoaks in a thriller, and the U14’s took on Dover winning 20 – 0.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another exciting weekend of rugby! Check out the upcoming fixtures below and come down to cheer on the teams.

A week of mixed results but plenty of positives for Canterbury Rugby Club!

Weekend roundup

Westcombe Park 22 – 18 1st XV: Canterbury’s six-match winning run came to a frustrating end in the muddy conditions at Westcombe Park, where despite dominating territory, they struggled to break down a resilient defence. A poor start saw them concede eight early points before Sam Rogers’ catch-and-drive try and a Frank Reynolds penalty brought them level. However, Combe struck again before half-time to take a 15-8 lead.

The hosts extended their advantage with a converted try in the second half, and despite Canterbury controlling territory, they couldn’t find a way through until Jamie Stephens powered over in the 63rd minute. A late Reynolds penalty secured a losing bonus point, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a disappointing 22-18 defeat.

Deacons 76 – 0 Vigo 2nds: After a tough defeat to Thanet last week, Deacons were determined to respond, and they did so in emphatic fashion with a dominant 72-0 victory over Vigo 2nds. A fast start saw the backs cross the line within 10 minutes, quickly followed by three more first-half tries, all converted by returning kicker Josh Lamb.

Despite losing a player to injury, Deacons upheld the spirit of the game, with Leon Benning stepping in to play for Vigo in the second half. Canterbury continued to apply pressure, running in try after try to seal their biggest win of the season.

Credit to Vigo for battling until the final whistle, and congratulations to Lennie “Westside” West, named Player of the Match!

Heathfield & Waldron Ladies 15 – 7 Canterbury Women: Canterbury Women put in a determined performance against league leaders Heathfield & Waldron but fell just short in tough conditions. Despite dominating at the breakdown and scoring a well-worked try, repeated penalties against us gave Heathfield the advantage. A second-half penalty extended their lead, and despite Canterbury’s relentless effort, the home defence held firm.

It was a hard-fought contest, highlighting the team’s resilience and strong defensive play. Plenty of positives to take forward as we look ahead to our next challenge!

Boys U13’s Spitfires 25 – 20 Tonbridge Juddians U13’s
Boys U13’s Hurricanes 35 – 5 Bromley U13’s
Boys U14’s 20 – 0 Dover
boys U16’s 12 – 13 Sevenoaks

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

Next fixtures

Saturday 15th February

1st XV v Tonbridge Juddians – Home KO 3.00pm
Pilgrims v Beccehamians – Away KO 2.00pm
Canons v Bromley 2nds – Home KO 2.00pm
Deacons v Sittingbourne 2nds – Away KO 2.00pm
Zingari v Old Gravesendians 2nds – Away KO 2.00pm

Sunday 16th February

Mini and Youth

Mixed U6’s – Simon Langton 4G 9.00am to 10.00am
Mixed U7’s v Whitstable – Simon Langton 4G 9.00am to 10.00am
Mixed U8’s v Whitstable, Simon Langton 4G 9.00am to 10.00am
Mixed U9’s v Whitstable – Bottom Orchard 9.00am to 10.30am
Mixed U10’s v Whitstable – Top Orchard 9.00am to 10.30am
Mixed U11’s v Whitstable and Dover – Top Pitch 9.00am to 10.30am
Boys U12’s Gold v Old Alleynians – Away
Boys U12’s Black v Sheppey – Away
Boys U13’s weekend off
Boys U14’s v Lordswood – Bottom Orchard 10.30am
Boys U15’s v Chelmsford – Simon Langton 4G 12.00pm
Boys U16’s v Medway – Simon Langton 4G 10.00am
Colts v Deal and Betts – Top Pitch 11.00am

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.

RALPHH donates life-saving defibrillator to Canterbury RFC

Rugby is more than just a game—it’s about community, support, and looking out for one another. That’s why Canterbury Rugby Club is incredibly grateful to RALPHH (The Robert Allen Life Promotion and Healthy Hearts Trust) for their generous donation of a defibrillator. This vital piece of equipment could one day save the life of a player, supporter, or member of our rugby family.

Safety in sport is a shared responsibility, and this donation reinforces our commitment to protecting everyone involved in our club. Our Chairman, proudly accepted the defibrillator alongside Richard Allen, Chairman of RALPHH, and club representatives Ella Jenkins and Harry Sloan, highlighting the importance of community in everything we do.

With 1,750 members, including 750 players across all age groups, Canterbury RFC is more than just a club—it’s a family. We sincerely thank RALPHH for their support, and while we hope we never need to use this defibrillator, knowing it’s there means the world to us.

Read the full news story

Canterbury Hellfire’s Fresh Look Thanks to Sponsorship

Canterbury Hellfire Wheelchair Rugby is excited to reveal a brand-new look, made possible by generous sponsorship from Howden and Marine Travel Ltd. The support includes branded wheel stickers, team hoodies, and a new home kit, set to debut when the competition season begins in April.

This sponsorship strengthens team morale and identity as we compete nationwide. A huge thank you to Howden and Marine Travel for their continued support!

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Canterbury RFC wins the Ultimate Guinness Rugby Experience!

Canterbury RFC’s dedication to growing and sustaining rugby has been recognised on a grand scale—we were honoured to win the Ultimate Guinness Rugby Experience at the Guinness Men’s Six Nations 2025! This prestigious award celebrates grassroots clubs making a significant impact on the sport, and we were privileged to be selected.

As part of this honour, ten of our club members enjoyed an unforgettable experience at the England vs. France clash on 8th February. They received exclusive behind-the-scenes access, including a dressing room tour, a player meet & greet, and the rare privilege of walking the match ball onto the pitch and overseeing the official coin toss.

A huge thank you to Guinness GB for this incredible opportunity and for championing grassroots rugby. This experience was a reminder of the values that define Canterbury RFC—teamwork, leadership, and community. Here’s to more unforgettable moments both on and off the pitch!

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Canterbury 1st XV to Support Rugby Against Cancer This Saturday

Our 1st XV will not be sporting the usual black & amber socks this Saturday during their game against Tonbridge Juddians, but will be wearing Rugby against Cancer socks. A fantastic charity that has mobilised the rugby community to fundraise and help those living with cancer.

Over £30,000 has been donated by Rugby Against Cancer to help the lives of those affected by cancer in the UK. If you wish to find out more and donate, go to their website – https://www.rugbyagainstcancer.com/

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!

We wish you all the best of rugby!

Canterbury Hellfire unveil fresh new look thanks to Howden and Marine Travel sponsorship

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Wheelchair rugby, the only full-contact disability sport, is tough on equipment. Even a relatively new wheelchair can quickly show signs of wear and tear. Thanks to sponsorship from Howden and Marine Travel Ltd, Canterbury Hellfire’s chairs and players are getting a much-needed refresh.

Howden and Marine Travel have provided branded wheel stickers, team hoodies, and a brand-new home kit, which will debut in April as the new season begins. Their support ensures the team looks and feels ready to compete at the highest level across the country.

Rik Tyler, Branch Manager at Howden Canterbury, said:
“As the Principal Partner of The British & Irish Lions, Howden is committed to being a force for good in rugby communities across the UK and Ireland. We’re proud to support Canterbury Hellfire Wheelchair Rugby, ensuring the sport remains accessible and inclusive for all.”

With this fresh look and strong backing from their sponsors, Canterbury Hellfire is ready to tackle the season ahead with confidence and pride.