NATIONAL LEAGUE 2 EAST View League Table
PRE-SEASON
DateOppositionVenueScore
Aug 16 2025EsherA
Aug 22 2025Tonbridge JuddiansH
Aug 29 2025BlackheathA
NATIONAL EAST LEAGUE 2
DateOppositionVenueScore
Sep 6 2025BarnesA
13 Sept 2025SevenoaksH
20 Sept 2025Henley A
27 Sept 2025Westcombe ParkH
4 Oct 2025DorkingA
11 Oct 2025HavantH
18 Oct 2025Old AlbanianA
25 Oct 2025Bury St EdmundsH
8 Nov 2025OundleA
15 Nov 2025London WelshH
22 Nov 2025Oxford HarlequinsA
6 Dec 2025GuernseyH
13 Dec 2025EsherA
20 Dec 2025SevenoaksA
10 Jan 2026Henley H
17 Jan 2026Westcombe ParkA
24 Jan 2025DorkingH
31 Jan 2026HavantA
14 Feb 2026Old AlbanianH
21 Feb 2026Bury St EdmundsA
28 Feb 2026OundleH
14 Mar 2026London WelshA
21 Mar 2026Oxford HarlequinsH
11 Apr 2026GuernseyA
18 Apr 2026EsherH
25 Apr 2026BarnesH
WOMEN'S NC 1 SOUTH EAST (SOUTH)View League Table
PRE-SEASON
DateOppositionVenueScore
WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP SOUTH EAST 2
DateOppositionVenueScore
Regional 2 South EastView League Table
PRE-SEASON
DateOppositionVenueScore
Aug 22 2025 EsherA
Aug 22 2025Tonbridge Juddians H
Aug 29 2025Deal 1st XVH
COUNTIES 1 KENT
DateOppositionVenueScore
Sept 6 2025Battersea IronsidesH
Sept 11 2025Horsham A
Sept 20 2025GravesendH
Oct 4 2025BrightonH
Oct 11 2025Bromley A
Oct 18 2025DartfordiansH
Oct 25 2025O. ReigatiansA
Nov 8 2025O. ColfeiansH
Nov 22 2025Sidcup A
Nov 29 2025Sutton & EpsomH
Dec 6 2025Beckenham A
Dec 13 2025HorshamH
Dec 20 2025Gravesend A
Jan 10 2026Brighton A
Jan 17 2026BromleyH
Jan 31 2026Dartfordians A
Feb 14 2026O. ReigatiansH
Feb 28 2026O. ColfeiansA
Mar 7 2026SidcupH
Mar 21 2026Sutton & EpsomA
Mar 28 2026BeckenhamH
Apr 11 2026Battersea IronsidesA
COUNTIES 3 KENTView League Table
DateOppositionVenueScore
Sept 6 2025Hastings and Bexhill H
Sept 13 2025Dartford Valley A
Oct 4 2025Old Dunstonians H
Oct 11 2025Sittingbourne A
Oct 18 2025Old Williamsonians H
Nov 8 2025New Ash Green A
Nov 22 2025Old Gravesendians H
Nov 29 2025Brockleians A
Dec 6 2025Gravesend 2nds A
Dec 13 2025Tunbridge Wells A
Dec 20 2025Whitstable H
Jan 10 2026Dartford Valley H
Jan 17 2026Old Dunstonians A
Jan 24 2026Sittingbourne H
Feb 14 2026Old Williamsonians A
Feb 28 2026New Ash Green H
Mar 7 2026Old Gravesendians A
Mar 21 2026Brokleians H
Mar 28 2026Gravesend 2nds H
Apr 11 2026Tunbridge Wells 2 H
Apr 18 2026Whitstable A
Apr 25 2026Hastings and Bexhill A
KENT RURAL BView League Table
DateOppositionVenueScore
Sept 13 2025Tonbridge Judds 3rds A
Sept 20 2025Gravesend 3rds A
Oct 4 2025Medway 4thsH
Oct 11 2025Maidstone 2 H
Oct 11 2025Leigh 1 H
Nov 8 2025Whitstable 2nds H
Nov 22 2025Sittingbourne 2ndsA
Nov 29 2025Deal 2nds H
Dec 13 2025Gillingham 2nds H
Dec 20 2025Folkestone 2nds A
Jan 17 2026Medway 4ths A
Jan 24 2026Maidstone 2nds A
Jan 31 2026Tonbridge Judds 3rds H
Feb 14 2026Leigh 1 A
Feb 28 2026Whitstable 2nds A
Mar 7 2026Sittingbourne 2 H
Mar 21 2026Deal 2nds A
Apr 11 2026Gillingham 2nds A
Apr 18 2026Folkestone 2nds H
Apr 25 2026Gravesend 3rds H
KENT RURAL CView League Table
DateOppositionVenueScore
Sept 13 2025Lordswood 2nds H
Sept 20 2025Sheppey 2nds H
Oct 4 2025Dartford Valley 2nds A
Oct 11 2025Deal 3rds A
Nov 8 2025Vigo 2 H
Nov 22 2025New Ash Green 2nds A
Nov 29 2025Old Gravesendians 2nds H
Dec 6 2025Thanet 3rds A
Dec 13 2025Gravesend 4ths A
Jan 10 2026Lordswood 2nds A
Jan 17 2026Dartford Valley 2nds H
Jan 31 2026Deal 3rds H
Feb 28 2026Vigo 2nds A
Mar 7 2026New Ash Green 2nds H
Mar 21 2026Old Gravesendians 2nds A
Mar 28 2026Thanet 3rds H
Apr 11 2026Gravesend 4ths H
Apr 25 2026Sheppey 2nds A
TEAMDATEOPPOSITIONVENUESCORE

Author: Denys Andrianjafy

Garry Apps

Garry Apps – 1964 to 2022

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Canterbury RFC is sad to announce the sudden loss of a much loved Club member. Garry Apps unexpectedly passed away on Friday aged 57. Garry joined the Club in the mid 1980s as an enthusiastic but inexperienced player in the Club’s social sides. That enthusiasm, mixed with his pace and eagerness to learn, saw him through his first few seasons.

He showed organisational skills which allowed him to take on the captaincy of one of the sides, those skills allowing him to coerce, convince, and sometimes bribe players to turn out to ensure that games went ahead. Some may remember being regaled with tales of his fabled drop goal when playing for the Zingari.
After hanging up his boots Garry was an ever-present touchline supporter and attendee at pre-match lunches as well as Club events, and had been at the Club on the Thursday evening for the Club Quiz.
He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Cheers Fozzie

David Foster – 1966 to 2022

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

We are deeply saddened to learn David Foster, Canterbury Rugby Club life member has passed away, leaving behind his wife Wendy and two children James and Lucy from his previous marriage.

A member of Canterbury Rugby Club for some 30 years, David coached the Mini and Juniors when his son James was younger, played for the Zingari, and ran out with the touch rugby team in one of the social leagues. David also tended the pitches and grounds for some time, keeping them in pristine condition.
A few pints with Dave and Wendy down the pub on Friday was by far the best way to start a rugby weekend, his passion for his club was boundless as was his friendship to his rugby family, a gentle giant who could often be heard above the crowd roaring his encouragement to the team on match days. A larger-than-life character throughout the entire club, in so many ways if one individual summed up Canterbury Rugby Club, then that was Fozzie.
Alison Williams cheering

Alison Williams’ Funeral

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

A message from Ben and Sam Williams with details of their mother, Alison’s, funeral.

Funeral details for Mum

Dear All

Once again, we must beat the sad drum of time and let you know that after one hell of a fight it is finally time to say goodbye to a mother, friend, colleague, and incredible lady that was Alison Williams.

Her funeral will be held on Friday 28th January 2022, at 2.40pm at

Barham Crematorium
Canterbury Road (A260)
Barham
Nr Canterbury
Kent CT4 6QU

There is a celebration of her life afterward at Canterbury Rugby Club Merton Lane North, Canterbury CT4 7DZ

All are welcome, though if you are attending both the funeral and the celebration, we would ask that you please contact Kirsty Walder on  kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk and confirm, to assist us with the catering. We can’t wait to share a beer and a story and let’s see her off in the style that she deserves.

She did however have some requests:

For years Mum told us that she didn’t want anyone to wear black to her funeral and in her notes we can tell you she really meant it! She would like everyone to turn up in as colourful clothing as they feel comfortable and has threatened to come and haunt anyone who turns up in black – so probably best not!

She also only wanted family flowers and Alison has requested that instead of flowers donations to ’The Alison Williams Foundation’ a Charitable Foundation created through Canterbury Rugby Club to establish an Academy for boys, girls, underprivileged and disabled to further their attainment in rugby.

As you might expect from Alison there will be buckets on each door at Barham on the day to raise money.

Payments can be made to The Canterbury Rugby Charity

Handelsbanken, Canterbury Rugby Charity Sort Code 40-51-62 Account no. 24746710

Or cheques can be sent to;
Kirsty Walder
Canterbury Rugby Charity
Canterbury RFC
Merton Lane North
Nackington Road
Canterbury
CT47AZ

Please understand that through sheer volume of response it is impossible for us to reply to everyone but your voices have all been heard and hugely appreciated. We look forward to see you on the day and in between wish everybody happiness, peace and love as you continue your journey through this game of life.

Big hugs, kisses, cuddles, hand shakes or whatever you feel appropriate.

Ben and Sam

Canterbury Women vs Blackheath 2s

Canterbury Women vs Blackheath 2s

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Canterbury Women’s first match of 2022 was a top of the table clash against Blackheath 2s, the only team to have beaten the side this season. Before the game both sides paid tribute to Alison Williams, who passed away this week. Alison was instrumental for many years in the administration of Canterbury Rugby Club and was a constant advocate for the women’s team. Many past players will have fond memories of her cheering on the side lines with her dog Snoopy.  

Canterbury Women celebrated her life and passion for rugby in the best way with an impressive team performance, where everyone wore the Canterbury jersey with pride and a huge smile! This was a game played with incredible team spirit, positivity and running rugby which resulted in six converted tries.  

Poor discipline and difficult decisions from the referee made Canterbury’s life hard for the first 25 minutes. As the minutes ticked by, Canterbury regained some composure, before an impressive break and some deft handling allowed Hannah Sheppard to break over the line and put some points on the board. This score provided Canterbury with some much-needed momentum, and two further tries, by Jess Pettafor and Anneka Willis, followed before the half-time break. 

Half-time saw the coaches discuss discipline and strategies to exploit holes in Blackheath’s defence. The side came out with renewed vigour, with Canterbury dominating throughout the second half. Canterbury took control of set pieces, securing their own and Blackheath’s line outs. Fluid offloads, opportunistic turnovers, and dynamic breaks from both forwards and backs meant Canterbury had the bulk of the possession and some exciting phases of play, resulting in a second try for Anneka Willis. 

Building on recent training sessions, the team ran outstanding support lines, allowing club stalwart Claire Bernthal to score her third try in three games. Pressure from Canterbury, camped on the Blackheath line, meant a poorly executed clearance kick by Blackheath was swiftly converted into a hat-trick try for Anneka Willis. 

Ultimately, Canterbury secured a 42-7 win which ensures the team remain top of the league at the start of 2022. 

Canterbury Women vs Blackheath 2s

Royce Cadman and Greg Mayne

Royce Cadman – 200 caps for Canterbury

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Congratulations to our mighty number 4 Royce Cadman on his 200th appearance for Canterbury 1st XV this weekend. Royce made his league debut against Clifton at home in 2013 and has been a regular first-team player since.

Looking back on his Canterbury career, Royce reflects that victories against teams that have risen to higher leagues are always memories to savour, but being a part of the squad that earned Canterbury promotion to National League 1 is the one of which he is most proud.

Tom Bes and Greg Mayne

Tom Best – 250 caps for Canterbury

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Congratulations to Tom Best on his 250th appearance for Canterbury this weekend. He remembers his first game being against Southend away (2009/10 season), only being called up early game day morning due to a fellow player having suffered an asthma attack. Not a lot of time to prepare, but he pulled on his boots and worked a good shift for us as ever.

Tom has many fond memories of playing with the team, beating Hartpury away (2012/13 season) by 1 point, and kicking a 35-yard penalty in the last 2 minutes when we were 28-0 down at halftime would have to be up there, but scoring the last try against Henley in the last few minutes to win the game to get us to the playoffs is definitely one of the fondest.

Ben Williams Tribute to Alison Williams at 1St XV vs Old Albanian game

Canterbury 1st XV vs Old Albanian

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

CANTERBURY 3pts OLD ALBANIAN 12pts

by David Haigh

Having worked themselves into a decent position, with a solid first half shift, Canterbury let this first game of the new year drift away. A failure to back up all their good work against the rain and wind was dispiriting and reinforced the feeling that they are not an effective wet weather side. The visitors, whose 7-3 interval lead had looked fragile, took control of the second half and on a day when points were always difficult to come by found the score that mattered. It was in similar conditions earlier this season that the city club failed to register a point against Dings Crusaders. This time they managed a solitary penalty goal from Tom Best, despite dominating territory for much of the first half, winning the breakdown battle and forcing Albanians into conceding a string of penalties. Canterbury lost their slim lead after 28 minutes when a wind-driven Albanians kick led to a goal-line dropout. Centre Alex Brown collected it and his powerful run into the heart of the defence created the pressure for a try from Number Eight Chris West, converted by Greg Lound. Late in the half the city side resisted more heavy pressure and must have headed for the break the happier of the two teams. Any optimism, however, was misplaced as Albanians, prompted by scrum half Elliot McPhun, read the situation perfectly, controlled possession, kicked shrewdly and took their opportunity when it arose. McPhun’s quick tapped penalty had Canterbury backpedalling and wing Alex Noot was released for a sprint finish. It left Canterbury with 25 minutes to take a grip but they were rarely allowed to build momentum. In the whole of the half they created no more than two scoring positions and missed out on both of them. Left to chase the game they became increasingly ragged and out of tune with the no-frills rugby the conditions demanded.

Canterbury: A.Moss (repl F.Reynolds), S.Sterling, W.Waddington, T.Best, F.Morgan, F.Reynolds (repl K.Braithwaite), T.Williams (repl B.Cooper), B.Young (repl W.McColl), W.McColl (repl A.Cooper) A.Cooper (repl A.Evans) , R.Cadman, S.Churchyard (repl J.De Vries), J.Stephens, T.King, T.Oliver

View match photos

v Old Albanian - 8 Jan 2022

Images may be subject to copyright – Phillipa Hilton
Alison Williams

Alison Williams 1949-2022

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Canterbury Rugby Club is deeply saddened to hear of the death of Alison. Our condolences go out to her sons, Ben and Sam, and to Ian Williams. In recent years she has been a wonderful servant to the club as our honorary secretary but her involvement goes back many decades.

Born Alison Helen Turner in 1949, she trained at the Rose Bruford drama school in Sidcup in 1970. Later she was an imaginative and innovative teacher. She enthusiastically supported the fortunes of the club and formed enduring friendships with many players from that era such as Roland Bailey, whom she later cared for when dementia struck.

She and Ian had two sons, Ben (1978) and Sam (1980), who were soon playing in the minis and juniors. She was always present on the touchline, always willing to help and always happy to sponsor the junior club. In recent years, she has been at the club cheering on her grandchildren.

Later, she became a successful businesswoman, in 2000 founding and expanding her field-marketing firm, FDS, a national company based in Whitstable.

Her major contribution was when chairman, Giles Hilton, persuaded her to take on the role of club secretary. Her ‘no nonsense’, ‘can do’ approach gave impetus to many improvements to the clubhouse and to the management of the club. One major initiative were the pre-match lunches: under her guidance as “lunch monitor”, they grew from small get-togethers in the club bar to being an important part of 1st XV match days, regularly attracting 150 or more, adding to the craic of the occasion and substantially contributing to the club’s finances.

Alison was not only a tremendous servant to Canterbury Rugby but an example to us all in the way she twice fought cancer with courage and amazing will power.  She will be remembered for her kindness and support for others.  Club President Greg Mayne’s words reflect the thoughts of all who met her:  “We were lucky to have known her and to have had so many extra years with her.”

The club elected her a life member and created a garden in her name. It will be carefully tended in her memory. The funeral arrangements will be announced in due course

Giles-CRFC Chair

End of year message from our Chairman

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

A peaceful and happy Christmas is my hope for everyone associated with the club at the end of a strange and challenging year. Despite the problems we have all faced there have been good things to record, not least the support that players, members, sponsors, supporters, and staff have given. It has kept our club in vibrant health with enhanced facilities, including a popular restaurant and a new gymnasium, thanks to a wonderful team and community effort. The return of competitive rugby in September revived everyone’s spirits and despite the fresh challenges that Covid is bringing I am confident we are ready to meet them in the New Year.

My best wishes to you all for the festive season.

NHS Chocolate Donation

Chocolates for the NHS

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

A Corker of a Christmas

Canterbury Rugby Club has always had a close bond with our, NHS as supporters, players, and even the odd President: but most importantly as patients and friends and relatives of patients.

This year we set ourselves a challenge to collect a mountain of chocolate taller than our Head Coach  Matt Corker, he stands at 6ft 6 (even had a scrum half chocolate orange left over).

Because of your generosity, our rugby family, we achieved it.

The chocolates went to the Kent and Canterbury Hospital and the vaccination center in Vauxhall road run by Northgate Medical Practice.

A massive thank you to all those that donated, it makes a difference to those truly in the Front Row on which we all depend, not just for 80 minutes, but every minute of every day.

The only present better than chocolates is to make sure we all get our boosters, and stay alert

Merry Christmas!