Author: Denys Andrianjafy

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.”

Around the Ground

Around the Ground at the MTG

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

What a fantastic Super Saturday that was! All home games resulted in Canterbury victories with our 1st XV scoring 19 unanswered points in the first half, and building an unassailable lead to take the victory, despite Guernsey fighting back. Frank Reynolds remains this season’s highest points scorer in National 2 East. Canterbury Women stretched their winning streak to 4 games with an impressive victory over the Guernsey Raiders Ladies. The MTG rang with the strains of “We are the champions!”, winning Counties 1 Kent after their victory over Ashford 1st XV made all the sweeter as they achieved this with two games remaining. The Amber & Black were not finished there, Canons delivered our third home win, dominating over Ashford 2nd XV leaving them in touch and with a shot at the Counties 5 Kent league title. Our Mini & Youth continue to represent us well with 6 of our youths being selected to represent Kent U20’s versus Hampshire last week and running our 17 – 3 winners. Congratulations to Stan Bull, Max Campbell, Max McCormack, Hector Valldares, Brett Smith and Harrison Fermor on their selection. Mention also goes to Charlie Barker on his securing a 2-year contract with the Saracens. A fantastic achievement all round, showing the quality of our younger players coming through the ranks. Read more about their achievements on our News page.

Last weekend’s scores

Saturday
1st XV 33 – 19 Guernsey Raiders 1st XV
CRFC Women 41 – 5 Guernsey Raiders Ladies
Pilgrims 28 – 18 Ashford 1st XV
Ashford 2nd XV 7 – 62 Canons
Thanet 2nds HWO Deacons
Thanet 3rds 0 v 40 Zingari

Sunday
Colts B v Beckenham MATCH CANCELLED
U14’s 57 – 5 Dartfordians
GAS 26 – 15 U14’s Girls
U13’s 60 – 0 Bromley MATCH 1
U13’s 20 – 30 Bromley MATCH 2
U12’s 0 v 5 Ashford U12’s
Girls U12’s – Tournament winners

This weekend’s fixtures and training

Saturday
 Old Albanian v Ist XV – Away KO 3.00pm
Bromley v Pilgrims  – Away KO 3.00pm
Canons v Bromley 2nds – Home KO 3.00pm
Deacons v Rye – Home KO 3.00pm
Zingari v Vigo 2nds – Home KO 3.00pm

Sunday
U12’s v Sevenoaks – Home Bottom Orchard
U13’s v Dover – Home Top Pitch
Cranbrook v U13’s – Away
U14’s v Westcliff – Home Langton Artificial Pitch
U16’s v Tunbridge Wells and Blackheath – Away

Mini & Youth Training

Mini’s Training 9.00am – 10:30am
U6’s – Grids
U7’s – Grids
U8’s and U9’s – Top Orchard
U10’s – Bottom Orchard
U11’s – Langton Artificial Pitch

Youth Training from 10:30am
U15’s – Top Orchard
Girl’s – Training Pitch

We would like to extend a warm welcome to all the visiting supporters, clubs, and teams

Varsity

It’s that time again! Friday 22nd March, Canterbury Christ Church University take on University of Kent for the Varsity honours. Entry is strictly ticket only and can be purchased from the Canterbury Varsity website.

Fantasy 6 Nations result

The dust has settled, and I suspect St Patrick’s Day was celebrated with some fervour. The result we are really interested in though is who won the Fantasy League? Well, it was me (Ed.) Much though I would love to join our Club President at his table for the Partners Lunch, I would like to offer the place to Joel who has placed second overall. Please contact me at communications@cantrugby.co.uk for details of how you can claim your prize.

Save the date!

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!

Charlie Barker

From CRFC to Saracens

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

Great news for Canterbury Colts 2nd row Charlie Barker who has signed a two year professional contract with Saracens. He is the Colts 3rd second row and 4th player to sign a Sarries  contract in three years. It speaks volumes for our youth players coming through the club.

we congratulate Charlie and look forward to watching his progression.

Around the Ground

Around the Ground at the MTG

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

What a weekend of rugby that was! Our 1st XV rediscovered their winning ways, whilst Canons and our Women were dominant in their games. Unfortunately, the Pilgrims unbeaten season came to an end, but they still sit comfortably at the top of Counties 1 Kent and look to their next opponents, Ashford 1st XV. Our juniors put in a fantastic shift, and even though our U16 Girls were overpowered by Bass, they fought hard and showed great future promise for a newly formed team.

Last weekend’s scores

Saturday
1st XV 41 – 12 North Walsham
Crowborough 27 – 7 Pilgrims
Canons 41 – 27 Sevenoaks 3rds

Sunday
Canterbury Women 22 – 7 Tonbridge Juddians Ladies
Colts 51 – 7 Aylesford
U16’s Girls 27 – 57 Bass
U15’s 35 – 5 Tonbridge Juddians
U14’s 38 – 0 Sevenoaks
U13’s v Old Allaynians – MATCH CALLED OFF

This weekend’s fixtures and training

Saturday
Canterbury Women v Guernsey Ladies – Home Langton Grass Pitch KO 12.00pm
1st XV v Guernsey 1st XV – Home KO 2.00pm
Pilgrims v Ashford – Home KO 3.00pm
Ashford II v Canons – Away KO 3.00pm
Thanet 2nds v Deacons – Away KO 3.00pm
Thanet 3rds v Zingari – Away KO 3.00pm

Sunday
Colts B v Beckenham Langton Artificial Pitch – KO 10.30am till 1.00pm
U14’s v Dartfordians Top Pitch – KO 11:00am
U13’s v Bromley Bottom Orchard – 9.00am till 11.00am
Girls  – Away at Ashford
Minis away at mini festivals across Kent

Mini & Youth Training

U6’s grids – 9.00am till 10.00am
U12’s training Langton Artificial Pitch – 9.00am till 10.30am
U15’s Langton Artificial Pitch – 11:30am till 1.00pm
U16’s Top Pitch or Langton Artificial Pitch – 9.00am till 10.30am

We would like to extend a warm welcome to all the visiting supporters, clubs, and teams.

6 Nations round 5

It’s the 5th and final of the 6 Nations, and it’s all about who wins the title and who is awarded the wooden spoon. England denied Ireland their 3rd Grand Slam on the bounce whilst reviving their title shot hopes if they manage a bonus point victory over France. Ireland remain favourites, though they need to avoid defeat to Scotland. How will winless Wales fare in the wooden spoon battle against Italy who are fresh from their memorable win over Scotland?

It is certainly going to be an entertaining Super Saturday, especially as we have three home senior matches being played at the MTG. Cheer them in the field, then come and cheer your teams on in the clubhouse where we will be showing all the 6 Nations games on our screens. The bar will be open, food will be served and there is also talk of music! What more can you ask for?

If you are playing in our Fantasy 6 Nations league, don’t forget to set your team for the final round. It looks like your Around the Ground at the MTG Editor won the last round, but it’s all to play for. This is the big one, a seat at the President’s table at the Partners Lunch goes to the overall competition winner. Don’t let it be me, I’m on a diet (Ed.)!

Super Saturday

Wales v Italy – KO 2.15pm
Ireland v Scotland – KO 4.45pm
Wales v England KO 8.00pm

The clubhouse bar will be open from 11.00am

Saracens V Harlequins

We are taking a coach up to The Showdown 4 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium where Saracens take on Harlequins following their 36 – 24 win in last year’s clash. We do not have any match tickets available, but we do have 16 seats available for those who have and want to avoid a three change train journey. The cost is £16 return per person, leaving from the MTG at 10.25am 23rd March, returning 8.45pm – Contact kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk to book your seats.

We wish you all the best of rugby weekends!

Muddy rugby girl

Celebrating Triumphs: A Joyful Journey in Girls’ Rugby at Canterbury Rugby Club

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy
Becky McCracken - Girls Section Manager
Becky McCracken – Girls Section Manager

Hello, everyone! As the Girls Section Manager at Canterbury Rugby Club, I’m excited to share the incredible strides we’ve made in girls’ rugby this International Women’s Day. Our focus has been on creating a vibrant and inclusive space, and the positivity and growth are truly something to celebrate.

Personal Perspective:

Being part of this journey has been immensely rewarding. Witnessing the enthusiasm and talent emerging from our girls is a joy. Personally, it’s heartening to see the positive impact we’re making. The passion and camaraderie among the players are infectious, fueling my commitment to cultivating a thriving environment for girls in rugby.

Club’s Vibrant Commitment:

Canterbury Rugby Club is buzzing with positivity and energy. Our commitment to girls’ rugby is not just about playing the game but fostering an environment where every girl feels valued and supported. The enthusiasm and spirit within the club are contagious, creating a vibrant community that transcends the boundaries of the pitch.

Embracing Cultural Shifts:

We’re not just changing the game; we’re changing the culture. Canterbury Rugby Club has become a hub of positivity, challenging norms and embracing inclusivity. It’s inspiring to witness the cultural shifts taking place within the club, where every girl is encouraged to thrive and showcase her unique talents.

Acknowledging Triumphs:

Let’s take a moment to celebrate our triumphs. The progress we’ve made in girls’ rugby has elevated the entire club’s atmosphere. We’re fostering a sense of empowerment, encouraging girls to pursue their passion for rugby with confidence. Each success, whether big or small, is a testament to the positive transformation happening at Canterbury Rugby Club.

Looking Forward:

As we bask in the joy of our achievements, we also look forward to an even brighter future. Our focus remains on creating a space where positivity flourishes, talent thrives, and every girl feels empowered. This International Women’s Day, let’s revel in the positivity we’ve cultivated and continue shaping a vibrant and inclusive future for girls in rugby at Canterbury Rugby Club. Cheers to more triumphs ahead!

Posted in IWD