Author: Becca Williams

Match Report: New Ash Green II’s v Deacons

Posted on | by Becca Williams

Match Report: New Ash Green 2nds 56 – 47 Canterbury Deacons

By Iain McCracken

Every team faces a moment early in a season that tells you more than any result can. For the Deacons, that moment came before a ball was even kicked.

New Ash Green could only field 11. The easy call was to take advantage, 15 against 11 on a full-size pitch, an afternoon of running in tries. The Deacons didn’t take it. They matched them, 11-a-side, full pitch, full 80 minutes. With that much space and that few bodies, it played out more like a 7s fixture than a league game, which made for a tough way for both sides to start the season.

It was tough, too, for a Deacons side where 60% of the squad were making their first appearance in the shirt. But the platform was there from the first scrum, six forwards who simply weren’t for turning, winning their own ball at every opportunity and giving the backs the kind of quick, clean possession most teams only dream of this early in a season. When that ball found space, it was worth the trip down just to watch, with some real footwork and pace on show.

The home side started quickest all the same, building a 15-point lead before the Deacons had found their feet. With the scrum on top and the backs getting room to play, the Deacons turned that 15-point deficit into a 26-22 lead by half-time.

The second half opened shakily. A run of missed tackles let New Ash Green back into it, and for a spell the momentum swung hard their way. The scrum kept winning ball though, and every time the backs got their hands on quick possession, they looked dangerous. The Deacons dug in, matched New Ash Green phase for phase, and kept working the scoreboard back in their favour right to the final whistle. A 103-point game by the end of it, and a proper arm-wrestle from start to finish.

The clearest sign of how close this one really was, came in the final five minutes, when a try was held up over the line against a home side visibly running on empty.

Credit to New Ash Green too, a fit and well-drilled side who never let the Deacons have it easy.

It wasn’t all good news on the day though. Gian Smith suffered a nasty broken collarbone and is likely facing a long spell out. Tough for any player in any game, but especially so in the first fixture of the season. Everyone at the club will be wishing him a speedy recovery.

Final score: New Ash Green 2nds 56 – 47 Canterbury Deacons.

Tries: Reuben Kerr, Ted Field (2), Adam Ridgewell, Lawrence Knight (2), Pete Demery

Player of the Match: Freddie Vion, nerveless off the tee, 100% conversion rate.

Onwards to the next one.

Match Report: Zingari v Whitstable II

Posted on | by Becca Williams

Match Report. 26.09.26

Canterbury 5th  v Whitstable 2nd

Canterbury 5th 38pts Whitstable 37pts.

In a nail biting finish the Zingari opened their season with the narrowest win possible. Both sides produced some open flowing rugby from the start with the Zingari having a slight advantage in the backs while Whitstable pack may have edged it at the set piece. However, it was the city backs who opened the scoring after some sharp handling split the Whitstable defence for Ben Waite to touch down for Canterbury’s first converted try. This was followed with Ross Elgar touching down after the forwards had punched a hole in the midfield for the backs to finish off. This looked as if it was all going to be easy for the city side , but Whitstable had other ideas, their forwards making the most of the slight  slope rallied and battled their way down field to claim two tries within minutes of each other, followed by a disastrous intercepted pass for  Whitstable to claimed a third. Canterbury compounded their own troubles giving away a penalty that set up Whitstable for a converted try, and just before halftime burst through the centre setting up a position a few meters from the city line before driving over for a clear fifteen-point halftime advantage.

The Second half saw the same pattern emerge with Whitstable squeezing in at the corner to increase their lead after the city defence failed to force the attacker into touch giving themselves a comfortable cushion. The Zingari had it all to do even with the slim advantage of the second half slope gave us a display of straight powerful direct running that seemed to do the trick, breaking tackles with recycled quick ball had the defence  split wide for Ryan Flockhart to sneak a converted try back. This was the way back with both forwards & backs adopting this tactic the holes began to appear, Brad Alchurch saw the gap with a charging run claiming back another converted try. Whitstable always dangerous again got back on the score sheet with another unconverted try, but the momentum had changed, and more of the same put Nick Creaser over the line from short range, and with Rob Horan conversions had put the city side within striking distance of the lead. With the clock running down the Zingari  put in a final effort camping just short of the Whitstable line before Jake Vowell broke through to give Canterbury a slender one-point lead. With the clock going into the red all would seem to be over, but Whitstable had other ideas, and with a final flourish they got to within striking distance of the city line.  Only to be thwarted  by late replacement Oliver Rutt with a bone crunching tackle on the line causing the ball to be spilled forward thus securing Canterbury the narrowest victory possible.

Home-Grown Talent Takes the Next Step as Stan Bull Makes 1st XV Debut

Posted on | by Becca Williams

Canterbury RFC is proud to celebrate a special milestone as Stan Bull made his 1st XV debut in Saturday’s fixture away at Oundle.

Stan’s journey with the club began at just five years old, and having worn the black and amber throughout his rugby development, his debut represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication and commitment to the club.

Progressing through every stage of the Canterbury pathway, Stan has benefited from the support of countless coaches, teammates, volunteers and supporters who have played a role in his development. His achievement is a fantastic example of the opportunities that exist within the club for young players aspiring to reach senior rugby.

At Canterbury RFC, we pride ourselves on developing and nurturing home-grown talent. Providing a clear pathway from mini and junior rugby through to the senior game is central to our philosophy, and seeing one of our own step onto the field for the 1st XV is a moment the entire club can celebrate.

Everyone at Canterbury RFC is incredibly proud of Stan and this well-deserved achievement. We congratulate him on his debut and look forward to seeing his journey in the black and amber continue for many years to come.

Congratulations, Stan. 🖤💛

26/27 Senior Fixtures are Live

Posted on | by Becca Williams
The excitement is building across Merton Lane as we officially roll out the full fixture list for the 2026/27 season. With the Men’s 1st XV fixtures already confirmed, we’re now thrilled to announce that the Pilgrims, Canons, Deacons, and Zingari have joined the schedule, completing our lineup of five senior men’s teams ready to represent Canterbury RFC with pride.
But that’s not all.
This season also marks another important step forward for the club as we proudly confirm the fixtures for both our Women’s 1st XV and our new Women’s Development Team. Their continued growth, commitment, and impact across the club reflect the strength of women’s rugby at Canterbury and the thriving pathway we are building for female players of all levels.
From the intensity of competitive rugby to the pure enjoyment of social fixtures, this season captures everything that makes our club special. Every squad brings its own identity, its own energy, and its own story, and together they form the heartbeat of Canterbury rugby.
  • The Men’s 1st XV leading the way with passion, determination, and the drive to inspire the whole club.
  • The Women’s 1st XV continuing to raise the bar and compete with pride.
  • The Pilgrims pushing standards and developing talent.
  • The Canons bringing physicality and ambition.
  • The Deacons showing resilience and commitment.
  • The Zingari keeping the spirit of social rugby alive and thriving.
  • The Women’s Development Team providing opportunity, growth, and a welcoming entry point into senior women’s rugby.
Week after week, pitch after pitch, we’ll see players of all levels stepping out in black and amber, competing, growing, laughing, and creating the moments that stay with us long after the final whistle. That’s what Canterbury RFC is all about. So, here’s to another season of senior men’s and women’s rugby in action, to packed Saturdays, to new challenges, and to the community that makes this club feel like home. Whether you’re on the field or cheering from the touchline, we can’t wait to share the journey with you.
Competitive rugby. Social rugby. Development pathways. Lifelong friendships.
We have it all at Canterbury RFC.

Lydia Ticehurst Represents England at the European Touch Championships

Posted on | by Becca Williams

CRFC is proud to celebrate one of our own as Lydia Ticehurst takes to the international stage, representing England at the 2026 European Touch Championships in Vichy, France.

Lydia has earned selection for the England Touch Mixed Open squad, competing against some of the best players from across Europe in a highly competitive division featuring 13 national teams.

Representing your country is one of the highest honours in any sport, and everyone at Canterbury rugby is delighted to see Lydia’s hard work, dedication, and commitment rewarded with this fantastic opportunity. Having developed through the game while proudly wearing the black and amber, Lydia is now showcasing those talents on the European stage.

The European Touch Championships bring together the continent’s top nations for several days of elite competition, providing players with the chance to test themselves against the very best that Europe has to offer. Lydia’s selection is a testament not only to her individual ability but also to the growing strength and success of touch rugby within our club and wider rugby community.

CRFC has always taken great pride in supporting players as they progress through their rugby journey and seeing club members achieve representative honours is something that inspires players of all ages across the club.

As the tournament gets underway in Vichy, the entire Black and Amber family will be following Lydia’s progress closely and cheering on the England squad from home.

We wish Lydia and the rest of Team England the very best of luck throughout the European Touch Championships.

Go well, Lydia, and continue to make the black and amber proud! 🏉🇬🇧

Coaches Development Day

Posted on | by Becca Williams

Our Community Team had the pleasure of hosting an internal Coaches Development Day for our dedicated volunteer Mini & Youth coaches over the weekend.

We are incredibly grateful for the time, energy, and commitment our coaches give to supporting the next generation of players. Days like these are a fantastic opportunity to invest in their continued development, helping them build the skills, knowledge, and confidence to inspire young people both on and off the pitch.

Thank you to everyone who took part and for everything you do for our club and community. We also would love to thank Scrum Kitchen for an amazing breakfast and lunch spread – only the best for our coaches.

Finally, thank you to On Point Training for the expert First Aid knowledge and energetic content delivery.

Kent Selection Honours for Four Canterbury Players

Posted on | by Becca Williams

The club is delighted to celebrate the selection of four players for the Kent Men’s squad, marking a proud moment as the county campaign gets underway.

Cameron Macmillan, Muhammed Pangarker, Thomas Williams, and Tom Mackenzie have all earned call-ups to represent Kent on the county stage. Their selection is a testament to the hard work, determination, and consistent performances shown throughout the season in black and amber.

They join a growing group of players from the club who have represented Kent across the campaign so far, highlighting the strength and depth within the squad. It is particularly pleasing to see this latest group now take their opportunity to contribute as the county programme continues.

A special mention goes to Thomas “Tommy” Williams, who has been named Vice Captain of the Kent Men’s side. This appointment reflects not only strong performances on the field, but also leadership qualities and commitment off it, and is a thoroughly deserved recognition.

Everyone at the club wishes Cameron, Muhammed, Tommy, and Tom the very best as they begin their county journey. Their selection is a source of great pride, and they carry the black and amber onto the county stage with the full support of the club behind them.

A Proud Season for Our 1st XV

Posted on | by Becca Williams

It has been a season to remember for our 1st XV, marked not only by strong performances on the pitch but by the emergence of new talent stepping confidently into senior rugby.

This year saw a number of players earn their 1st XV debuts, a significant milestone for any player and a moment that reflects both individual commitment and the strength of the club’s development pathway.

Debutants This Season

We are proud to recognise the following players who made their first appearances:

  • Adrian Geddes — v Old Albanians (Away)
  • Owain Collins — v Oundle (Away)
  • Gus Lister — v Old Albanians (Home)
  • Max McCormack — v Oxford Harlequins (Home)
  • James Everatt — v Oxford Harlequins (Home)

Each of these players stepped up when called upon, embracing the challenge of senior rugby and making their mark on the team.

Strength in the Pathway

These debut opportunities are a true reflection of the club’s commitment to developing players and providing a clear pathway into top-level competition. The transition from junior ranks or squad rugby into the 1st XV is never easy, but this group demonstrated that hard work, perseverance, and readiness are rewarded.

Their performances underline the depth within the squad and highlight the importance of nurturing homegrown talent.

Looking Ahead

With such promising signs this season, there is plenty to be excited about. The blend of experience and emerging players positions the squad well for future challenges, and we are confident that more players will follow in the footsteps of this year’s debutants.

We look forward to the incoming season with great anticipation — and to many more moments like these as the next generation continues to rise.

Three Players Selected for London & South East U20s Division Honours

Posted on | by Becca Williams

We are delighted to announce that three of our players have been selected for the London & South East Divisional U20s squad, a fantastic achievement that reflects both their individual performances and the strength of the club’s development pathway.

Isaac Divine earns his place once again, marking his second consecutive year of selection. Featuring in the forwards, Isaac continues to demonstrate consistency, physicality, and commitment at this level, further cementing his reputation as a key performer.

Joining him in the forwards is Alex Smith, whose outstanding end to the season has rightly been recognised. Alex’s recent performances showcased exceptional work rate and impact, making his inclusion in the squad a well-deserved reward for his efforts.

In the backs, Brett Smith also returns for his second selection this year, underlining his quality and influence. Brett’s ability and consistency have made him a standout performer, and his call-up is another strong acknowledgement of his contributions.

These selections highlight the talent within the club and the dedication shown by all three players throughout the season.

We are incredibly proud of Isaac, Alex, and Brett, and we look forward to seeing them represent at the divisional level.

Leadership Team Confirmed for the 2026/27 Season

Posted on | by Becca Williams

Canterbury Rugby Club is pleased to announce that our senior leadership group will remain in place for the 2026/27 season, providing continuity, experience, and a strong on‑field presence across the squad.

Captain Jamie Stephens, a commanding second row, will continue to lead from the heart of the pack. His physicality, work rate, and calm authority have been central to the team’s identity, and his return as captain sets a powerful tone for the year ahead.

Alongside him, Frank Reynolds resumes his role as Vice‑Captain. As a fly half, Frank’s game management, creativity, and composure under pressure make him a natural leader and a key decision‑maker across all phases of play.

They will once again be supported by three influential figures within the squad:

  • Tyler Oliver – a dynamic and relentless number eight, known for his ball‑carrying presence and leadership through action.
  • Harry Sloan – an experienced centre whose communication, defensive organisation, and professionalism elevate those around him.
  • Will Waddington – also a centre, bringing energy, consistency, and a strong connection with both the leadership group and the wider squad.

Together, this group represents the standards, ambition, and unity that define Canterbury Rugby Club. Their influence on and off the field has been invaluable, and we look forward to supporting them as they guide the team into the 2026/27 campaign.