Author: Becca Williams

Joint Rugby Training Session – Ashford U9 & U10 Girls

Posted on | by Becca Williams

We’re delighted to be hosting a joint rugby training session for the Ashford U9 and U10 Girls on Sunday 15th February, running from 10:45am to 12:00pm on the training pitch.

This upcoming session will be a special milestone, as it will be the first-ever training session for the Ashford U9 & U10 Girls. The focus will be on creating a fun, inclusive and welcoming environment, introducing the players to rugby through engaging activities, skill development and team games.

Joint sessions like this are a fantastic way to build confidence, encourage teamwork and help young players begin their rugby journey in a positive and supportive setting. Coaches are looking forward to guiding the girls through their first session and helping them enjoy every moment on the pitch.

We’re excited to welcome the players and their families and look forward to a brilliant morning of rugby.

Canterbury RFC Gears Up for the Return of Its May Ball With FNKHAUS Set to Headline

Posted on | by Becca Williams

Canterbury RFC has announced the return of its much‑loved May Ball, scheduled for Friday, 22 May 2026, promising an evening of glamour, high spirits, and lively entertainment for the club and wider community. The event will once again feature FNKHAUS, who are set to bring their trademark energy and party atmosphere to the dance floor.

This year’s May Ball is being promoted as a night of glam, good vibes, and dance‑floor fun, with the club highlighting the blend of great food, big music, and memorable moments that have made the event a standout occasion in the social calendar. Organizers say it is shaping up to be one of the most exciting nights of the year, encouraging attendees to make the date one to remember.

The black‑tie evening will include a three‑course dinner, followed by a packed evening

 featuring dancing, an auction, raffle, dodgems, a 360° photobooth, and a variety of games. With FNKHAUS returning to deliver a full set of dance‑floor fillers, club classics and crowd‑pleasing anthems, the entertainment is expected to carry the celebration late into the night.

Guests will arrive from 6.30pm, with dinner served at 7.30pm. Carriages are scheduled for 1.00am, and tickets are priced at £80 per person.

With interest rising quickly, Canterbury RFC is encouraging supporters to secure their tickets early as demand is expected to be high.

For booking information and further details, contact information is available through the club’s official website or email: Kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk

Canterbury U14s Spitfires Crowned Kent League 1 Champions: Back‑to‑Back Titles for an Exceptional Squad

Posted on | by Becca Williams

The Canterbury U14s Spitfires have done it again. Kent League 1 Champions for the second consecutive season, securing their status as one of the most formidable youth rugby teams in the county.

In a fiercely contested and physical match against long‑standing rivals Old Dunstonians, the Spitfires delivered a performance that showcased everything that makes this group so special. From the first whistle to the last, the intensity, discipline and sheer determination on display were nothing short of outstanding.

A Performance Built on Grit, Teamwork and Heart

Every single player left everything on the pitch. The defensive effort was immense, the attacking phases were sharp and intelligent, and the collective work rate never dipped, even under immense pressure.

Spectators were treated to a thrilling afternoon of rugby, defined by:

  • Relentless physicality in both attack and defence
  • Exceptional teamwork, with players supporting each other at every moment
  • Unshakeable resilience, especially during the tightest phases of the match
  • A champion’s mentality, proving why this squad continues to rise above the competition

This was not just a win, it was a statement.

A Proud Moment for Players, Coaches and Supporters

Becoming Kent Champions once is an achievement. Doing it back‑to‑back speaks to the culture, commitment and unity within this team.

The coaches have shaped a group that plays with intelligence, passion and pride. The supporters, families, friends and the wider Canterbury rugby community, have been behind them every step of the way.

Together, they’ve created something truly special.

Onwards and Upwards for the Spitfires

This title marks another milestone in the Spitfires’ journey, but it’s clear this squad is far from finished. With their talent, attitude and togetherness, the future looks incredibly bright.

Congratulations to the Canterbury U14s Spitfires — Kent League 1 Champions once again. What a team. What an achievement.

Canterbury U16s Crowned Champions After Dominant 38–5 Victory

Posted on | by Becca Williams

Canterbury U16s delivered a performance to remember this weekend, stepping onto the pitch with everything at stake,  and rising to the occasion in spectacular fashion. In a commanding 38–5 win over Tunbridge Wells, the squad didn’t just secure another result…

🏆 They sealed the 2026 Championship title. 🏆

From the opening whistle, Canterbury set the tone with relentless pressure, disciplined structure, and an intensity that Tunbridge Wells struggled to match. Every player contributed to a display filled with heart, grit, and composure far beyond their years.

By the time the final try was grounded, the scoreboard told the story: a dominant Canterbury side, muddy, exhausted, but smiling from ear to ear, the unmistakable look of champions.

A Triumph Months in the Making

 

This victory represents far more than 70 minutes of rugby excellence. It is the result of:

• Months of hard training

• Unwavering discipline and commitment

• A squad that plays for each other

• Dedicated coaches shaping and supporting development

• Parents and volunteers who make every match day possible

Together, this community built something special, and today, it all came to life on the pitch.

💛🖤 Congratulations to the Canterbury U16s: 2026 Champions!💛🖤

The scoring opened after 20 minutes when Alfie crossed for the first try, slinking through muddy hands as no one could bring him down,

setting the tone for the afternoon. Six minutes later Axel powered his way over, a try built on sheer strength, aggression and hand-offs that underlined the forwards’ intent. Isaac added the conversion at 27 minutes to extend the lead further.

This team has earned a moment they will carry with them forever. Their performance, their unity, and their spirit have set a standard for the club and created memories that will stay with players, coaches, and supporters alike.

Well done, Canterbury. What a journey. What a team. What a finish.

The Match Report:

This final Kent County League fixture of the U16 season came with everything on the line, with victory required to secure the Championship. The squad responded in emphatic fashion, producing a dominant all-round performance to close the campaign in style.

From there, the Canterbury backs began to shine. Oscar finished a sharp move at pace beating 3 attempted tacklers on 30 minutes, before Isaac followed it up with another conversion. The interplay, speed and precision in the wider channels caused constant problems for the opposition defence.
Early in the second half, Will D produced one of the standout moments of the match, finishing brilliantly in the corner. Hugging the touchline, he showed great pace and control to run it in under pressure.

Oscar then added his second try, continuing a strong attacking display with a great mix of strength and speed.

At 36–0, Happy crashed over for a superb try that perfectly summed up his game after Alex had crashed through the mainline toward the Try line — all power, aggression and refusal to be stopped. Isaac was again reliable from the tee, adding further conversions to keep the scoreboard ticking.

Although the opposition managed a late consolation score, it did nothing to take the shine off a commanding 38–5 victory.

A fitting performance in the final league game, securing the Kent County League Championship (back to back, as they were the U15 champions also) and marking an outstanding U16 season.

 

We kick off the Six Nations with a new menu

Posted on | by Becca Williams

Opening night special. France v Ireland

Lot’s of bookings already in. Have you booked in yet? Get your name on a steak.

We kick everything off, Thursday 5 February, with a mouth watering opener as France take on Ireland under the lights.

To mark the start of the Championship, SCRUM Kitchen will be serving up a proper rugby classic. Steak and frites from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, perfectly timed to fuel you up ahead of the 8.10pm kick off.

£15 per head.

Arrive early, grab a drink at the bar, enjoy great food, and settle in for what promises to be a blockbuster start to the Six Nations.

You are welcome to take a chance and walk in on the night, but we strongly recommend securing your steaks in advance by emailing scrumkitchen@cantrugby.co.uk

Six Nations themed burgers. Matchdays done properly

For all other Six Nations fixtures, apart from Saturday 14 February due to a home game, Scrum Kitchen will be serving up a special Six Nations themed burger menu, available for each of the games.

All burgers are served in brioche buns with fries.

The Italian
Steak burger with mozzarella, tomato, and pesto mayonnaise. A nod to flair and freshness. Melting mozzarella, ripe tomato, and fragrant pesto mayonnaise bring a touch of Roman sunshine to your matchday, smooth, balanced, and quietly confident.

The French
Steak burger with Brie, bacon, and Dijon mustard.  Rich, indulgent, and unapologetically bold. Creamy Brie meets crispy bacon, finished with a hit of Dijon mustard for a burger that plays with finesse but never shies away from contact.

The Irish
Built with power and finished with a little luck. Rich Cashel blue cheese brings depth and bite, rainbow slaw adds colour and crunch, and a golden onion ring sits proudly on top, a nod to the luck of the Irish and the pot of gold waiting at the end of the rainbow.

The Scottish
Hard working, uncompromising, and full of character. A proper haggis slice with sweet fried onions. Built for graft, grit, and long afternoons shouting about missed tackles.

The Welsh
Passionate, proud, and rooted in tradition. Sautéed leeks and crumbly Caerphilly cheese come together in a veggie option that sings with national pride and a choir worthy finish.

The English
Steak burger topped with mature Cheddar, bacon, fried onions, and English mustard mayonnaise.  Solid, powerful, and built for the long game. Mature Cheddar, smoky bacon, fried onions, and English mustard mayonnaise deliver a burger that is direct, dependable, and seriously satisfying.

All of the above at £9.95.

The Neutral
Steak burger, plain or with burger cheese slices.  No allegiances, no distractions, just pure rugby fuel. A classic steak burger, plain or with cheese, for those who are here for the contest, not the colours.
£7.95

Rugby – Food – Community

This is what the Clubhouse does best. Great rugby on the screens, proper food from SCRUM Kitchen, and the chance to watch the Six Nations with friends, teammates, families, and fellow supporters.

Get behind your nation, grab a burger, and make the Clubhouse your home for the Six Nations.

All burgers available at every game – What’s your flavour?

Deacons step things up & worry TJ’s 3’s.

Posted on | by Becca Williams

Deacons step things up & worry TJ’s 3’s.

The sun came out for the last of the 171 weekends in Jan ‘26 as we welcomed TJ’s 3’s to the MTG. Being the only team playing at home we were excited to be back home but knew our opponents would be formidable. It’s been a tricky January where we’ve played the top 3 teams in our league on consecutive weekends. Such a tough schedule brings its own challenges has & we lost a few of our key players to injuries.

Calling up our teammates from across the Zingari, wider club, uni and Colts we fielded another team filled with youth, experience & greying hair and even had some subs to call on.
To our delight the ever capable Jake Upward & Dan Head were available in the back line alongside Herbie Bowler to bolster some serious talent in the pack with Milo Kubicki, Rueben Kerr, Freddie Philpot and Aidan Demery all making appearances for everybody’s favourite Canterbury team.

Losing the toss Canterbury received the kick off playing uphill on the Orchard pitch and started with good intentions. After a number of phases TJ’s got to show us what they had in their arsenal. They tested us across the pitch in the face of some fierce defending by the City boys, tackling hard and shutting down the TJ’s runners. After a prolonged period camped on the Deacons 5m line TJ’s struck first despite the defensive heroics.
It didn’t take long before the visitors found some space on the opposite wing and darted in for a second try, this time converted.

Chasing the restart the Deacons set about making sure TJ’s didn’t have it all their own way with some great carries from the forwards & strong presses against the counter attacks. The game was tougher than a Wetherspoons steak, so much so Oli Toms destroyed his boots through his blistering pace.
Following a strong Canterbury scrum and Dylan Coyle whipping the ball around for some phase play, Milo Kubicki spotted the gap and barrelled through fending off some defenders & setting up an easy conversion for Dan Head’s ever reliable boot.
We were off the mark at 7-12 and not much of the half left.

Sadly the next 12 minutes did not go in our favour. Fatigue set in, we lost some of the communication, focus and confidence that had seen us pull ourselves back into the game. TJ’s ran in a couple of quick, easy tries.

The half time Haribo was in dire need as the whistle went and we headed to the break 7-31 down. A few personnel changes on the cards – Piers Weigh had to stand down due to injury having had a superb game, Connor Langley joined at flanker and young superstar Kirk Taylor moved to fullback.

With Dylan & Herbie trading places we were ready for the second half. Unfortunately we didn’t realise it had already started and TJ’s seized the chance to score once more. Bugger.

So off we went again, chasing another restart worried it was history repeating itself, TJ’s with the wind in their sails and still with most of the half to go.
But once again, as with most of this seasons games the Deacons clicked & worked together. Freddie Philpot was instrumental in so many attacking runs (he also played in 3 different positions by the end of the game) & he deserved to score powering over the line.
Jake Upward & Dan Head controlled the defensive line and the attacking moves and once again the big man Milo got his second with some impressive footwork.

With Dan putting away the extras we found realised the scoreboard was at 21-31 & it was game on! TJ’s were rattled & set about pressuring us to try and find a crack in our defense. With tiring bodies & an empty bench they crossed our line once more but another missed kick saw us trail by 15 points with plenty of time remaining.

With a period where both teams made as many mistakes as each other, up stepped Freddie again tearing into the try area and stopping just short of between the posts to allow a simple conversion. Remarkably now 28-36 and the Deacons were chasing a massive comeback. With a converted try in it & 6 or 7 minutes on the clock (yeah, 6/7……) we were within range.

TJ’s were shook. They came back strong using territory and a well rehearsed set piece to their advantage. A strong rolling maul which (accidentally) collapsed leading to a penalty meant TJ’s were eventually able to cross our line again to take the score to 28-41.

We thought we were still in it, and wanted more. When the final whistle went we all celebrated, 2nd in the league had beaten 2nd from bottom. But the Deacons re-discovered their form & went to the sheds full of pride.

Back on St Valentines Day away to Leigh, lovers (hope it’s not a massacre!)

MOTM x2 – Carter Jefferys for work rate & Jake Upward for intensity

Tries –
Milo Kubicki x 2
Freddie Philpot x 2
Conv – Dan Head x 4

Pilgrims came off 2nd best in a game of 2 very contrasting halves.

Posted on | by Becca Williams

Dartfordians 34

Pilgrims 26

Pilgrims came off 2nd best in a game of 2 very contrasting halves.
The pilgrims travelled to Dartfordians with a number of absentees through injury which forced a number of positional changes in the back line which included flanker Tom Mackenzie stepping in to the centres.
The new combinations took time to click and this was exploited well in the first half by Dartfordians side who were well drilled and had a clear game plan to test the blind side before looking to spread the ball wide which they did 3 times in the first half to race into a 19-0 lead.
This spurred the pilgrims into action and the strong running of the forwards drove Dartfordians back up the slope on a number of occasions only for dropped balls or infringements at the breakdown letting Dartfordians off the hook. Pilgrims task was made even harder when they lost forward Mo Pangarker to injury on the 30 minute mark. Dartfordians kicked a penalty to the corner and drove over out wide to secure a try bonus point before half time and take a 24-0 lead. The pilgrims finally injected some fluency in their attack as they spent the final 5 mins of the half putting Dartfordians under constant pressure. They drove deep into the 22 with a driving maul from a lineout which Dartfordians illegally stopped just short of the line. The resulting penalty was tapped and the pilgrims looked odds on for their first score on the stroke of half time, only to be turned over in the act of driving over the line when a score seemed certain, Dartfordians cleared and the half ended with them leading 24-0.
Pilgrims came out firing in the second half, and with the advantage of the slope it didn’t take long for them to get points on the board. Dartfordians were on the back foot as the pilgrims surged forward and Dartfordians were adjudged to be offside in midfield, knowing he had an advantage flyhalf collins clipped a cross field kick from left to right which the pilgrims dotted down to score, 24-5.
The second soon followed when Gus Lister spotted an opportunity out wide and his exceptional long pass sent wing man Harvey Ingram on a powerful 70 meter run, he was eventually stopped just short of the Dartfordians line but scrum half Hector Valladares was on hand to pick up and dive over. 24-12.
Sensing the momentum shifting against them, Dartfordians became niggly, but it was the pilgrims who found themselves on the receiving end of the referees decisions as not 1 but 2 yellow cards were brandished within a minute- first industrious debutant flanker Mark Stone was yellow carded for handling a loose ball while offside before captain will Hunt was given a 2nd for what the referee described as an accumulation of offences. Being 2 men down with 20 mins to play disrupted the city sides flow and allowed Dartfordians back into the game. They quickly exploited the 2 man advantage to score their fifth try out wide to take the score to 29-12.
Still playing front foot rugby, the pilgrims were quickly back on the attack and good offloading led to a fine line break by flanker Max McCormack who beat a number of defenders to score, well converted by Lister 29-19. Dartfordians then got the decisive score against the run of play, pouncing on a loose ball and using their numerical advantage to move the ball wide and score their 6th try. 34-19.
Back up to full strength with less than 10 mins to play, the pilgrims were back on the front foot and pushing for a bonus point try of their own. Dartfordians were defending with great determination and thwarted a number of promising pilgrims attacks before wing man Mitch Fielder eventually dived over with the clock ticking down to bring the final score 34-26. Dartfordians held on for a deserved victory after their first half performance, the pilgrims will be looking to bounce back at home on 14th February when they take on old reigatians.

Canons Match Report

Posted on | by Becca Williams

It was a tough afternoon at the office for the Canons as the city side fell to a 52-15 defeat against table toppers Sittingbourne.

 

The Canons knew that they were heading into a physical battle against Sittingbourne, who saw their first defeat of the season the prior week, which provided added venom to the league leaders. Canterbury started positively, and took an early lead following a 45m penalty from Josh Lamb. However the uglier and heavier Sittingbourne soon bounced back for their first try following scrum dominance on a very muddy and boggy top pitch and pushed over from 5m. Within the next 10 minutes, it was déjà vu, as Bourne crossed for a second from another scrum.

Frustration hit the Canons, with silly penalties allowing the visitors to kick the ball into the corner and again maul over from short range. A yellow card followed for Fady Sheta following a no arms tackle, but despite being a man down, the Canons scored next following some good recycling and free flowing rugby. Finding space out wide, Lamb used good footwork to evade the defence and release Kel Katta to score. The conversion was successful and the deficit reduced to 9.  Sittingbourne had the last laugh of the half, again using their forwards to bully their way over and grab the bonus point try.

 

Despite the score line, Sittingbourne had picked up a number of injuries and the game felt in the balance at half time.  However, Sittingbourne rallied in the second half, and again the forwards used their size and power to wear down the Canons defence 4 more times.  The Canons ended positively, with the excellent Henry Carruthers finishing off a passage of excellent offloading to score a consolation.

 

Sittingbourne showed why they are top of the league and pushing for promotion into Counties 2. The Canons now have a 2 week break before travelling to old foes Old Williamsonians for a Valentine’s Day love in.

Canterbury Push League Leaders to the Limit in Hard Fought Home Clash

Posted on | by Becca Williams

Written by Amber Waitimas

 

Canterbury Women vs Dorking (Home) – 26–34

 

It was a well-anticipated home fixture for Canterbury Women as they welcomed league leaders Dorking, who have dominated the competition so far this season. With both sides looking to impose themselves early, the match delivered a high intensity, physical contest from the opening whistle. This fixture also saw six debut players feature for Canterbury’s ever-growing women’s team, highlighting the squad’s continued development.

 

Canterbury kicked off and immediately applied pressure, capitalising on handling errors from Dorking deep inside their own 15. On debut, Meghan Rhodes #3 reacted sharply at the breakdown, picking up loose ball before the forwards drove hard through a series of pick and go phases. The sustained pressure was rewarded when El Crowe #8 crossed for the opening try to give Canterbury a 5–0 lead.

 

Dorking responded to level the scores at 5–5 before adding further points to move ahead 5–10 and then 5–12. Despite this, Canterbury’s scrum proved a major strength throughout the match. Strong, dominant set-piece work consistently provided clean ball, allowing scrum-half and captain Lucy Relf #9 to deliver quick, accurate service and maintain tempo in Canterbury’s attack. Defensively, Emily Moriarty #15 made several one on one try saving hits, repeatedly shutting down Dorking’s attacks and keeping Canterbury in the contest.

 

From a penalty, Canterbury again turned to their forward power, building momentum through repeated pick and go phases before the ball was shifted cleanly through the backs and out to Robyn Gulley #12, who finished well to level the scores at 12–12. Gulley converted her own try. Shortly after, Canterbury were unfortunate not to be awarded a goal-line drop-out, with their hard defensive work leading to Dorking being held up twice over the try line. Dorking then took advantage to extend their lead to 12–17 and then 12–24 at half time.

 

Canterbury came out with renewed intent after the break. From another penalty, the forwards showed patience and control, with Kate Rutherford #19 grounding the ball after a sustained period of pressure. Robyn Gulley #12 added the conversion to reduce the deficit to 19–24. In the pack, Savannah Butt #6 delivered a standout performance, making several dominant tackles and securing key lineout wins, earning Forward of the Match.

 

Dorking responded to push the score to 19–29, but Canterbury refused to let their heads drop. A powerful 20 metre run from El Crowe #8 cut through the defensive line to score once again, with Robyn Gulley #12 converting to close the gap to 26–29. In the backs, Layla Little #13 was outstanding, running excellent support lines and repeatedly breaking through the Dorking defence. Her impact, alongside Robyn Gulley #12, saw the pair work effectively together to identify and exploit gaps, creating sharp attacking opportunities, earning Back of the Match.

 

Late in the contest, Dorking scored on the wing following a penalty to extend their lead to 26–34. A final penalty from the scrum brought the match to a close.

 

Players of the Match were particularly hard to select this week following strong performances across the squad. Forward of the Match went to Savannah Butt #6 for her dominant tackles and key lineout wins, while Back of the Match was awarded to Layla Little #13 for her excellent support lines and ability to break through the Dorking defence. The Women’s Team Sponsor’s Player, awarded by Joe Jupe from JAJ Signals, went to Emma Alleyne #5 in recognition of her consistent hard work across the park, strong attacking lines, and dominance at the breakdown.

 

Despite the result, Canterbury refused to accept defeat and proved why they are a strong team, testing Dorking in a well-contested match from start to finish. The coaching team are particularly proud of the performance and the squad’s commitment, maintaining intensity and hard work for the full 80 minutes of the game.

ACE Student Carter Set to Take Next Step Into Adult Rugby

Posted on | by Becca Williams

This Saturday marks an important milestone for our partner school, The Archbishop’s School, as pupil Carter takes the next step in his rugby journey by progressing into adult rugby.

Carter has been a standout figure within The Archbishop’s School’s rugby programme, demonstrating commitment, consistency, and a strong understanding of the game throughout his school career. His development over recent seasons has been a testament to both his work ethic and the high standards upheld within the school’s rugby environment.

As a key component of the programme, Carter has not only contributed through performances on the pitch but has also set an example off it — showing leadership, discipline, and a willingness to learn. These qualities have supported his transition and prepared him well for the physical and tactical demands of the adult game.

Carter, Playing for ACE

Speaking about Carter’s progression, David Elliott, Headteacher of The Archbishop’s School, and Adam Knoupe, Director of Sport and Head of Sport Academies, both highlighted the significance of this moment. They commented that it is “great to see the partnership between the school and the club come into fruition, and the realisation of our aspirations for a pupil of our school to access adult rugby, particularly with a high-level club such as Canterbury.”

Carter’s progression reflects the strength of the pathway created through the partnership between The Archbishop’s School and the club, providing talented players with clear opportunities to develop beyond school rugby and into the senior game.

Everyone connected with the school and the club wishes Carter every success as he embarks on this next chapter of his rugby journey. His achievement stands as a positive example of what can be accomplished through strong collaboration, ambition, and commitment to player development.