Category: Around the Ground

The 2024/25 season has returned with a bang! Three senior teams were out last Saturday bringing home three victories. We also had an exciting demonstration of Wheelchair Rugby from our Hellfires team who were joined by representatives from Crawley Jets and Brighton Buccaneers. Hellfire player Owain West was presented with a new wheelchair by Steve Brown, former captain of the GB wheelchair rugby squad and Hellfires Lead Coach. The custom built wheelchairs run into thousands of pounds and thanks to a deposit paid through money left to Owain from his granddad Barrie West, and funding from Cauldwell Children, Owain now has his own chair, leaving a club chair vacant for whoever wants to give this exhilarating and fast paced sport a try.

Continued support for the club from our business partners is so important, and with that we would like to thank Quinn Estates (Match Sponsor), City Contractors LTD (Ball Sponsor), East Kent Recycling Ltd and Gray Plant Hire (Lunch Sponsors) for their generous support on Saturday.

Our fantastic home game online live stream was brought to us by MMS-360 (Streaming Partner) and powered by OrbitalNet (Network Partner). The full match can be watched back at https://cantrugby-live.uk.

Last weekend’s scores

Canterbury 53 – 13 Colchester
Crowborough 15 – 21 Pilgrims
Canons 60 – 12 Medway III

Tonbridge Juddians 28 – 31 Canterbury U18 1^st XV

This weekend’s fixtures and training

Saturday 14/09

Sevenoaks v 1^st XV – Away KO 3.00pm
Pilgrims v Sevenoaks 2nds – Home KO 3.00pm
Sheppey v Canons – Away KO 3.00pm
Deacons v Sheppey 2nds – Home KO 3.00pm
Zingari v New Ash Green 2nds  – Home KO 3.00pm

Sunday 15/09

Horsham Women v Canterbury Women – Away KO TBC

Mini and Youth

U6 – Main Pitch Deadball area –  9.00am to 10.00am
U7- Grids – 9.00am to 10.00am
U8- Langton 4G – 9.00am to 10.30am
U9- Langton 4G – 9.30am to 10.00am
U10- Top Orchard – 9.00am to 10.30am
U11- Bottom Orchard – 9.00am to10:30am
U12- Training Pitch 10:30am to 12.00pm
U13- v London Irish, Bottom Orchard – 12.00pm KO
U14- Top Orchard – 10:30 to 12.00pm
U15- Top Pitch – 10:30 to 12.00pm
U16- Langton 4G from 10:30am
Colts 2nds v Thanet, Main Pitch – 12.00pm KO
Girls U12-U16 v Thanet (A)
Girls U18 v Old Alleynians (A)

Canterbury Rugby Club and Marine Travel extend a warm welcome to all visiting teams, players, and supporters.

Pre-match lunches

There are still places and tables available at our home game pre-match lunches. Food, drink, raffle, auction, and good company before home games. What’s not to like?

21-Sep-24 Worthing
05-Oct-24 Havant
12-Oct-24 Westcombe Park
26-Oct-24 Barnes
16-Nov-24 Bury St Edmunds
07-Dec-24 Oxford Harlequins
21-Dec-24 Sevenoaks
18-Jan-25 Guernsey
15-Feb-25 Tonbridge Juddians
08-Mar-25 Old Albanian
22-Mar-25 Henley

Contact kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk to book a place or a table of 8 – 12

Memberships

If you still haven’t renewed your club membership, now is the time to do it. All members must renew through the RFU GMS system. Details are available on the memberships page of the club website – https://cantrugby.co.uk/membership/

Alternatively, Sally will be at the Club to help Tues- 10th, Wed 11th, (6.00pm-7.00pm) Thurs 12th (6.30pm – 7.00pm), Sat 21st Worthing at home from 1.00pm -3.00pm.

You can also email members@cantrugby.co.uk. Associate members and season ticket holders will receive a card in the post. If this has not been received by 18th September please email Sally. Black membership cards will continue to give a discount at the bar/shop and Saucy Flo’s but will no longer give access to the ground on match days. That will be by Season card only. Age grade members can collect their cards from Sally on Sunday morning or during the midweek evening training at the times mentioned. All Seniors cards will be issued through the coaches.

Save the date!

Along with LGT Wealth Management, we are once again hosting our famous City Lunch at Smith & Wollensky on November 20^th, 2024 at noon.

Lawrence Dallaglio OBE will be the guest speaker, and the cost will be £125 per person including a drink on arrival and wine with your lunch. For more details contact kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk

We wish you all the best of rugby!

The 2024/25 season is almost upon us and we look forward to inviting you all back to the Marine Travel Ground to cheer on the Amber & Black teams. A massive thank you to all those who volunteered for the big cleanup of the ground Last Sunday. We are nearly ready to throw open our doors thanks to your efforts painting, scrubbing, cleaning and, weeding. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Memberships

It is that time of year again when memberships need to be renewed. All current members, must go online and renew through the RFU GMS portal . Guidance and memberships information can be found on the Memberships  page on our club website.

AGM

The next Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held Monday 19th August 2024 at 7pm for a 7,30 start at the clubhouse. To view the full agenda click here (PDF)

Sport and fun for all ages

We have been blessed with some glorious weather this summer. Why not make the most of it and come join us for activities for all ages and abilities –

Summer of fun – Rugby based games and fitness for all the family. Every Friday from 5.30pm to 7.00pm. More details here
Walking Rugby – Come for the slower paced rugby – Stay for the friends. Every Friday from 7.oopm to 8.00pm till August 30th. More details here
Children’s rugby and sports camps – Check out our Community webpages to see more details

Pre-season

A fantastic chance not only for our players to get some game time in before the season starts, but also for you to practice cheering them on. Save these dates –

1st XV
17 August – Home vs Esher
24 August – Away vs Harpenden
30 August – Home vs Blackheath

Pilgrims
31 August – Home vs Gravesend 1st XV

Canons
31 August – Home vs Gravesend 2nd XV

Pre-match lunches

The 2024/25 season kicks off proper 7 September. Why not join us pre-match for a three course lunch, with speeches, presentations, and a raffle. A fantastic way to meet other supporters, eat fantastic food prepared on-site by our fantastic club caterers Saucy Flo’s . Email Kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk for more details, or to book a table/place.

There are plenty of home games to choose from. Check out the fixtures list on the 1st XV webpage

Talking of fixtures, here is what to expect in the first month of the season –
1st XV
7 September – Colchester home
14 September – Sevenoaks away
21 September – Worthing home
28 September – Guernsey away

Women
15 September – Horsham Women away
22 September – Medway Ladies home

Pilgrims
7 September – Crowsborough away
14 September – Sevenoaks II home
20 September – Ashford home
28 September – Charlton Park home

Canons
7 September – Medway III home
14 September – Sheppey away
21 September – Rye home
28 September – Dartfordians away

Deacons
14 September – Sheppey 2nd XV home
21 September – Leigh 1st XV away
28 September – Gravesend 3rds home

Zingari
21 September – New Ash Green 2nd XV home
21 September – Deal 3rds away

We look forward to welcoming you all to the Marine Travel Ground – Bring the noise!

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 1^st 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 1^st 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 9^th 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.
24^th 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!

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 1^st 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 1^st XV – Away KO 3.00pm
Ash 1^st 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 9^th 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

24^th 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!

What a weekend of rugby that was! Our 1^st 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 1^st 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 1^st 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 5^th 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 3^rd 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 23^rd March, returning 8.45pm – Contact kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk to book your seats.

We wish you all the best of rugby weekends!

A weekend of mixed fortunes and what could have beens. The 1st XV pushed hard against National 2’s second placed team and looked like they were going to get something out of the game, but Barnes dug in and showed why they are chasing the league leaders. Pilgrims continue their unbeaten run with an impressive win over Charlton Park. Canterbury Women again put in a magnificent shift to dominate Pulborough Women. It was fantastic to see Canterbury Hellfire host their own tournament and massive thanks must go to Canterbury College (EKC) for allowing the club the use of their facilities. Our U12’s and U14’s put in a good shift, with the U14’s having to reschedule their fixture against Gravesend at the last minute and finding a game with Thanet Wanderers. 3 fantastic trys by Jonson Foster and Isaac Little’s immaculate boot secured a big win for the team.

Weekend scores

1^st XV 20 – 29 Barnes
Pilgrims 60 – 12 Charlton Park
Pulborough Women 12 – 33 Canterbury Women
Hellfire Tournament

Game 1: Brighton Buccaneers 22 – 11 Canterbury Hellfire
Game 2: Berkshire Banshees 21 – 19 Canterbury Hellfire
Game 3: Canterbury Hellfire 11 – 27 Stoke Mandeville Maulers

U12’s 50 – 20 Cranbrook
U14’s 52 – 0 Thanet Wanderers

Fixtures and Training

Friday Night Lights
Deacons v Snowdown 1^st XV – KO 6.30pm

** Bar open and BBQ from 5.30pm **

Saturday
1^st XV v Westcombe Park – Away KO 2.00pm

This will be a milestone game for Frank Morgan, as this game will be his 100^th Canterbury appearance.

Maidstone 2nds v Zingari – Away KO 2.30pm

Sunday
U12’s Spitfires v Old Gravesendians – Away
U12’s Hurricanes v TJ’s  – Away
U13’S v Aylesford  – Home Bottom Orchard  KO 11.00am
U14’s v Vigo – Away
U15’s v Sevenoaks – Home Langton STP from 10.00am
U16’s v Bromley – Away
Colts 1 & 2 v TJ’s  – Away

Mini & Youth Training

U6’S grids 9.00am -10.00am
U7’s and 8’s Langton STP 9.00am – 10.00am
U9’s and U10’s Top Orchard 9.00am – 10.30am
U11’s Bottom Orchard 9.00am – 10.30am

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

City Lunch

Just a reminder that we still have places available at our March 7^th City Lunch, with our guest speaker Kelly Brown sharing insights and experiences from his illustrious rugby career. As a former Scotland international and seasoned professional, Kelly brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective on the game that is sure to captivate our audience. Come and enjoy a delicious meal with fellow club members and the wider rugby community. Contact kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk for details and to book. Tables of 10 – 12, £70 per person. Don’t miss out on this fantastic event.

6 Nations round 3

With England and Ireland the only nations still in the hunt for the grand slam, it will certainly be a great weekend of rugby. Come and watch with us in the clubhouse and enjoy a beer and a burger for £10!

Saturday
Ireland v Wales – KO 2.15pm
Scotland v England – KO 4.45pm

Sunday
France v Italy – KO 3.00pm

The clubhouse bar will be open from 12.30pm both days.

We wish you all the best of rugby weekends!

It was a weekend of ups and downs. We celebrated those who won and commiserated with those who didn’t, but as one club, we ready ourselves to go again.

Weekend scores

Dorking 42 – 22 1^st XV
Dartfordians 1^st XV 36 – 51 Pilgrims
Deacons 41 – 5 Folkestone 2nds
Weavering 36 – 35 Zingari
Canterbury Women 38 – 8 Dartford Valley Roses
Colts 1 14 – 19 TJ’s
U16’s 12 – 19 Thurrock
U13’s 40 – 5 Sevenoaks

The Pilgrims maintain their grip at the top of Counties 1 Kent and continue their so far unbeaten season. Canterbury Women looked strong and dominant against Dartford Valley Roses. The Zingari battled like true warriors only to fall short by the slightest of margins, but they pushed until the final whistle. Special mention goes to the U13’s 2^nd team who travelled to Sevenoaks the weekend before, beating the home team 20 – 35 with James Trott earning a mention in despatches for his outstanding contribution.

Fixtures and Training

Saturday
1^st XV v Barnes – KO 3.00pm – Main Pitch
Pilgrims v Charlton Park – KO 2.30pm – Langton Grass Pitch

Entrance to 1^st XV game £10.00 without a valid membership card
Clubhouse bar open and food available

Sunday
Pulborough Women v Canterbury Women – KO 2.30pm
Hellfire Tournament – EKC Canterbury College, from midday
U15’s v Barking – Away
U14’s v Gravesend, top pitch – KO 10.30am
U12’s v Cranbrook Langton STP – KO 10.30am
Minis v Cranbrook – Away

Mini & Youth Training
U6’s – Grids 9.00am till 10.00am
U13’s – Lower Orchard, 10.00am
U16 and U17’s joint training, Langton STP 11.30am till 1.00pm

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

City Lunch

We still have places available at our March 7^th City Lunch, with our guest speaker Kelly Brown sharing insights and experiences from his illustrious rugby career. As a former Scotland international and seasoned professional, Kelly brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective on the game that is sure to captivate our audience. Come and enjoy a delicious meal with fellow club members and the wider rugby community. Contact kirsty@cantrugby.co.uk for details and to book. Tables of 10 – 12, £70 per person.