Category: Representative Rugby

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.

Canterbury Players Shine on County and Country Stage as Representative Season Begins

Posted on | by Becca Williams

Canterbury Rugby Club is incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of our past and present players who continue to shine at county and country level. Their dedication, talent, and commitment to the game reflect the very best of our club values, and we are thrilled to see their hard work recognised on the representative stage.

From England honours to county call‑ups, these achievements highlight the strength of our rugby community and the pathways that support players at every stage of their journey. Whether representing Kent or England, our players carry the spirit of Canterbury with them.

We wish all our representatives the very best as the county campaign gets underway, and we look forward to cheering them on every step of the way.

Jemma-Jo Linkins Earns Second Consecutive Start for England U21’s

A huge congratulations to Jemma-Jo Linkins, who continues her impressive run with the England Under 21’s. Jemma has once again been named in the starting XV, retaining her place on the wing for the second consecutive fixture.

Her consistency, pace, and work rate have made her a standout performer, and everyone at Canterbury is immensely proud to see her representing her country with such confidence and quality. Jemma’s journey is a brilliant example of what dedication and passion for the sport can achieve.

County Campaign Underway: Kent U17s and Kent Women Selections Announced

As the county season kicks off, we are delighted to celebrate even more Canterbury representation across Kent squads.

Kent Under 17s Selection

Congratulations to our young talents selected for the Kent U17s as they prepare to face Eastern Counties:

  • Maxim O‑D
  • Arthur E
  • Oliver M
  • Sammy B
  • Raphael J

This is a fantastic achievement for each of these players, and a testament to their development, determination, and the support of our coaching pathway. We look forward to seeing them take the field with pride.

Kent Women Selection

We are equally thrilled to recognise our Canterbury players selected for the Kent Women squad:

  • Robyn Gulley
  • El Crowe
  • Ella Jenkins
  • Hannah Sandeman

These athletes continue to raise the bar for women’s rugby within the club and across the county. Their leadership, skill, and commitment make them outstanding role models for the next generation of Canterbury players.

Black and Amber Pride on the National and County Stage

Posted on | by Becca Williams

Canterbury Rugby Club is bursting with pride this week as members of our Black and Amber family continue to shine on both the national and county stage in women’s and men’s rugby. Their achievements reflect not only their individual talent and dedication, but the strength, spirit and ambition that run through our club.

Jemma‑Jo Linkins Selected for England U21s

A huge congratulations to Jemma‑Jo Linkins, who has been selected for the England Under 21 Red Roses. Jemma‑Jo will make her international debut on Saturday, starting on the wing against Ireland.

This is an extraordinary milestone for a player who has grown through our pathways with determination, humility and a relentless work ethic. Seeing her step onto the pitch in national colours is a moment of immense pride for everyone at Canterbury. She represents the very best of our club, and we cannot wait to watch her take this next step in her journey.

Four Canterbury Players Selected for Kent U20s

Our pride doesn’t stop there. Alex Smith, Isaac Divine, Harry Crowley and Brett Smith have all been selected to represent Kent U20s in the Quarter Final of the Jason Leonard Cup against Hertfordshire, and every one of them has earned a starting position.

Their selection is a testament to the depth of talent within our men’s programme and the commitment these young players show week in, week out. To have four Canterbury players starting in such a crucial fixture is a remarkable achievement and a reflection of the hard work happening across our coaching and development teams.

A Club United in Pride

Moments like these remind us why Canterbury Rugby Club is more than a team,  it’s a family. Seeing our players excel at county and national level fills us with immense pride and reinforces the strength of our Black and Amber identity.

To Jemma‑Jo, Alex, Isaac, Harry and Brett; your club is behind you every step of the way. You inspire our juniors, energise our supporters, and showcase Canterbury rugby at its very best.

 

Canterbury Presence Shines in Another Ealing Trailfinders U17s Showcase

Posted on | by Becca Williams

It was another outstanding weekend for our Canterbury RFC youngsters as they once again pulled on the Ealing Trailfinders colours, representing the ‘Champ’ teams elite academy, this time with an even stronger Canterbury presence across both squads.

Ealing Trailfinders fielded two U17 teams, Orange and Green, with the Orange side featuring eight Canterbury players, a fantastic reflection of the talent coming through our pathway.

Representing Canterbury in Ealing Orange were Alex, Axe, Felipé, Fred, Chester, Olly, Sam and Will, all of whom played with confidence, resilience and maturity beyond their years.

The Ealing Orange team were rewarded for their efforts with a well‑earned 28–24 victory, in what was effectively a U16/U17 hybrid fixture. The close, competitive nature of the contest showcased just how well these players are adapting to higher‑level rugby, both physically and tactically. Their performance was full of energy, commitment and composure, delivering a result they can be truly proud of.

Ealing Green team, meanwhile, were involved in a thrilling encounter that went right down to the final play. Despite a narrow 47–43 defeat, the performance was full of positives. With the Green side operating more as a predominantly U17 team, players such as Fred, Freddie, Will and Alfie were tested at a higher age‑group level in a game played at great intensity. The final score may not have fallen their way, but the character, ambition and attacking rugby on display spoke volumes.

What makes occasions like this so special is not just the results, but the journey behind them. Everyone who has played a part along the way; parents, coaches and volunteers can take immense pride in seeing out young Canterbury players continue to grow, challenge themselves and represent Canterbury so impressively in the ‘Champ’ Trailfinders environment.

We couldn’t be prouder of every one of them!

U16 Players Step Up to Represent Ealing Trailfinders Under 17s

Posted on | by Becca Williams

 

We are incredibly proud of three of our Under 16 players who stepped up to represent CHAMP side Ealing Trailfinders Under 17s over the weekend. Fred Hammond, Alfie Allan and Freddie Eastwood-Squire all pulled on the U17 shirt, showing maturity, commitment and quality well beyond their age group.

Despite a tough fixture, away against Glasgow Warriors U17s, the team delivered a competitive performance, eventually losing 52–36 in a high-scoring and entertaining match. The scoreline reflected the attacking intent and resilience shown throughout the game, with our players playing their part at every stage.

A special mention goes to Alfie Allan, who capped off his performance by getting on the scoresheet.

The players showed great attitude, physicality and composure, contributing to the team and demonstrating why they deserve opportunities at the next level.

As a club, we take huge pride in seeing our youth players progress through the pathway and earn representative opportunities. Coach Foz has created a team unrivaled in the Kent and South East area.

Fred, Alfie and Freddie fully embody our values on and off the pitch, and their efforts have not gone unnoticed.

These kinds of experiences are vital in player development.

Representing Ealing Trailfinders Under 17s will help all three players grow, learn and bring extra knowledge and confidence back into our Under 16s environment.

Well done to all three lads on a strong showing at Under 17 level.

Next week sees Ealing Trailfinders Under 17s face another CHAMP side, Coventry, and we hope to see more Canterbury RFC Under 16 representation there, watch this space!

 

Kent U20s x Canterbury RFC

Posted on | by Becca Williams

We are incredibly proud to announce that four Canterbury Rugby Club players have been selected – and will all start – for Kent U20s this Sunday. This is a fantastic achievement for both the players and the club, and a clear reflection of the talent coming through at Canterbury.

Canterbury Representation in the Kent U20s Squad are as follows;

  • Alex Smith- starting at prop
  • Aidan Demery- starting at hooker
  • Isaac Divine- starting at openside flanker
  • Brett Smith- starting at inside centre

All four have earned their places through relentless hard work, dedication, and consistent performances in the black and amber. Being named in the starting XV at county level is no small feat, and it speaks volumes about their commitment to developing their game.

Match Details

The Kent U20s will take on Hampshire this Sunday at Ashford Rugby Club, with a 2pm kick-off. We encourage anyone who can make the trip to come along and show their support as our players represent both club and county with pride.

A Moment to Be Proud Of

This selection is a major milestone in each player’s rugby journey and highlights the strength of the Canterbury pathway in preparing players for county honours. Everyone at the club is immensely proud of Alex, Aidan, Isaac and Brett, and we look forward to watching them take this next step.

Best of luck to all four players, Canterbury is right behind you.