Category: Uncategorised

Thinking About Starting? Here’s The best way to do it.

Posted on | by Becca Williams

If you’ve been following us for a while but haven’t taken the first step yet — this is for you.

 We’ve recently opened our new location at Canterbury Rugby Club, and the way we help people get started is intentional.

 We don’t do random drop-ins.

We don’t throw new members straight into busy group sessions.

 Instead, everyone begins with our 6-Week Foundations Programme.

 

This is for people who:

• Don’t want to feel behind

• Want proper coaching from day one

• Are ready to build consistency

 

You’ll train 3 times per week in a small group (maximum 8 people).

 

Clear weekly progression.

Structured sessions.

Coaching support throughout.

 

The investment is £175 for the full 6 weeks.

 

After completing Foundations, members move into our ongoing coaching membership at £100 per month (rolling).

 

Our next intake begins 23 March.

We open just 8 spaces every 6 weeks.

 

If you’ve been thinking about starting, this is the right way to do it.

 

Secure your place here:

https://goteamup.com/p/12396993-top-to-toe-fitness-canter/memberships/265922/

 

 

If you’re unsure whether it’s right for you, get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction.

 

Charlotte

07949222967

Charlotte.shaw81@icloud.com

Six Nations Screening at Canterbury RFC This Weekend

Posted on | by Becca Williams

The Six Nations is back for another huge weekend of rugby, and the best place to watch every moment is right here at Canterbury Rugby Club. The clubhouse will be open, the screens will be on, and the atmosphere will be everything you expect from a proper rugby weekend — lively, friendly, and full of passion.

Whether you’re backing England or cheering on another home nation, join us for a brilliant weekend of sport, community, and great food.

Live Rugby, Big Screens, Big Atmosphere

Across the weekend we’ll be showing all fixtures live, with:

  • Multiple big screens throughout the clubhouse
  • A family‑friendly, welcoming environment
  • The bar open throughout the games
  • Plenty of space for supporters, teammates, families, and friends

It’s matchdays done properly.

Six Nations Themed Burgers — All Weekend

Scrum Kitchen will be serving a special Six Nations themed burger menu, available for every game this weekend.
All burgers are under £10, served in brioche buns with fries, and crafted to celebrate the character of each nation.

The Italian – £9.95

Steak burger with mozzarella, tomato, and pesto mayonnaise.
Flair, freshness, and a touch of Roman sunshine.

The French – £9.95

Steak burger with Brie, bacon, and Dijon mustard.
Rich, indulgent, and unapologetically bold.

The Irish – £9.95

Steak burger with Cashel blue cheese, rainbow slaw, and a golden onion ring.
Depth, colour, and a little luck.

The Scottish – £9.95

Steak burger topped with haggis and sweet fried onions.
Hard‑working, uncompromising, and full of character.

The Welsh – £9.95

Veggie burger with sautéed leeks and Caerphilly cheese.
Proud, passionate, and rooted in tradition.

The English – £9.95

Steak burger with mature Cheddar, bacon, fried onions, and English mustard mayo.
Solid, powerful, and built for the long game.

The Neutral – £7.95

Steak burger, plain or with cheese.
For those here for the rugby, not the rivalry.

All burgers available at every game — what’s your flavour?

Rugby – Food – Community

This is what the Clubhouse does best.
Great rugby on the screens, proper food from Scrum Kitchen, and the chance to enjoy the Six Nations with the people who make this club special.

Bring your colours, bring your voice, and make Canterbury RFC your home for the Six Nations this weekend.

 

 

Pilgrims Match Report

Posted on | by Becca Williams

Pilgrims 19

Old Reigatians 14

The Pilgrims welcomed the leagues bottom club old Reigatians to the MTG on Saturday, but although they were without a win in 16 league outings, their recent results suggest it won’t stay that way for long.
That was evidenced from the first whistle as they had the advantage of the slope and looked intent on running the ball at every opportunity. The pilgrims, having been inconsistent in recent games themselves, aided the visitors by looking to force offloads, missing kicks to touch and chatting back to the official. This coupled with Old Reigatians early dominance in the scrum put the pilgrims on the back foot and they soon found themselves a try down after Old Reigatians turned their possession in to 7 deserved points. The pilgrims spoke before hand about playing to their strengths and looking to move the ball wide and on the few occasions they did this it was no surprise to see Old R’s struggle to contain them, Campbell being narrowly denied in the corner before eventually the pilgrims found their way to the line with the ball moved wide effectively to even the score at 7-7.
A further score was added on the stroke of half time to give the pilgrims a narrow 12-7 lead.
The second half was a continuation of the first with the pilgrims disrupting their own rhythm by consistently failing to find touch from penalties, back chatting the referee and keeping the ball tight rather than playing expansively which has brought them 2 scores.
Both sides were muttering unnecessarily to the referee and he took a dim view of this- first sending wing Fin Mason-Myers and his opposite man to the bin a scuffle after the whistle, before scrum half Valladares was also yellow carded for back chat.
Old R’s took advantage to score their second and take the lead midway through the 2nd half and give the pilgrims a firm warning they needed to up their game. The forwards dug deep and started winning the collisions with more intent led in particular by McCormack and Dengate with the latter going on a powerful 40 meter run to the line that sore the pilgrims restore their lead, 19-14.
Old R’a tried to rally and showed they are not out of place at this level, but the pilgrims held firm to claim an important victory. Credit to Old Reigatians who will not remain winless if they continue to play with the same endeavour.

TABLE TOPPERS WILL TEST US

Posted on | by David Haigh

MATCH PREVIEW

In this game, if you’re five percent off mentally, you’re miles off on the scoreboard. I’ve said it before in this column — and Havant was another reminder. While we weren’t miles off on the scoreboard, we were miles off in terms of performance compared to the previous week against Dorking.
Our last defeat before that was away at Oundle on 8 November, so to go nearly three months unbeaten is real credit to the players for their hard work and the strides we’ve made in taking our game to the next level. Unfortunately, that doesn’t soften the disappointment.
After a poor start, scores either side of half-time brought us back into the contest and levelled things up with 38 minutes still to play. At that point, I fully expected us to kick on. Instead, errors and poor execution stopped us from taking control. We fell behind again, fought back to level terms, but if you give a good team in good form too many opportunities, you’ll eventually pay the price.
The positive is that we know exactly what needs fixing. After a week to recover some battered bodies, we welcome table-topping Old Albanians to the Marine Travel Ground. They’ve been outstanding all season, with just three defeats to their name. Although we scored five tries in the reverse fixture, it wasn’t enough for us to leave as winners. Containing their attacking threats will be crucial if we’re to come out on top this Saturday.
The Pilgrims are also back in action against Old Reigatians. To be truly safe and avoid a relegation play-off, we need to finish ninth — a position currently occupied by Bromley, one place and one point above us. With six games remaining, every point is vital, which makes Saturday a big one.
As we enter the business end of the season, this is exactly where we want to be — competing in meaningful games. Now it’s about producing our best rugby when it matters most.

MATT CORKER, HEAD COACH

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.

HAVANT PRESENT FRESH CHALLENGE

Posted on | by David Haigh

SATURDAY PREVIEW

My challenge to the players before Saturday’s game was to deliver one of the most physical opening ten minutes the Marine Travel Ground had ever seen. To the players’ credit, last Saturday has to rank as one of them. Although we started a little edgy in attack, I thought our defence was ruthless and gave Dorking very limited time and opportunity. After fifteen minutes our attack settled and we went on to score four tries in twenty minutes.
Dorking are fifth in the league table for a good reason and, before Saturday, had conceded an average of just 17.5 points per game. They still have the best defence in the league, with the second-best team forty points adrift. I think that puts our forty-point haul into context and to contain them to a single try is something we can be really proud of.
There are some excellent podcasts available where England players and coaches from the 2019 World Cup squad that beat New Zealand talk about the week that followed that great result and their preparation for the final. They all speak about the emotional drain of such a performance and how they felt they did not fully respect how they were feeling, or the challenge of returning to the same emotional level just one week later.
In our own way, we now face a similar challenge. After one of our best performances of the season we travel to play a confident Havant side. They have won four games in a row and boast the fourth-best scoring record in the league. We are under no illusions: we must get back to the same emotional level if we want to get a result on the south coast.
The Pilgrims are also back in action in a decisive fixture away at eleventh-placed Dartfordians. Only eight points separate the two teams but we currently sit on the right side of the relegation fence. The Pilgrims are refreshed after their week off and travel knowing the significance of the game. Pressure is a privilege and big games are the ones you remember — I’ve no doubt this will be one for the memory banks.

MATT CORKER, HEAD COACH

Canterbury Power Show

Posted on | by David Haigh

CANTERBURY 40 DORKING 7

by David Haigh

In condemning Dorking to their heaviest defeat of the season an in-form Canterbury gave notice that they are becoming serious title contenders. The top two National 2 East sides, Old Albanians and Oundle, must come to the Marine Travel Ground next month while third placed Bury St Edmunds host the city side on February 21st. It could be a defining period of the season and Canterbury will relish the challenge. In a blistering first half they took total control, scoring four converted tries, running up twenty eight unanswered points and wrapping up a bonus. The tone was set by scrum half Tom Williams who celebrated his 100th appearance by scoring the first two tries in a Man of the Match performance. From nervy starters, Canterbury became clinical finishers as Harry Sloan’s angled run cleared the way for Williams’ opener after 15 minutes. The century man needed no assistance for his second contribution, a great individual break and 35 metre dash ending under the posts. Poor discipline from Dorking, which cost them two yellow cards and damaging penalties, saw them next pinned back by a probing kick from Frank Reynolds and they gifted the city side a third try. An overthrown line out ball landed in the arms of Eoin O’Donoghue at the tail and he crossed the line unmolested. It was the hooker who also claimed the bonus point score as the influential Sloan produced another decisive thrust to set it up on the half hour mark. Canterbury’s domination was such that the visitors never entered the home 22 area until late in the half and If they were to get any sort of foothold in the match they needed to use the slope and breeze in the second period. Instead, Canterbury stunned them with a fifth try three minutes after the interval. Charlie McGovern, Kurt Heatherley and Presley Farrance combined beautifully to send Aiden Moss over. Reynolds failed with the conversion for the first time but he soon got the opportunity to make amends. Canterbury mauled and drove at close range and Farrance’s finish made the result a formality. A strangely lacklustre and battered Dorking did respond, briefly, with a try and conversion from fly half Tom Hardwick, but for the rest they were shut out as the city side powered to an impressive eighth win in a row.

Canterbury: K.Heatherley, A.Moss. H.Sloan, W.Waddington, L.Talbot, F.Reynolds, T.Williams, D.Huntley, E.O’Donoghue, O.Frostick, J.De Vries, J.Stephens, C.McGovern, R.Thomas, T.Oliver. Replacements: P.Farrance, C.Macmillan, F.Morgan, J.Dengate, J.Walker,

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.

 

Big Day Against Dorking

Posted on | by David Haigh

MATCH PREVIEW

For the last two seasons I have left Westcombe Park disappointed that we hadn’t quite done ourselves justice on the pitch. This year felt very different. It’s a tough place to go and play our game, but the players worked relentlessly for the full eighty minutes and showed real control to come away with four points.
The performance was built on the pressure we put Westcombe Park under, the growing maturity of our kicking game this season and an effective maul display. Overturning records that have stood against us has been a clear target this year and, if Saturday taught us anything, it’s that it will always require our very best to do so.
The Pilgrims suffered an agonising finish against Bromley last week, conceding in the final play to lose by three points. After a slow start they had fought their way back into the lead, making the late score a bitter pill to swallow. They now have a rest weekend before travelling to Dartfordians for an important fixture.
This weekend we welcome Dorking to the Marine Travel Ground in a fourth-versus-fifth clash. Our recent games against them have always been matches to remember; we know how important this result is as we head into the home straight of the season. We are still to beat a top-five side this year and with four of them – including Dorking — coming to us before the end of the season the challenge is clear.
No backwards steps. Be better every week. That’s the plan; now we have to execute it.

MATT CORKER, HEAD COACH

Top to Toe Fitness Canterbury: Opening February 2026

Posted on | by Becca Williams

We are excited to announce a fantastic new addition to the Marine Travel Ground: Top to Toe Fitness Canterbury, opening 2nd February 2026.

A new era of community‑driven fitness is coming to the city, bringing a fresh, inclusive approach to functional training, right in the heart of the Canterbury Rugby Club grounds.

A Gym Built Around People

Top to Toe Fitness Canterbury isn’t just another gym. It’s a space designed to help real people move better, feel stronger, and build confidence that lasts well beyond the walls of the gym.

  • Small group training for all fitness levels
  • Expert coaching focused on safe, effective movement
  • Supportive community where everyone is encouraged
  • Sustainable progress tailored to the individual

Whether you’re stepping into a gym for the first time or looking to train with more purpose, you’ll find a warm, welcoming environment where members genuinely lift each other up.

Open Seven Days a Week

Life is busy — your training shouldn’t add stress. With sessions available every day, you can build strength, resilience, and confidence at a pace that works for you.

Free Taster Sessions

To celebrate the launch, we’re hosting two free taster days: Saturday 31 January & Sunday 1 February

Come along, meet the coaching team, try a session, and get a feel for our community‑focused approach to functional fitness.

Book your session here

Top to Toe Fitness Canterbury
Canterbury Rugby Club
Merton Lane, Canterbury, CT4 7DZ