Preseason Buzz as Canterbury Rugby Club Gears Up

Preseason Preparation 

Canterbury’s pre-season groundwork has set the tone for an energized return to Merton Lane. After six intensive weeks of strength and conditioning at The Archbishop’s School and Kent College, players are looking forward to the second block of their preseason programme.

Pitch Renovations and Member Support

Thanks to our dedicated members and generous sponsors, pitch renovations have continued apace.  The work done over the summer has been vital, and the improvements promise an even better playing surface as the season unfolds.

Preseason Training Kicks Off

The full club reunion arrives on 5th August, with training venues at The Archbishop’s School and Kent College having provided  ideal facilities for our first block work. Focus now shifts to teamwork and tactical shaping back at The Club.

Senior Coaching Team Revamp

Our senior setup welcomes fresh expertise alongside stalwarts Matt Corker (Head Coach) and Alex Veale (Attack Coach):

• Max Ganderton takes on Head of Performance role.
• Former player Mal Graves returns to the club to Pilgrims.
• Nathan Morris changes his role to become Senior Skills Coach.

Colts Integration into Senior Rugby

Under Colts Head Coach Cameron MacMillian, the transition pathway is stronger than ever. the colts section has become part of the senior playing group. Colts players have joined senior sessions to experience adult level intensity. Those breaking through this preseason include:

• Alex Carter (Centre)
• Alex Sullivan (Second Row)
• Andrew Thomas (Hooker)
• Ed Thompson (Centre/Back Three)
• Harry Lloyd (Scrum Half)
• Harvey Ingram (Utility Back)
• Paddy Parker (Fly Half)
• Ruben Kalonji (Blindside Flanker)

Women’s Section Developments

We have previously announced that Ryan Mitchell arrives as Women’s Head Coach with a clear brief: build on last season’s third-place finish in National 1 South. Ryan’s strategic vision and passion promise further elevation of our Women’s XV.

Scrum Kitchen Launch

Over the summer, we opened Scrum Kitchen, a flexible events venue that’s already hosting private bookings. Profits from this venture are ploughed back into club facilities. Next up: a welcome back session for coaches, hosted by our Scrum Kitchen team alongside incoming Mini & Youth Chair Ky Champion.

Community Section Updates

The club’s community arm evolves with Matt Pinnick stepping up as Head of Community. Replacing, Nathan Morris who will venture into Skills Coach.

Senior Team Preseason Fixtures

With less than two weeks until kick-off, our men’s side tests itself in four friendlies:

Please note Game 1 was originally scheduled for 3pm but has been moved to a 1pm KO.

Director of Rugby’s Perspective

Taff, our Director of Rugby, is under no illusions about the challenges ahead: like every other club in the league we are striving to strengthen our squad and provide continued improvement in not only the senior squad but importantly the pilgrims and canons to help drive our standards to be successful.”

Looking Ahead

As preseason intensity builds, watch this space for the latest news  around the senior squads. We are looking forward to the challenges ahead and the ambition is to create a successful and entertaining brand of rugby for all our members, supporters and sponsors.