My Final verdict on Kent Rugby

After exploring different section of rugby in Kent, here's my "humble' opinion on the topics I talked about.

1-Youngster’s development

The lack of Premiership club in Kent could be dragging the whole system down but their partnership with Premiership Champions Saracens gives the most talented kids a clear pathway to professional rugby. However, Chris Wilkins and his staff have to make sure that they don’t let the 95% of these youngsters that will not making it with Saracens leave the county to go and play in the Midlands or Western Counties. This was an issue very close to Chris Wilkins heart as to reassure them that even if they don’t become professional rugby players, they can still have a good career in Kent at a lower level and even represent England with the counties team. That tour in New Zealand next summer with the development squad is a clear statement to his dedication to these players.

The top 5 rugby clubs in Kent

1-Blackheath Rugby

Club, as it’s famously known, is the oldest open club in the world and the best performing club in Kent. Founded in 1858, Blackheath play in the National League 1, the third tier division in England. The Club played a leading role in the foundation of the RFU in 1871 and is one of seven of the original twenty clubs that have survived to this day.

Today, they are getting some double-registered talented youngsters to play in their ranks through their link with Saracens but it seems like National League 1 is where they belong.

Grass roots in Kent is really strong says Andy Pratt

Canterbury head coach Andy Pratt, who also work as a RFU development officer in Kent, is adamant that grass roots rugby is really strong in Kent despite the lack of Professional club in the County.

He said: "Rugby is very popular here in Kent. A lot of people are traveling to watch Harlequins or Saracens.

"It would be good to have a professional team in the County but it is not a disaster not to have one."

To listen to Andy Pratt's view on grass roots rugby, click here.

Unis and Youngster can provide players for Canterbury to play with big boys

If there is one thing definitely lacking to Kent Rugby to put them on the English rugby map it is a Premiership or even a Championship Club.

Blackheath, the best club in Kent, play in the National League 1, just one league below the Championship while Westcombe Park are struggling in National League 2 South and Canterbury, Tonbridge and Gravesend play in National League 3 London and South East.

Despite the evident financial investment needed for one of this clubs to reach the professional leagues, the other main challenge these clubs face is the geographical position.

Regarding this problem, Canterbury is definitely suffering the most. Situated a good two hours away from London city centre, it makes it very hard for the club to attract players working in the capital.

Thanet Wanderers are in a good place says director of rugby Ian Lodge

Ian Lodge, director of rugby at Thanet Wanderers, says players availability and raising money to run the club are the toughest challenges the club faces.


However, with five senior teams and a string of successful junior teams, the club is in a healthy place compare to some other Kent clubs.


Watch Ian's interview above or on YouTube.

Best ladies team in Kent want to play with best in the country

Forward coach Max Melville-Brown talks about the changes in the Aylesford ladies team and their hopes to reach the Premiership in the near future.

Helping Sarries rejects is top priority for Chris Wilkins

Despite aiming to produce future professional rugby players, Kent Player Development Manager Chris Wilkins admits that helping the ones who fail to make the cut is maybe his most important mission.

“This is the area that is really important to us. We really want to give those boys just bellow the top level or late developers a pathway to improve.

“They can play for Kent clubs to then feed the Kent U20 and senior sides so they can keep improving and enjoying their rugby with also a pathway to the England Counties set up,” said the former London Wasps flanker.