While the Six Nations takes a fallow week, Kent’s rugby scene shows no signs of slowing with league battles, growing women’s and youth participation, and staying abuzz with social events.

Kent is a prime example of how grassroots rugby remains the heartbeat not only of local communities, but also the sport at national level.

Kent Club Rugby Round up

At national level, Tonbridge Juddians are focusing on consolidating their National League 1 place and pushing for a top‑half finish. Canterbury currently look the strongest of the NL2 East pair as a credible top‑six contender, while Sevenoaks are battling to stabilise their position in the same division.

At regional level, Tunbridge Wells (Regional 1 South Central) and Medway (Regional 1 South East) are Kent’s leading sides, with both aiming to convert solid league form into promotion challenges. 

In Regional 2 South East, Gravesend, Bromley, and Dartfordians are contesting mid‑table places and small promotion pushes or fighting to avoid slips down the table depending on their late‑season runs.

Women’s and Girls’ Rugby On the Rise

Aligning with the RFU’s push for more women’s and girls’ participation in rugby, more clubs across Kent are fielding U18 and senior women’s teams, running taster sessions and joint training to welcome newcomers. 

The improved pathway structures within the county are boosting retention from school to senior rugby, strengthening coaching, and improving club facilities, welfare and community links.

Youth Development and Minis Activity

Kent clubs continue to offer a range of entry points for youngsters, including regular taster sessions, school‑link programmes, weekend festivals and inter‑club fixtures across age groups (often from U6 upward). 

Sessions are commonly run as age‑grouped activities with mixed and girls‑only options, seasonal training blocks and summer festivals that give children varied playing experiences. 

If you’d like to know more, many clubs publish this information on their websites and social channels or coordinate via school PE departments.

Upcoming Club Events

• Kent Mini Festival — entries open; festival scheduled for 29 March 2026
• Medway RFC — Summer 7s festival 13 June 2026

Many clubs show Six Nations fixtures in their clubhouses or arrange special viewing events, so contact your local club or check its social channels to confirm.

Looking Ahead

Although the Six Nations will return and recapture headlines, Kent rugby is using this fallow week to sharpen, expand, and celebrate the grassroots game. Between fierce local competitions, expanding women’s programmes, and active youth development, the county is ensuring its rugby story remains strong long after the international action resumes.

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Picture supplied by Phillipa Hilton.