Canterbury Rugby Club's Matt Corker reflects on inaugural season as head coach and vows not to waste lessons learned

Matt Corker admits his first season as Canterbury Rugby Club head coach was a real learning curve.

They finished 12th in National League 2 South, with Corker having replaced Andy Pratt last year following the coronavirus health crisis.

But Corker says his squad, particularly his younger and more inexperienced players, can take plenty from the campaign.

He said: “It’s been a massive learning experience. I feel really lucky to lead a team like Canterbury.

“Next season is about learning from the experiences in the league last season.

“We have got a plan and we need to keep moving that forward. We know what end of the league we want to be at.

“It’s a fantastic club and it’s really embedded in the community. It’s going from strength-to-strength, with the 3rds being named champions. We have got a really good wheelchair section as well.”

Some players have opted to leave the club, although Corker said he wouldn’t rule out any of them making a return to Merton Lane. For now, voids to fill in Canterbury’s first-team squad will present opportunities for 2nd XV players.

“The thing for me is getting relegated is always tough and trying to bounce back is a real challenge,” Corker reflected.

“With Covid as well, we have had a pretty deep rebuild as a club. It’s been great and a real privilege as a coach to see how the group has come on. They have developed loads.

“We have had to say goodbye to a few players, which is always sad, although that may not be forever.”

Pre-season will start on July 21 and Corker added: “I think we made some really good progress and I know that may not necessarily have been reflected in the results.

“Hopefully we can bring one or two in and the guys that were in their first season at that level will not be in