The work ethic of Canterbury Rugby Club’s players off the field has been praised by head coach Matt Corker.

Canterbury completed a three-game winning December block in National League 2 East with a 35-22 home victory over Sevenoaks last time out.

Now, they are enjoying a fortnight off, with The Rugby Football Union implementing more regular breaks in club schedules this season, before visiting basement boys Worthing next Saturday.

While Canterbury headed into the break in good form, Corker is confident his men will not be resting on their laurels over the festive period.

Asked if another rest had come at the wrong time, he replied: “In seasons gone by, I would have agreed.

“But we have been very good at using our rest because the boys have changed how they are away from the club.

“Because they’re working so hard in the gym and on their own personal fitness, we come back fresh from a break and not losing any of the conditioning. But the proof will be in the pudding when we play Worthing.

“I feel we have got a lot better at that over the last couple of Christmases.

"That’s to do with the expectations we put on the group and the group puts on itself but, also, the lads understanding that - even though they have got a rest from rugby - if we want to be a top-four team, that doesn’t mean you can sit on the sofa for two weeks.

“We took a couple of knocks against Sevenoaks so it’ll be good to give those boys a bit of a rest. These breaks keep the squad healthy and invigorated.

“In the long blocks, they actually become an endurance challenge - not saying we’re not up for that - but fair play to the RFU.

“These weeks off in the season keep everyone interested, which is good.”

But - unlike in football when players need to remain very disciplined in terms of their food and drink intake, with many still playing on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day - Canterbury’s side have had more freedom to enjoy themselves in the meantime.

Corker said: “This is a wonderful mental break.

“To put in the performances we have been, the boys need to commit emotionally a lot.

“Having that break means they can have time away with their families and come back, ready to go again.”

Canterbury’s fine form at the end of 2024 allowed them to break into the division’s top four while next opponents Worthing are at the foot of the pile.

They and second-bottom Colchester have collected 15 points this term, winning a league game apiece.

But Corker, whose side beat Worthing 49-21 at Merton Lane in September, warned: “Going away to any team in our league is always a challenge.

"Worthing isn’t an easy place to go and win.

“They’re having their struggles this season but they will be using the break to reset, too.

“We never take anyone lightly in this league. It’s very important to respect everyone because any team can win on their day.

“It’s massively about how we turn up physically and how we execute.”

While Canterbury have been victorious in five of their past six fixtures, Corker is aware they will need to maintain those standards if they want to finish in the upper echelons of the table.

He said: “To be at the top of this league, the margin for error becomes much smaller.

“If you’re looking at the amount of games Tonbridge and Dorking, both right at the top, have lost, it’s only one and two, respectively. So, if you want to be up there, the margin for error becomes very small.

“I’m not trying to be cynical but I think it’s important we keep our position in perspective.

“We have done okay - but the race is only half-run.

“We need to make sure we’re ready to come back in the new year and are ready to finish strongly because it’s all about the finish.”