New trophy for first XV rivals in honor of NZ School rugby stalwart

Anyone who has been involved in High School rugby in Canterbury will be familiar with the long standing rivalry between Christchurch Boys High School and St Bede’s College 1st XV teams.  Playing against each other for over a century, crowds are in full force when these two power houses meet on the field in the Miles Toyota Premiership.

The glory of one of these teams putting a win on the other has only been signified with bragging rights, that is until now. This year the schools celebrate the introduction of a prestigious trophy, The Davidson Trophy, which has been named after a servant to secondary school rugby for thirty years, Gerry Davidson.

“I was very grateful” said Davidson speaking about the honour of having the trophy named after him, “It’s always going to be hard fought and something really worth winning. That in itself was certainly a really pleasing part of it”.

The Deputy Rector at St Bede’s College, Davidson continues to assist with the school’s rugby teams across the grades as well as being part of their 1st XVs management team. During his time coaching the 1st XV side, Davidson saw them to finals each year between 2008-2011. He also coached them through their most successful period in history, during 2007-2013 where they were undefeated at home, for a staggering 62 games as well as four South Island championships. 

The first game to fight for the the Davidson Trophy took place Matariki weekend, where CBHS were the first to raise it after a nail biting last few minutes. Davidson spoke about it being a wonderful day hosted at St Bede’s College, “it was a really good day, a great game, it was close and hard fought” he said, “it was great to have family and friends here to see the trophy being presented. I was appreciative of that”.