Canterbury clubs ready to take on the nation
The U85kg Club Cup returns for another year, with five Canterbury clubs keen to become the second winner from the South Island, after the Carisbrook Bush Pigs triumphed in the 2021 version.
The Under 85kg National Club Cup is an exciting knockout competition for men's weight-restricted rugby, with the competition building off the success that U85kg rugby has had in recent years.
The competition is open to all rugby clubs in the country, regardless of whether clubs and regions have U85’s teams and grades.
This move has since paved the way for Canterbury teams to enter, where we’ll be represented by the Lincoln Short Fin Eels, the University Black Mambas, the HSOB Light Bears, Lincoln University Hunters and the Prebbleton Penguins.
Last year, Lincoln and University were our two entries, with Lincoln triumphant over University, progressing to play the Carisbrooks Bush Pigs under the roof at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Just losing to the eventual champions by one score, the Lincoln Short Fined Eels return with a new team but the same desire to go all the way in 2022.
“It was an awesome experience to go down to Forsyth and get a run on there. We were gutted about the result but it was an awesome experience and the boys loved it.” said coach George Johnston
“We haven’t forgotten about the loss so we’d like a bit of redemption there as it’s at the back of the mind still. It’s a bit of extra motivation for sure and we’d like to progress even further this year and win the competition.”
Alongside the glory, progressing to the final also presents the opportunity to curtain raise, or play a double header depending on who you talk to, with the All Blacks, when they take on Argentina in Hamilton.
No matter your club affiliation, the U85kg Club Cup presents a great opportunity for our community to take on the rest of the country, and we know these teams will do the region proud!
Round 1 fixtures to take place on the 22nd of June at Lincoln Domain, kicking off at 7:30pm:
Lincoln RFC Short Fin Eels v HSOB Light Bears
Lincoln University Hunters v Prebbleton Penguins
University Black Mambas progress to Round 2 following the withdrawal of the Wakatipu Waka Dogs.