Canterbury Rugby Awards – Episode 1 Community Winners
In last night’s first episode of the Canterbury Rugby Awards, we celebrated all of those in our community who have put in the hard yards this year.
There are so many clubs and individuals putting in the hard work throughout the region, and this year’s winners are just a small sample of the awesome people we have in our rugby community.
Club of the Year – Linwood RFC
This year’s Club of the Year is Linwood. Linwood are deserved winners of this year’s award as a result of the hard work the club has put in while embracing the diversity present in not only their club, but also the wider community. In addition, the club has combined those efforts with results on the field, winning the Women’s Premier Championship and the club being home to the DCL Shield for the summer.
Volunteer of the Year – Denis Cations (New Brighton)
Denis Cations has given over 50 years to his beloved New Brighton club, wearing numerous hats over that time and still lending his hand to any jobs that need to be done around Rawhiti Domain. Each training night, Club Captain Denis is on hand to help facilitate trainings, while also helping with team numbers. On a Saturday, the work isn’t done for Denis, often the first man on the ground to set up for a big day of both junior and senior rugby.
Club Team of the Year – HSOB Team 2 (Premier Reserve)
High School Old Boys’ Team 2 have become the team to beat in the Metro Premier Reserve competition, winning their fourth consecutive title this year, as well as holding on to the Challenge Shield. Alongside their on-field success, the team are regulars around the club, whether in the clubrooms, helping out around both the club and the Tri Rugby side.
School of the Year – Christchurch Girls’ High School
Christchurch Girls’ High School are deserved winners of this year’s School of the Year, with the school locking away the Miles Toyota Cup, the South Island Final and the national title following a draw with Manukura in the final.
CGHS have put a strong culture off the field too, with players across all year groups at the school and a welcoming environment that has helped contribute to multiple teams now at the school.
Club Coach of the Year – Ben Rhodes (Sydenham)
Sydenham’s Ben Rhodes not only led his clubs’ Premier side to their first title since 1999, but also working hard and volunteering throughout the club to ensure further success. In what would have also been a tough year for Ben, the team culture that he has helped foster off the field has led to great success on it, demonstrated by the impressive season Sydenham had.
School Coach of the Year – Jason Keno (Selwyn Schools)
Jason Keno has held the role of backs coach for Selwyn Schools for 2022, and has taken out the School Coach of the Year. Jason was responsible for the theming for the recent season, using army concepts and connecting Māori culture.
Tom Doocey Cup for Canterbury’s #1 Referee – George Haswell
For the second year in a row, George Haswell has been awarded the Tom Doocey Cup for 2022. George has had an impressive refereeing season, a compliment to an entertaining Metro Club Final and one of three Cantabrians in the NZ Rugby National Squad, officiating first class fixtures throughout New Zealand.
The President’s Cup for Best All Round Referee – Alan Howe
Alan Howe has been recognised for his efforts for the Canterbury Rugby Referees Association with the 2022 President’s Cup, an award set up to acknowledge those who give their all volunteering both on and off the field. Alan is the Metro Sub-Union convenor with the CRRA and has been instrumental in a number of offerings amongst the referees, creating a great environment for those who volunteer their time in the middle of the park.