Marty's message to the people of Canterbury

Dear People of Canterbury,

Being the Head Coach of the Canterbury Men’s NPC side isn’t a role I take lightly. It’s a role I’m extremely honoured to have accepted and one I’ve taken with the full knowledge of the expectations that go with it.

No matter where you go in New Zealand people know about Canterbury Rugby, the history, the success it’s had, the players and coaches it’s produced. Just the thought of playing against Canterbury, especially here at home, left a lump in their gut.

Some of that success was down to you. You helped create an atmosphere that made it hard for our opposition. One that also inspired our guys to dig deeper than they ever had before, because they weren’t just playing for themselves, they were playing for you.

Images of the 80’s and 90’s on the embankment of Lancaster Park, shoulder to shoulder draped in red and black, screaming yourself horse show me the pride and connection you’ve had to the team in the past.

As a man not from Canterbury, it’s these sorts of images that inspires me each and every day.

Because I believe my role is far greater than just to inspire our boys to win on Saturday. A key part of my role, one that I’m extremely passionate about, is to make you proud, to inspire you to be there on Saturday, screaming for Canterbury, to connect you with the team, and for you to be proud of your team. Therefore, I wanted to ask you a question.

How do we recreate those scenes and what can I do to encourage you to be there?

Marty Bourke

Canterbury NPC Head Coach

P.s We’ve got the team to excite you and to inspire you, but rather than me tell you about it, our intention is to show you.