Taranaki NPC match heading to Rangiora

Canterbury Rugby’s connection and commitment to all rugby in the region is set to be on show during this year’s National Provincial Championship, with round 5 of the Bunnings Warehouse NPC clash against Taranaki set to be played in the satellite town of Rangiora for the first time.

The September 2nd match will be the ‘cherry on the top’ of what will already be a celebration of Rugby when North Canterbury and Ellesmere (Two of Canterbury’s sub-unions) square off for the 100th contest of the Southbridge Shield.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for Canterbury’s NPC side to be a part of a very special day,” said Canterbury Rugby Chief Executive Tony Smail.

“NPC and FPC really are an extension of the community game, so to be able to play this game in the community is exactly what Canterbury Rugby is all about.”

North Canterbury Rugby President Terry O’Loughlin agreed. “To have the opportunity to have this level of rugby in our community is really something special. Many of the guys playing for North Canterbury or Ellesmere on that day aspire to one day play for Canterbury, so to have them play on the same field as them, to be able to rub shoulders with professional rugby players will be pretty special.”

Six games of rugby will be played across the day, starting with the under 16’s at 9:30am, while the North Canterbury Seniors will look to defend the Southbridge Shield on the main oval at 12 o’clock, before Canterbury’s NPC kick off at 2:05pm.

Canterbury’s Captains training run will also be held at the Showgrounds on the Friday as well as other community and school connection events during the week.

“This will not only be a great day for rugby, but all of Rangiora and the wider Waimakariri district,” said Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon.
 
“I want to acknowledge the work of Canterbury Rugby and the Northern A&P Association for making this event happen. Not only will it be a great event for the people of the Waimakariri District and our visitors from out of town but with the NPC match also live on SKY Sport and broadcast around New Zealand, it’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase the excellent facilities we have right here in Waimakariri.”
 
Tony Smail also made special mention of the Northern A&P committee’s commitment to helping make the celebration come to fruition. “There hasn’t been rugby played at the show grounds since 2010, so there’s plenty of work to do, but there’s certainly plenty of rugby history and stories of club and rep games played there in the past, so to have the committee’s willingness to have the day there is really positive.”

Melanie Morris, Committee President said, “The Northern A&P committee is excited to have rugby back at the Showgrounds for what is sure to be a brilliant day of the sport and our community.” 

Tickets will be available at the gate from 09:00 on the day.