Under the posts with Isaac Hutchinson
Isaac Hutchinson
“I've been incredibly lucky, the pathways I've taken, and all the doors that have been opened, have given me so many opportunities to develop my game”
At just 20 years old, Rugby Park is already like a second home to one of our rising stars. Isaac Hutchinson, born and bred in Christchurch, was still playing High School rugby when he was first noticed by Canterbury’s Development system.
Hutchinson has since played multiple representative finals, spent three years in the Crusaders Canterbury Academy and is one of the latest Canterbury players to make the Crusaders Wider Training Squad.
Representative grades are a critical stepping stone for many and has certainly played a significant role for Hutchinson. The outside back has been so involved with the pathways available to him, there is likely a large drawer in his home dedicated for his equally very large collection of team jerseys.
“I've been incredibly lucky, the pathways I've taken, and all the doors that have been opened, have given me so many opportunities to develop my game” said Hutchinson about his impressive list of rugby accolades.
Hutchinson played for St Bedes College before being selected in the Canterbury U19s. His growth during the campaign resulting in the selection to wear the Black jersey for the New Zealand U20s.
It was heading to the U19 final against Otago when Hutchinson received the call from his agent to tell him he had been signed for the NPC, “the phone call really caught me off guard, hearing that news was so surreal” said Hutchinson, “I feel really connected to Canterbury, there is that grassroots feel even at NPC level. There is a whole other level of excitement around it.”
In his breakthrough Bunnings Warehouse NPC season Hutchinson appeared in the starting line up nine times, scored a hat trick in the space of 20 minutes against Waikato and was one of the top ten point scorers of the competition. His outstanding performance earned him the title of 2024 Rookie of the Year with Canterbury.
When he’s not in red and black, Hutchinson is in the green and white of Marist Albion Rugby Club, where he’s played for the premier side since he was 17. With 24 premier games under his belt he is one game away from receiving his club blazer, something he hopes to achieve this season. Team mate and Marist Albion stalwart, Rowan O’Gorman, described Hutchinson as “electric on the field. He’s a pretty switched on young lad. It’s awesome seeing guys like him and Dom (Gardiner) getting the rewards for their hard work, and then they’re still coming back to their club as well.”
Hutchinson’s biggest piece of advice for the younger generation of Canterbury rugby players is to purely enjoy what they do, “don’t put pressure on yourself to make the big teams right away. It’s not just about talent, what matters most is passion and work ethic. As long as you're having fun and putting in the effort you’ll find fulfilment in what you do, the results will follow.”
If you’re keen to get out on the field this year, registrations are open now! Click here to get involved.