Solomon Alaimalo has led a nomadic existence on the New Zealand provincial rugby landscape, but has relished the opportunity to return to Christchurch in 2023 and play for his home province.

Building momentum is the overarching theme for Canterbury as they look to lock in a spot for next week’s Bunnings NPC Grand Final.

Enabling our game to be played, administered and delivered, our Volunteer of the Year will be someone who gives their time to rugby, making it a better place for those they are serving and supporting. 

Finalists for the Coach of the Year create a positive team environment with their players enjoyment of the game at the heart if it, they will bring out the best in their team.

Today will see the New Zealand Māori Nga Māreikura Under 18 Girls’ take on the New Zealand U18 Barbarians in Auckland, wtih a strong Canterbury contingent involved both on and off the field in both squads.

Drawing on the energy of a passionate home crowd will be key for Canterbury as they look to repel old foes Auckland in Friday night’s NPC Quarter Final.

Here in Canterbury, we know that grassroots is the heart of rugby. Every man and woman who dons the red and black will have tales to tell of their days playing for their childhood club - early morning games, oranges at half time and whānau supporting them on the sidelines. Often, they’ll speak about clubrooms being a second home to their family, and how deep their families involvement would be.

Alex Harford will take the reins for Canterbury in Saturday’s clash against Waikato in Hamilton, meaning Fergus Burke slips back to fullback, while halfback Joel Lam gets his first run in this year’s Bunnings Warehouse NPC.

Canterbury will be represented by four All Blacks and seven Black Ferns this weekend, with a couple of big milestones to look forward to.

The South Island U18 Girls’ Tournament is coming to Ngā Puna Wai this weekend, with games taking place from Sunday through to Tuesday.

Manasa Mataele returns to the Canterbury backline replacing the injured Ngatungane Punivai in an otherwise unchanged backline for Saturday’s historic Triple Header in Christchurch against Tasman.

Parkview Pārua School have been able to experience a brand new sports programme, thanks to the support of Canterbury Rugby, NZ Rugby and Sport NZ.

Linwood RFC hosted another successful Mahuika Girls’ 7’s tournament last month, as the club continues to work hard on providing opportunities to their community.

Canterbury’s Black Ferns XV contingent will get the opportunity to turn a week of experiencing a professional environment into gameday with a match against a Manusina XV this weekend.

Canterbury will be represented in three of the six games in Round 7 of the Bunnings Warehouse Heartland Championship, with George Haswell, Daniel Moore and Josh Bamber all taking a spot in the middle.

The New Zealand U18 representative sides have been named for 2023, with seven Cantabrians named.

With a eye towards the future, Marist Albion’s Manasa Mataele undertook a behind-the-scenes role with the Farah Palmer Cup (FPC) side this season, working with Canterbury’s talented outside backs group.

Canterbury have had 16 players announced in the latest Black Ferns and Black Ferns XV squads, with both sides going into campaigns next week.

A return to Christchurch to round out a bruising storm week will see Reed Prinsep (Te Rārawa) return to lead Canterbury when they take on Southland in Sundays Bunnings Warehouse NPC.

Canterbury have shuffled their line up for their mid-week clash with Counties Manukau, as they look to bounce back in the second match of their Storm Week.