Tena koe, I hope you’re enjoying rugby in 2023.
A big thanks to the many of you that make our game happen each week, it takes a lot to run our clubs and schools to provide enjoyable experiences for our community.
Thanks also for Keeping it Positive on the sidelines. Our game should always be fun, and we all have a part to play in making sure that happens.
It’s exciting to have our women’s Premier and first round Premier Reserve Finals this weekend, best of luck to all teams which then leads us into the naming of our FPC side for 2023.
The FPC 1st home game is on July 15 at Rugby Park and I look forward to seeing you there.
Congratulations to Canterbury’s All Blacks announced on Sunday and in particular the new caps, Dallas McLeod and Tamaiti Williams – outstanding.
You may have seen in recent mainstream news coverage that playing numbers in New Zealand are on the decline over the past 5 years, whilst there’s some truth to that, it’s important to give context when assessing them.
During this time large parts of the top of the North Island were in lockdown due to Covid and our borders were closed. We have also experienced with our borders re-opening there’s been a surge of 20–35-year-olds head away for their OE, diminishing some senior numbers.
Despite this, national numbers are up in total in 2023 from last year.
Canterbury can importantly celebrate areas where we are having success from last year.
Total playing numbers are up 1%.
Women and Girls numbers are up 18%.
Teenage numbers are up 6%.
Thank you for the work – it is making a difference.
Is there more that we can do, 100% yes. But that’s the Canterbury way, we will continue to work hard in all areas, to continue to build on 145 years of history.
Ngā mihi,
Tony Smail
Chief Executive Officer, Canterbury Rugby Football Union
Community Welcome
Women’s Final Preview
The chance to finish a career decorated in club rugby success beckons for UC’s Sophie Anderson.
Anderson will sign off after Saturdays Bascik Transport Metro Premier Women’s Final against Christchurch with over 200 club rugby caps to her name.
“It would be fantastic to finish with the win, but it’s really about the team this week. We have quite a young team, so for them to experience a win would be great.” Said Anderson.
After playing for HSOB Anderson switched to UC forging a legacy that will take some filling.
“Soph is a stalwart of not only UC Rugby, but women’s rugby across Waitaha Canterbury.” Said UC Coach Josh Sprott.
“Her role in protecting the heritage and history of our great club has been incredibly valuable as we transition towards the next generation of players. On the field she is the fiercest competitor who knows how to find her way to a meaty or two too.”
With the ledger sitting at once a piece in during round robin, Anderson says splitting the two will likely come down to who’s the most disciplined. “We have to be careful, Izzy (Waterman) has a great boot on her and can kick from anywhere, so we need to be tidy and do things right.”
Defending champions Christchurch will have home ground advantage, also looking to celebrate Captain Kaylee Tavendales 100th cap for the club.
“It’ll be a big game for her,” said fellow forward Steph Te Ohaere Fox, “she does anything and everything for the club, she’s a great hearty player. She does everything for the team and leads from the front.”
With rain set to persist throughout the weekend Te Ohaere Fox is expecting the battle up front to be the deciding factor. ‘We are a bit light on front rowers at the moment, so fingers crossed we can get through. They took the game to us when we played them last and got success, so we will need to do the same on Saturday.”
Bascik Transport Women’s Premier Finals - June 24
Blanchard fosters passion for the Women’s game
By Hannah Yates
Playing and coaching in multiple countries, Caitlain Blanchard adds coaching the Prebbleton women’s team for the second year running to her very long rugby resume.
It’s difficult not to feel the excitement Blanchard has for the game as she explains her impressive relationship with rugby over the years. Speaking of her numerous roles, Blanchard says the part she enjoys most is “seeing the smiles and the energy, the working together and cohesiveness of young women and girls, coming together to work together to achieve a common goal is really neat.”
Blanchard played her first game of rugby at 16 by starting at her High School team in Canada, and getting her Father along to coach. Playing for her Province and University, Blanchard began coaching High School girls at just 19 years old, as well as her brothers team before moving to England to play in the Premiership.
Arriving in New Zealand, Blanchard played for Lincoln University, then moved into a coaching role after having her son. Being involved in developing a second side at Lincoln University, the Hogget’s team, Blanchard coaches the Lincoln High School girls side, adding to her coaching list where she has been for six years running.
Another opportunity arose to coach Prebbleton Rugby Clubs newly formed women’s side last year, where Blanchard remains for the second year.
With many of her coaching roles being women’s teams, Blanchard says, “If I can do my little part in providing spaces that are safe for the girls and the women to feel they can be themselves, express themselves and try something new, that is really cool.”
Her recommendation to anyone considering coaching rugby is “Be brave, be courageous, if you’re feeling one little inkling of putting your hand up then just do it, there’s nothing to lose.” Speaking specifically about women’s rugby, she said, “More women and girls in this environment is what we need to help grow the game, have some more positive role models and just to keep that energy and continuity going, growing it a little bit more.”
The Axemen’s Club continue to play important role in CFC
The membership group who make up the Axemen’s Club at Christchurch Football Club continue to play an extremely important role at the club, meeting at Christchurch Park on a Thursday to undertake maintenance around the grounds and doing their bit to help the club.
Formed in 1990, the club also are keen supporters of the club on the field, following the clubs' senior sides, such as their Premier Men’s and Women’s sides around Christchurch, as well as helping set up the fields on a Saturday for Junior and Senior Rugby.
Made up of old players, coaches and volunteers, the club provides a place for people to remain a part of Christchurch FC and provide support for the club on and off the field.
“They’re a huge asset for the club,” said CFC Rugby Manager Steph Te Ohaere-Fox, “they come here (Christchurch Park) every Thursday, they get a good group together and do anything that needs to be done around the grounds, whether that’s picking up leaves, getting into the garden, it’s a massive help for the club.”
“They also provide some funding support to club members that may need some help with their sub payments or sorting some equipment through the red and black foundation. They’re irreplaceable, if they’re not here you’d miss everything they do.”
“They do it all for the love of the club” said Te Ohaere-Fox.
Details on how to join the Axemen’s Club can be found here - https://www.christchurchfootballclub.co.nz/The-Club/The-Axemens-Club/The-Axemens-Club
Bascik Transport Premier Men’s - Round 10
Celebrating Success and Service
Last Saturday’s Luisetti Seeds Combined Country Final saw North Canterbury’s Karl Hancox referee his 100th Premier match. Hancox was presented with his 100 game blazer in the post game presentations. Metro Premier referee, Daniel Moore, also achieved a milestone of 50 Premier matches when he controlled the New Brighton v Marist Albion match. He will be presented his 50 game Blazer at a function in the near future.
The Huria Trophy returns in 2023
The Huria Trophy, contested between Kaiapoi and Glenmark Cheviot annually, is returning in 2023, after the original trophy was tragically lost in 2015 in the Glenmark fire.
Originally donated by Russell Huria, a Kaiapoi Life Member, the trophy is competed for only at their first match up each season, with the two clubs typically meeting towards the pointy end of the season too.
In replacement of the lost trophy, Doug Huria and the extended family are donating a new trophy in remembrance of his father, intent on continuing the passionate rivalry the two clubs hold, with the first match coming at North Canterbury’s Super Saturday at Southbrook Park.
“Everyone respects their opposition, and Kaiapoi against Glenmark Cheviot is always up towards the pinnacle of North Canterbury Rugby.” said Kaiapoi President Doug McKay, “this is the game that the Kaiapoi seniors have got up for every game.”
It’s a massive game, we'll be defending the Deans Shield, and we’ll be looking to win this trophy for the first time in eight years.”
“The Huria Triophy holds a lot of mana between the two clubs, and it’s certainly one you want to have in the cabinet. It’s really special to have a trophy to play for again.” McKay said.
On Friday, supporters young and old are invited to the Omihi Hall, as the trophy is reintroduced before the two teams go head-to-head for bragging rights once again, with kick off on Southbrook Park 2 at 2:15pm.
North Canterbury Division 1 Draw - June 24
North Canterbury trys something new
North Canterbury’s senior rugby competition is out to try something new, with the advent of Super Saturday at Southbrook Park. All 8 Clubs will play at the one venue this weekend with kick off times staggered throughout the afternoon. Oxford take on Hurunui from 12:30 with Ohoka up against Ashley from 1pm while Glenmark Cheviot square off against Kaiapoi. Hosts Saracens round out the day against Woodend.
North Canterbury Senior Men’s Head Coach Matt Keane said the day would also provide him and fellow coach James Lowe the opportunity to see a number of players that they’ve been tracking all on the one day.
“We have a big rep programme coming up this year, so this will be fantastic to see a lot of those players in one spot. We’ve been spreading ourselves around the district keeping a close eye on club rugby, but to see them all on one day will definitely help us finalise our thoughts on a couple of spots”.
Gallery - Luisetti Seeds Combined Country Final and Ray White Player of the Day
Celtic took out the Luisetti Seeds Combined Country Final on Saturday over Prebbleton 19-7, while our Ray White Player of the Day jerseys were out in the community for the first time!
Ellesmere Division 1 Draw - June 24
Miles Toyota Premiership & Championship - June 24
