Community Welcome
With one round of the Luisetti Combined Country Competition already played prior to Easter, it is exciting to see the rest of the adult grades kicking off across the province this weekend.
There are a couple of exceptions to this as different grades adapt to the needs of the participants in line with our new community rugby strategy. Bascik Transport Metro Colts begins on the 29 April after the University break and will have two weeks off in July and a later season finish, while the Ellesmere Division 3 begins on 22 April.
A huge amount of work goes in from volunteers in clubs prior to the season start to ensure that coaches are found, facilities are ready, players have gear to wear and the administration work in the background has been done and our thanks goes to everyone involved in this process which for the majority is only the beginning of a commitment that will last until the end of the season. Clubs across the province are in need of volunteers so anyone out there who is willing to lend a hand will be warmly welcomed by their local clubs, even if you only have a small amount of time, please contact your local club if you can help.
A big thank you also goes out to our match officials who are integral to our game, we couldn’t play rugby without them. The Referees Association is always on the lookout for new officials, and it’s never too late to join. Find out more information about refereeing here.
At the end of the 2022 season we consulted across the rugby community on our community rugby strategy and the outcomes from this were shared at the Community Roadshows in February, with the work now beginning to play out across the province. We have clubs that are going to trial new models of Junior Rugby to meet the needs of their local community, initiatives in front row coaching about to roll out and Keep it Positive sideline behaviour pilots beginning, as well as research work into how to better meet the needs of school leavers, teenagers in the country and our coaches. Our key focus is on Club Capability and clubs who wish to take part in the process are encouraged to get in touch.
There is definitely increased interest in participating in female only rugby, with a number of clubs looking to take part in our new female only Year 5 – 9 competitions on Monday nights in May and more clubs entering the Premier Reserve Womens competition.
All the best to the players, coaches and clubs involved in tomorrow’s games, thanks for everything you have done so far and enjoy the season ahead!
Ngā mihi,
Fiona Smith
Community Rugby Manager, Canterbury Rugby Football Union
Bascik Transport Metro Premier Preview
April 15th signals the start of the Bascik Transport Premier competitions, alongside the majority of the other Senior grades, with just Metro Colts left to get underway after the end of the University holidays.
It’s the most exciting weekend of the season for all teams starting this weekend, from which every team starts in the exact same position.
In the Bascik Transport Premier Men’s competition, an intriguing weekend of fixtures is highlighted by the traditional finals match up from the previous season, with reigning champions Sydenham having the opportunity to welcome Marist Albion to Sydenham Park to start the season.
Elsewhere, the whispers throughout the region sees the University sides, the Vipers (University of Canterbury) and the Rams (Lincoln University) entering the season with a little bit of hype, with both sides boasting good numbers and strong pre-season wins. UC will head to Christchurch to open the year, while Lincoln University will travel to Rawhiti Domain and New Brighton looking to get off to a good start.
The remaining fixtures see a rejuvenated Belfast hosting Shirley, Burnside begin the season at home to High School Old Boys’ and Linwood welcome Sumner to the Bull Ring for a crack at the DCL Shield.
In the Bascik Transport Premier Women’s competition, six teams will contest this season, with Christchurch, University of Canterbury, Lincoln University, High School Old Boys’, Linwood and Prebbleton all vying for supremacy in 2023.
Exciting growth in the Women’s game will see a range of talented athletes throughout the sides, and this season should prove to be another exciting chapter of Women’s Rugby here in Canterbury.
Christchurch open their season at home against High School Old Boys’, Linwood will host University and Prebbleton travel up the road to Lincoln University.
Bascik Transport Metro Premier Draws - Round 1
Selwyn RFC celebrate 50th anniversary
Read more about Selwyn’s recent 50th celebrations!
Luisetti Seeds Combined Country Division 1 Draws - Round 2
Finding the joy in strapping on the boots
John ‘Nugget’ Pounsford will join thousands this weekend in strapping on their boots for the first time this season, as the Ohoka Division 2 get their season underway in Culverden tomorrow.
For Nugget, this new season is just as exciting as the last one, with the opportunity to lace them up and head out on the field with his mates once again to good to turn down.
“I played League all of my life before giving rugby a go here in Ohoka,” said Pounsford, “Coming out here, this has become another home for me.”
“The camaraderie you get amongst the boys makes it so enjoyable, the banter is awesome, and the culture here is unlike any other I have experienced.”
Tony Christie appointed as Black Ferns Assistant Coach
New Brighton’s Tony Christie has been appointed as one of the new Black Ferns Assistant Coaches, with the Canterbury Farah Palmer Cup assistant taking on the Defence Coaching role.
Starting off with the New Brighton Colts, Tony has recently taken the step into high performance coaching, joining the Canterbury FPC coaching team under Blair Baxter in 2020, before also taking on a role with Matatū for their inaugural season in 2022.
Over this time, Tony has played an important role in the success of both programmes, winning two Farah Palmer Cups with Canterbury, as well as Super Rugby Aupiki in 2023.
Canterbury Rugby is stoked to see Tony take the next step in his coaching career, and everyone in our rugby community can’t wait to follow along with his, and our World Champion Black Ferns, journey in the next few years!
Gallery - North Canterbury U11 Girls’ Rugby Tournament in Kaiapoi
Cyclone Gabrielle caused immense devastation throughout the East of the North Island, so we’ve teamed up with our Principal Partner Ray White to lead a boot drive for those effected in the Hawke’s Bay. Head in to Rugby Park or your local Ray White office to donate your boots!
