Welcome to the final issue of The Red & Black for 2023.
It has been another great year of rugby here in Canterbury, and as you’ll find in this week’s issue, it’s been fantastic to celebrate every aspect of the year over the last three nights’ awards.
This year’s winners are just the tip of the iceberg to the efforts of many in our community, and while we can only highlight a number of our members, everyone’s work doesn’t go unnoticed, with more than 30,000 participants in our game unable to do what they do without you.
With the Canterbury XV game against the Heartland XV on Wednesday, that concludes our 15’s season, while the Club Sevens this weekend and the South Island Club Sevens on the 11th and 12th of November will see the rugby season truly come to a close.
I also want to take this moment to congratulate the All Blacks on their valiant World Cup campaign, and wish our Black Ferns good luck as they chase the WXV 1 title in Auckland against England.
While the playing season winds down, the AGM season starts up so do get involved in your passion.
Rest assured the community team are here to support and help you with any queries you have, sometimes rugby never stops.
Enjoy the end of the 2023 season, have a good summer break and we’ll see you in 2024 rested and ready to go for another year in the Red & Black.
Ngā mihi,
Tony Smail
CEO, Canterbury Rugby Football Union
Community Welcome
2023 Canterbury Rugby Awards
Over the previous three nights, we celebrated some of the outstanding clubs, schools, teams and individuals who have made rugby tick in Canterbury over the entirety of the 2023 season!
Check out this year’s awards winners below!
Community Awards
Community Award Winners
Volunteer of the Year – Hunter Johnston (Christchurch)
This year’s Volunteer of the Year is Christchurch Club Captain Hunter Johnston. Hunter is well known for always being the first to put up his hand at his beloved Christchurch, where he has also previously acted as the Junior Club Captain.
When asked about the award and what it means to him, Hunter said “You get so much reward out of it, for giving back to your community and your club, and just seeing the smiles on the faces of the adults and kids that show up, it’s great to be acknowledged for what we do (at Christchurch).
Finalists: Michelle Tocker (Woodend) and Steven Richmond (Marist Albion)
Coach of the Year – Robbie Fruean (Horomaka Combined 1st XV)
Former Canterbury Rugby midfielder Robbie Fruean is Coach of the Year in 2023. Robbie has been instrumental in the establishing of the Horomaka Combined side, who entered into the Miles Toyota Championship for the first time this season, creating an exciting new pathway for students of Hillmorton, Riccarton High and Hornby High.
For Robbie, it’s as much about those that have helped get him here, as it is the work he has done on the grass this season. “It’s a reflection of the hard work of everyone who has helped the team and I get here. You know, the hard work of our manager, the other coaches and all of our parents who support the programme and are constantly down at our games.”
“It would mean the world to me, as it would show that we got the right people around us to be influencing these boys’ in a manner that allows them to choose good all of the time.”
Finalists: Angis Sisifa (Christchurch Girls’ High School) and Anna Livingstone (HSOB)
Community Team of the Year – Halswell-Wigram Battlers (Metro Classics)
Creating a welcoming environment that encompasses their whole club that has seen them become Community Team of the Year, the Halswell-Wigram Battlers take out this award. As the club’s sole senior side, the Battlers have worked hard on fostering a relationship with their junior club, while also creating a home for players and supporters, no matter their previous rugby experience.
“It’s amazing and really special for us” said team member Dan Barry, “It’s such a great bunch of guys.”
“It’s so fulfilling seeing the guys that have never pulled on the footy boots before, join us looking for that friendship and comradery, finding their new home.”
Finalists: HSOB Light Bears (U85 Club Cup) and Oxford U18 (Combined U18 Competition)
Tom Doocey Cup for the No.1 Referee – George Haswell (Metro)
A consistent performer at the top level, George Haswell again receives the Tom Doocey Cup for the No.1 Referee. George has performed consistently across the season, taking charge of games across a range of levels, including the Bascik Transport Metro Premier Final and first class fixtures in the Bunnings Heartland Championship and Farah Palmer Cup.
Refereeing provides Haswell with “a great challenge”, something that he finds very rewarding and what he enjoys most about refereeing. “I’ve refereed in lot’s of different provinces in New Zealand, but there’s nothing really like Canterbury Rugby, it’s really competitive, and this helps bring the best out of us as referees.”
The President’s Cup for Best All Round Referee Member – George Welch (North Canterbury)
The Canterbury Rugby Referees’ President’s Cup is an award given to the best all round member, someone who has volunteered their time across the whole of the association. This year’s worthy recipient is George Welch. George has volunteered considerable time to the coaching and development of referees across Canterbury, serving on the Management committee and can be seen at clubs throughout North Canterbury all winter.
“This award is a recognition of the referees as a whole group.” said Welch, “to me it’s not just an individual award, like all associations, everyone plays a vital role, I’m only one cog of a big wheel.”
School of the Year – St Thomas of Canterbury College
Fostering an inclusive environment across the entirety of their rugby programme, St Thomas of Canterbury College are the School of the Year. As well as seeing success across a range of their age group sides, St Thomas have consistently grown their player base over the last few years, as they add their name to the premier rugby schools in the region.
Paul Burton of St Thomas said when asked about the award recognition that it was a great reflection of “the success, growing numbers and participation that the school is seeing.”
“For us, it’s a constant challenge year-on-year to be a consistent rugby school, but also not losing sight of what the true value in it is, and it’s connection and the quality experience and fun for our boys.”
Finalist: Christchurch Girls’ High School
Club of the Year – Prebbleton (Ellesmere)
Unprecedented success on the field and the creation of a strong team culture off it has propelled Prebbleton to Club of the Year honours. Winning four Ellesmere senior finals, the club has successfully grown a women’s pathway, with junior girls’ teams now adding to their U17 Girls’ and Senior Women’s sides.
“It’s great for Prebbleton” said Club President Jeromy Knowler, “We’ve had a pretty good year and we’ve still got some lofty goals to achieve next season, so to be acknowledged for what we have already achieved so far, is pretty special.”
“We’ve built a great community feel for our wee town, it’s really special to head down to the club on a Sunday and see 20 kids kicking a ball around proudly wearing their club hoodies and that epitomizes what we are about.”
Finalists: Springston (Ellesmere) and High School Old Boys’ (Metro)
Club Centurions
Canterbury Rugby would like to take a moment to acknowledge and congratulate our club centurions in 2023, members of our community who have given extraordinary amounts of time for their beloved sides.
Ellesmere:
Kieran Miekle - 100 - Darfield
Tyler Williams - 100 - Hornby
Hamish Maw - 100 – Southbridge
North Canterbury:
Jacob Hurring - 100 - Kaiapoi
Brennen Kara- 100 - Kaiapoi
Mel Mills - 100 - Kaiapoi
Craig Stockwell - 100 - Woodend
Joel Stockwell - 100 – Woodend
Adam Brand - 100 - Woodend
James Pitama - 100 - Woodend
Mike McCoy - 100 - Woodend
Matthew Kippenberger - 100 - Ashley
Kerran Jenkins - 100 – Saracens
Metro:
Kaylee Tavendale - 100 - Christchurch
Steph Te Ohaere-Fox - 200 - Christchurch
Anthony Tailua - 100 - Linwood
Tom Ziolo - 100 - Sumner
Matt Bateman - 100 - Sydenham
Tamara Toaolamai - 100 - HSOB
Michael Direen - 100 - Suburbs
Representative Awards
Representative Award Winners
Women’s U18 Player of the Year – Loren Edwards (HSOB)
HSOB and Christchurch Girls’ High School standout Loren Edwards is this year’s Women’s U18 Player of the Year. Loren has had an outstanding year on the field, captaining her school’s 1st XV to another Miles Toyota Cup and South Island title, while also earning selection herself to the NZ Barbarians U18 side.
For Loren, it is a “proud achievement” to cap off a big year for the young tighthead prop. “To be thought about in this context and alongside some other great players is pretty special, so to win it, I am very proud.”
Finalists: Harriet Cochrane and Keighley Simpson (both University)
Dennis Young Men’s U19 Player of the Year – Liam Jack (Lincoln University)
Lincoln University’s Liam Jack takes home the Dennis Young Men’s U19 Player of the Year following a big campaign in 2023 which saw the young lock take his game from strength to strength both on and off the park, using his size to dominate the aerial contest.
A Christ’s College old boy, Liam has enjoyed his rugby in his first year out of school, saying “I really enjoyed my first year at Lincoln Uni. It’s a great environment with great coaches and people.”
Speaking upon receiving the award, Jack said “I’m really grateful to be representing my family and representing Canterbury, and to win this award is an awesome achievement.”
Finalists: Johnny Lee (Lincoln University) and Isaac Hutchinson (Marist Albion)
FPC Development Player of the Year – Fia Laikong (HSOB)
New to rugby, High School Old Boys’ Fia Laikong has made the most of her opportunities this season, being named the FPC Development Player of the Year in 2023.
“I’m new to the sport,” said Laikong, “but watching it grow and to see how many girls’ are now getting into the game, it’s been really rewarding to be a part of it.”
“This award speaks to the people around me, to do what I do, I wouldn’t be able to do it without their support.”
Finalists: Lina Pale (University) and Adi Vani Taleqa (Christchurch)
Stan ‘Tiny’ Hill B’s Player of the Year – Josh Loader (Sumner)
The 2023 winner of the Stan ‘Tiny’ Hill B’s Player of the Year is Sumner’s Josh Loader. A lock just like ‘Tiny’ Hill, Loader made the most of his opportunities during this year’s B’s campaign, continuously making a difference across the paddock with his tireless work and strong leadership skills.
Receiving this year’s award caught Loader by surprise, speaking to the understated nature of a man who lets his play on the field do the talking. “It’s a bit of a shock, but a massive and pretty special achievement. It’s also a big nod to not only the playing group, but the coaching group too in creating an environment where you think you can develop week-on-week.”
“Rugby gives you that opportunity to give back, seeing your teammates and your own development, it’s pretty cool to be a part of.”
Finalists: George Prain (Oxford) and Jae Broomfield (University)
Māori Player of the Year – Tamaiti Williams (Burnside)
A newly minted All Black in 2023, Tamaiti Williams’ stellar season continues with his selection as this year’s Māori Player of the Year.
Playing his rugby out of the Burnside club, Tamaiti made his All Blacks debut against South Africa during the Rugby Championship, before receiving selection and the nod to play a crucial role on the All Blacks journey to the Rugby World Cup final.
Holding great pride in his Māori heritage, it is amazing to see the growth in Tamaiti’s role on the field this season paired alongside the positive role model he has become for many Māori rangitahi who dream to represent their country, just like he has this season.
Finalists: Tahlor Cahill (Marist Albion) and Billy Harmon (New Brighton)
NPC & FPC Awards
NPC & FPC Award Winners
Patterson Cup for Most Promising Women’s Player – Laura Bayfield (Linwood)
An impressive debutant in 2023, Laura Bayfield is this year’s recipient of the Patterson Cup for the Most Promising Women’s Player.
From leading the team across a number of key stats, including tackles, and in securing a starting spot, Bayfield became an invaluable member of the Farah Palmer Cup squad that reached their seventh consecutive final.
“Considering the amount of depth and talent that Canterbury has, it means a lot to be considered for this award, I’m extremely honoured.” said Bayfield. “It’s been an unreal year with Canterbury and I’m looking forward to many seasons ahead.”
Bayfield capped off a memorable year with selection in both the Defence Blacks side and the Black Ferns XV.
Finalists: Holly Wratt-Groeneweg (University) and Hannah King (Lincoln University)
NPC Rookie of the Year – Solomon Alaimalo (Sydenham)
Returning to his hometown this season, Sydenham’s Solomon Alaimalo is this year’s NPC Rookie of the Year. Previously playing his professional rugby outside of Canterbury, the St Bede’s Old Boy enjoyed his return to his home province, scoring three tries in the nine games he was involved in.
“I was born in Auckland but raised in Christchurch, a St Bede’s College boy,” said Alaimalo, “I played all my age grade stuff down here as well, so it means a lot, especially rubbing shoulders with the guys that I grew up looking up to in the academy as well, guys like (Luke) Romano, Moods (Joe Moody) and Drummy (Mitch Drummond). It’s been great to be home.”
“I’m an old rookie but it certainly means a lot. I’d like to take this moment to thank Lyn Sanson, someone who was really close to me up north and looked after us on my journey into pro footy.”
Finalists: Tahlor Cahill (Marist Albion), James Mullan (Sydenham), Carisbrook Toomalatai (New Brighton) and Nick Hyde (Glenmark Cheviot)
FPC Player of the Year – Martha Mataele (Christchurch)
A stand out for the energy she brings both on and off the field, Martha Mataele caps off an incredible year by taking out this season’s FPC Player of the Year award.
Martha was an integral part of the Farah Palmer Cup sides run to the finals, playing across the midfield and wing, wherever she was required. Constantly on the scoresheet through her elusiveness and hard running style, making 17 clean linebreaks and scoring nine tries, Martha has backed up her FPC campaign with an inaugural Black Ferns call-up, scoring on debut against the Wallaroos to cap an amazing year for the Christchurch standout.
“It’s pretty special to be recognised with this award.” said Mataele. “I don’t go out there to win awards, I go out there to be the best I can be, but to be rewarded in this way is pretty special.”
“It’s fulfilling to now be in a position to create a pathway for girls’ and people like me to come through and I can show them, if I can do it, so can they too.”
Finalists: Grace Brooker (HSOB) and Lucy Jenkins (Christchurch)
Canterbury Rugby Supporters Club Men’s Player of the Year – Billy Harmon (New Brighton)
Billy Harmon is the Canterbury Rugby Supporters Club Men’s Player of the Year for a second year in a row, with the captain consistently leading his team from the front. Billy was a team leader in more ways in one this season, playing in every game and making 175 tackles at a 94% success rate.
“I suppose to win any award is nice, but I love this team and everything it has provided me and my family.” said Harmon, “I love that I get to play rugby every day as a job. Any award is a result of me wanting to be at my best, and to do my best so I can be a part of Canterbury for as long as I want.”
“The Supporters Club have been a massive part of Canterbury Rugby for a long time now, my grandfather was a member, so it’s special to win this award from them.”
Finalists: Rameka Poihipi and Cullen Grace (both Lincoln University)
Canterbury XV take on the Heartland XV
The Canterbury XV took on the New Zealand Heartland XV in Methven on Wednesday, going down in an entertaining fixture 43-17. Check out some of our photographer’s best snaps from the matchup!
Ponsonby set for 20th test in Black Ferns must win
Lincoln University’s Georgia Ponsonby will play her 20th test for the Black Ferns this weekend, as they look to secure the WXV 1 title against England in Auckland.
Back in the title mix thanks to France’s shock defeat to the Wallaroos, the Black Ferns will also call upon the services of five other Cantabrians for the crunch contest.
Ponsonby is joined in the forwards by club teammates Amy Rule and sisters Chelsea and Alana Bremner, in what should be an epic battle with a strong Red Roses forward pack.
Christchurch’s Amy Du Plessis starts at centre for her 14th test, while Lucy Jenkins will provide the impact off the bench for the 7pm kick off tonight.
Eight selected for U20’s Development Camp
Eight Cantabrians have been selected for the Women’s Rugby U20’s Development Camp, as New Zealand Rugby looks to help develop the next generation of Black Ferns.
The objective of the camp are as follows:
Identify talent at the Under 20 age group that have the potential to represent either the Black Ferns or the Black Ferns Seven’s in the next 3 to 5 years.
Educate identified players on the pathway to become a Black Fern.
Educate identified players on their individual games and provide them with feedback so they can go back to their provinces and continue their development as players and as people.
Christchurch’s Atlanta Lolohea, Lincoln University’s Sophie Kerr and Alex Williamson, University’s Holly Wratt-Groeneweg, Keighley Simpson, Kelsyn McCook and Harriet Cochrane, and HSOB’s Winnie Palamo have all been selected for the camp at the end of the month, congratulations!
