Welcome from Ellesmere
Kia ora everyone, 2024 is shaping up as another great year for Ellesmere Rugby.
With the season well underway we have already seen some amazing games of rugby and rugby related events throughout Ellesmere. After the great success of our JAB 7’s Tournament to finish the season in 2023, it was decided that we would also open the season in a similar fashion. We had an amazing turnout at the Rolleston Club with more than 50 Junior teams from year 1 through to year 8’s all enjoying a day in the sun and some friendly competition. Another real positive of our junior season so far has been the large number of junior games that have been played under lights. This has been a real highlight for our juniors as they take centre stage at their clubs with all eyes on them.
There has been amazing growth of teams in the senior space this year with several new colt’s sides entered into the competition, a new Division 3 side out of Rolleston, Hornby back into the Division 3 fold and the re-emergence of a strong Banks Peninsula team into the Division 2 competition.
The Luisetti Seeds Combined Country competition is in the last round of pool play this weekend before we head into the quarter finals. With several possibilities still in play for those quarter finals spots and with no other rugby on this weekend, there has never been a better chance to get out to our country clubs and get your rugby fix for the weekend. The game between Darfield and Kaiapoi this Saturday has game of the round potential written all over it being a must win game for both clubs as they try and keep their hopes alive in the Luisetti Seeds combined competition.
As well as all the great rugby being played teams and guests alike have been treated to some real country hospitality with plenty of club days having had happened already and more to come! A huge congratulations is also due for the West Melton Club who celebrated their 50th anniversary a few weekends back.
To finish up a huge thanks must go out to all our great clubs, volunteers, referees, and players for ensuring that country rugby continues to thrive out in Ellesmere.
Enjoy the rest of the season!
Ngā mihi,
Cameron Bone
ERSU Rugby Manager
Mullets to Number Ones
Heads at Hurunui Rugby Club will be feeling the chill a little extra this week after coming together for a mullet shaving fundraiser.
The idea came from brothers Sam and Matt after their club mate Kirk, 11, was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer called DIPG. “He was going through radiation and starting to lose some hair so we thought we could lose some hair together,” said Sam.
Sam and Matt who had been growing their luscious locks for three years when Kirk was diagnosed, initially pitched the idea to club mum Sarah Reed. Sarah approached Hurunui Rugby Club who jumped on the idea and made it a part of their Club Day. “Matt and Sam came up with the idea, but Sarah made it happen” said the boys’ Mum, Lucy.
Eleven heads hosting mullets sat for man of the hour, Kirk, to shave his fellow club members manes, leaving them to feel that North Canterbury air on bare necks for the first time in many seasons. Hairdresser Hayley Frame was there to make sure each scalp was presentable for school and work afterwards (much to the relief of some parents).
The post to the Hurunui Rugby Club Facebook page asking for gold coin donations prompted many others to join in with one member offering to match $150 as well as donating his own cascading locks for the cause.
The club and surrounding community raised over $3000 for Ronald McDonald House, which Kirk will present to the charity on his next visit.
“It’s been awesome, it was a real privilege to be a part of it,” said Sarah, who also had her head shaved, “it gave Kirk a bit of a buzz too, excuse the pun!”
“We’re just really lucky here with this community” said Sarah, “We’ve got such a great strong rural community here. It was a great way for the boys to give something and not feel so helpless and be able to give something back to Kirk”.
If you would like to donate to the fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House you can contact Sarah Reed on hello@thegrumpymerino.co.nz
You can also find a Give A Little Fundraiser page for Kirk and his family here.
words by Hannah Yates
Keep the kids warm this season with Bushbuck!
The team at Bushbuck created the CoreTech Thermal because we know heaps of Kiwi kids like to wear an extra layer under their rugby jersey on chilly winter mornings. However, not all thermals are well-suited to the rough and tumble of junior rugby.
The CoreTech Thermal is warm, breathable, quick-drying, and durable. It’s designed to keep your young ones cosy without overheating. The lightweight, flexible fabric allows for full freedom of movement so your kids can still give it their all on the field. What’s more, we’ve made sure the Kids CoreTech Thermal doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
So, whether it's a frosty early morning game or a chilly after-school training session, our Kids CoreTech Thermal is the only “warm-up” your kids need this rugby season.
Use the Promo Code GRASSROOTS at checkout and you'll SAVE 40% on the Kids CoreTech Thermal.
Refereeing “a beautiful thing” for Tim Lian
Tim Lian has a long list of rugby experience, from developing and coaching Brunei’s first under 19s team (bringing back some silverware from the U19 Asia Rugby Championship) to playing for Otago University, but his heart lands on refereeing the up and coming stars of Canterbury.
Landing in New Zealand 12 years ago, Lian’s first stop was reaching out to Canterbury Rugby Referee Association to get his boots back on the grass, “it’s a beautiful place to do it, it’s a beautiful thing to do – and it keeps me fit” Lian said.
Studying at Otago University in the late 90’s Lian dabbled with playing for the University team, and admits it wasn’t his forte “we didn’t do well…but I got involved!” he jested.
Lian enjoys sticking to refereeing the junior grades, which is certainly where his specialty lies, “I was a teacher for 12 years in Brunei, and I’m a certified coach for World Rugby level 2 for coaching U19s rugby” he said, “I quite like to get involved with the youth, it’s good fast rugby as well”.
Lian says it’s the community and friendships he has made along the way that keep him coming back every year, “when I joined the referee association, I made many friends” he said “its quite nice when you see a friend referee who knows you on the field”.
With such vast experience on the field, Lian speaks about resilience being a key feature in refereeing and the importance of always learning, “don’t give up, when you have a bad day. Learning, just keep learning. Hear from the parents and other referees and coaches, accept any mistakes and keep learning”.
Perhaps a budding referee himself, Lian’s son, Isaiah, tries to be on the sideline for his dad’s games as often as possible, “I like to see how players react when he penalises them!” (which cued a hilarious debate between father and son about the rate of which this happens).
Isaiah has been playing for Sydenham throughout rippa grades and is now scrum half for the year 6 side. Echoing one of his father’s sentiments about the joys of the game, Isaiah’s favourite thing about rugby is “Fitness… and I like to run around scoring tries”.
If you’re keen for arguably the best view of the game, click here to learn more about how you can join Lian as a Canterbury Rugby referee.
words by Hannah Yates
A true Cantabrian would NEVER miss a game
Small steps towards positive experiences for players and spectators
Roping off the fields at Mandeville Sports Center is contributing to the positive experience the kids at Ohoka Rugby Club are enjoying this year.
After trialing the semi-permanent fencing arrangement in 2023, the North Canterbury Club erected the post and rope configuration again in 2024, according to junior club captain Stephen De Villiers, leading to a better experience for the players and spectators. “The kids benefit from the whole field to run around; parents and spectators aren’t crowding right up to and, in some cases, over the sideline. So, this helps manage the sidelines better, so the kids get all the space they need to run around and enjoy the game.”
Ohoka Rugby President Nathan Parsons acknowledged the upfront cost of the materials but urged other clubs to consider similar options, starting with temporary solutions like pigtails and fencing reels. “I guess being a North Canterbury Club we could be seen as a country club with rural resources, but it’s more about why you’re doing it as opposed to how. Anyone can provide a solution that fits their club best. Be resourceful, and work with the stakeholders to ensure the players get the best experience possible.”
Marking out the technical boxes has also improved player and spectator experience at clubs across Canterbury. “We can 100% see the benefit of roping off fields and following the match day guidelines set out by Canterbury Rugby,” said St Bedes Director of Sport Reuben Spicer.
“We love the passion that supporters bring to the game atmosphere. Still, we also encourage positive support, so offering places for people to show their support and identifying places that they can’t is definitely helping to create positive outcomes.”
The bright yellow Keep it Positive bibs that help differentiate coaches who referee at junior levels, and now sub benches at teenage and Premier/Division 1 level rugby have also contributed to better outcomes for all parties, including the match officials. We support anything that helps with the experience of our match officials, the players, and the spectators, says CRRA’s Chairman Dave Roberts.
Spicer added. “Having the Keep it Positive message front and center is a cool idea. Sometimes people get in the red, and when they do, there’s a reminder right there, so hopefully, it's enough to encourage people to think twice about what they’re saying on the sidelines and, as the message says, “Keep it Positive.”
More than just a jersey
In the heart of Rhodes Park Domain, nestled within the vibrant community, lies "The Nest," the cherished home ground of the local club. This isn't just any sports club; it's a tight-knit family where players of all ages come together to share their passion for the game. And recently, they've found a unique way to celebrate this unity: through a jersey that symbolises inclusivity and community spirit like never before.
Designed to encapsulate the essence of the club, the jersey wasn't just for the elite Div 1 team but aimed to represent every player, from the youngest five-year-old to the seasoned veterans. Each stitch, each detail, was a testament to the diverse tapestry of individuals who call the club home. It was a symbol of belonging, a visual reminder that every member had a place in the club's story. "It's more than just a jersey; it's a statement of who we are as a club," says Jon Lewis, Waihora RFC President. "When you wear it, you're not just representing a team; you're representing a community—a family."
The front design, featuring "The Nest," serves as a beacon of hospitality, welcoming all who step onto the field. It's a place where friendships are forged, skills are honed, and memories are made. And now, it's immortalized on fabric, a symbol of pride for players and supporters alike. But the jersey's significance goes beyond mere symbolism. During last weeks Club Day event, the club hosted a jersey auction that exceeded all expectations. With bids flying high, the event raised nearly $14,000—an impressive sum that will be reinvested back into the club. From new gear to upgraded equipment, these funds will lay the foundation for the club's future, ensuring that every player has the resources they need to succeed."This isn't just about the present; it's about investing in our future," explains Jon, ”By supporting our teams today, we're nurturing the talent of tomorrow. Who knows? Perhaps among these young players, we'll discover future All Blacks & Black Ferns.”
As the club looks ahead to the 2025 season, the jersey stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and community spirit. It's a reminder that, no matter the score on the field, the true victory lies in the bonds we share and the legacy we leave behind. And with each player who dons the jersey, that legacy grows stronger, weaving a story of belonging and togetherness that transcends the boundaries of sport.
Future of NZ Rugby defined
The majority of provincial unions that comprise New Zealand Rugby have voted to reformat the national Board so it retains links with the people who play it across the country. The provincial unions voted for the second of two proposals to change who is appointed to the Board, how they are selected, and how the Board is advised by a stakeholder council.
Rowena Duncum, spokesperson for the unions behind the second proposal, said the new system would ensure a modern and independent Board, which has experience and empathy for the 150,000 people who play and run the game across the country. Three of the Board members will be required to have amongst their governance skills, time on a provincial union board. The proposals were otherwise identical in their adoption of modern governance.
“The heart of the game remains anchored in the people who play it” she said. “The NZ Rugby Board oversees the entire game, bottom to top, so we are pleased the NZ Board will remain anchored in the entire game, bottom to top”.
Read the full media release here
Referee exchange providing opportunities
Exchange weekend saw 14 referees from the CRRA travel across the country to officiate club footy, with placements all the way down in Southland, and as far north as Auckland. Referees William Day and Ben McLachlan were sent ever further afield, heading across the Tasman to exchange with the Queensland Rugby Referees Association. A huge congratulations to William Day who made his Hospital Cup debut and was presented the Challenge Coin by QRRA President Simon Moore.
It was a pleasure to host an awesome group of referees on our turf, we even managed to get our Brisbane friends Aaron Pool and Rory Crombie joining in on the annual mid-winter swim!
Around the grounds
It was a Sumner Stunner last Saturday, with tamariki fuelled on #keepitpositive jellybeans and Barkers fruit pouches as they cheered on their teammates! The “Fly your flag” initiative launched last season thanks to Ray White Canterbury, was again an absolute hit. Giving the kids full creative license, it’s awesome to see their colourful signs bouncing up and down on the sunny sidelines.
Kick for a good cause
It’s your last chance to sign up! Dan Carter is asking rugby players and fans of all ages and abilities across the country to join the Beat Dan Carter challenge, from 3-17 June. It’s all for an amazing cause too - helping kids in the Pacific get access to safe, clean water.
With just one ball - one tee - one hour - DC kicked 273 goals. Can you or your team Beat Dan Carter? Give it a good go for a great cause and the love of rugby.
Sign up and you could win Dan Carter at your club, school or backyard. Three in-person DC coaching sessions to be won anywhere in Aotearoa, along with DC kicking tees, signed rugby balls, and other prizes up for grabs.
Everything you need to know is at beatdancarter.com.
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