Community Welcome
April has arrived along with autumn and the community rugby season.
This week sees the first round of the Luisetti Seeds Combined Division One competition taking place tomorrow, see the full draw here .
Unfortunately the planned Bascik Transport Premier Men’s and Women’s Festival Day has been cancelled due to ground conditions at Burnside Park, with a lack of a suitable alternative venue for all eight games. The pre season games are still taking place across the city with details of where and when here .
Strategically our focus is adapting to the changing needs of our participants. With weight restricted rugby being an exciting growth area of our game, we are launching our first U85kg grade this year. Clubs are actively working on teams now for this grade, which will play weekly this season starting at the end of April.
There’s a growing interest in non-contact rugby in older age groups than the traditional Year 1 & 2 Rippa grades. Rip after these ages is a different format of the game than Rippa, including non-contested scrums and lineouts. In 2023 there were 10 teams taking part between Year 3 – 8 playing weekly on Saturday mornings, with more clubs expressing interest in 2024. It’s awesome to see several clubs engaged in offering a different model to Year 1 & 2 players, playing at their local club for one session per week, resulting in really positive feedback from parents. If you would like to discuss any of these options please touch base with your regions Rugby Manager.
Safety continues to be an ongoing focus, with experimental law variations from 2023 continuing. Tackle height had a hugely positive impact on ensuring player safety. There is also a game innovation relating to red card player replacement and some changes in DSLVs relating to front row player requirements, view these here.
Recently Canterbury Rugby celebrated the outstanding achievement of Lyndon McKendry who has given 25 years of service in the role of Game Developer – Match Officials, an incredible tenure.
A special thanks must go to all the volunteers in clubs who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to have the teams ready to go for games. Your work does not go unnoticed and is appreciated by all. Let’s not forget those also working hard on draws, formats, and team entries in the background, here’s to a great 2024 season!
Ngā mihi,
Fiona Smith
Community Rugby Manager, Canterbury Rugby Football Union
U85’S Grade is here!
It’s fun, fast, and best of all… the Props, locks and wirey wingers are all the same size!
Strategically our focus is adapting to the changing needs of our participants. With weight restricted rugby being an exciting growth area of our game, we are launching our first U85kg grade this year. Clubs are actively working on teams now for this grade, which will play weekly this season starting at the end of April.
“It’s weirdly physical but you can just take the hits because everyone is the same size, you know so you can get back up it’s great” said Jared Percival from the HSOB Light Bears. Playing U85’s provides an opportunity to engage with new faces especially the younger players coming through “I’m big on the culture side of things and making new friends and that’s what it does, it’s absolutely brilliant”.
Fellow team member Ryan McNulty says “it’s really good for us small boys to get in there and have a good hit out, it’s good fun and good fitness”.
If you’re interested in connecting with a club, click here
Canterbury Rugby’s drive to succeed will continue to be supported by Miles Toyota
Miles Toyota, which has been a proud partner of Women’s Rugby, the 1st XV competition, along with being Canterbury Rugby’s Community Partner for the past six years, will continue to support the game through to 2026.
“Grassroots rugby is at the heart of our region’s identity and is synonymous with our Toyota representation in Canterbury. At Toyota, we believe the value of sport is about being physically active to create happier, healthier Kiwis who are better connected to their local communities,” said Mark Mills, Miles Toyota CEO.
“Being in a position to continue our partnership with the Canterbury Rugby Union is something that we’re tremendously proud of. Specifically, our holistic community engagements, spanning from grassroots through to the game’s growth in our secondary schools as well as supporting the advancement of the women’s game,” Mark added.
“Having Miles Toyota continue to support Canterbury Rugby in the way they do is fantastic,” said Tony Smail, Canterbury Rugby Union CEO. “Like us, they take great pride in seeing our community enjoy their rugby. And some of the success that’s come with the hard work and dedication of our athletes too.”
In partnership with our Official Apparel Partner, Dynasty, we’re delighted to bring you our 2024 Membership and Supporters Jersey deal!
This year’s jersey is a real nod to the past, whilst firmly looking to the future.
The gold within the collar and logos represents a throwback to the late 90’s which also talks to the vision and standards set by the organisation. Gold standard, leading the way, number one.
Grab yours today, along with all the great benefits that come with being a member and look great on the sidelines and in the stands!
Get a $250 value package for just $160!
• Access to 8 NPC and FPC home games
• Be part of the Members Guard of Honour.
• Seats right on half way in the reserved member’s area.
• Exclusive retro polycotton long-sleeve supporters’ jersey
Community Round up
Our Game Development team have had a busy few weeks in the community running a series of coaching workshops and Rugby Smart Master Classes.
Over 75 coaches have attended so far, covering Laws, Culture and Set Piece. There’s still time to register and attend the next two on defence and attack.
11 Small Black courses have been held across the region, with over 90 coaches having attended.
There’s still loads of opportunities to attend one near you, so please register and head along.
There’s lots of cool content to help out with your coaching this year which will ensure your kids get the best experience possible.
We have also been busy promoting rugby to new participants and have run several events to encourage tamariki to give rugby a go.
Check out the photos of these below...
We’re packing down with leading outdoor adventure brand Bushbuck in a new partnership that unites two of New Zealand’s great passions — rugby and the great outdoors.
Bushbuck director Tim Dunn said he’s proud to partner with Canterbury Rugby, a well-known, trusted brand and a pillar of the local community.
“The opportunity to align with Canterbury Rugby just makes sense. Bushbuck started right here in Canterbury; it’s our home and we’re proud to get in behind our community in this way” Dunn says.
“Our brands share similar values. In our own ways, we’re both about getting outdoors, pushing beyond the comfort zone, and good, old Kiwi durability.”
CRFU Head of Partnerships, Glen Thawley, says Canterbury Rugby shares those sentiments.
“We’re delighted to have Bushbuck as part of the Canterbury Rugby family. Their vision for engaging with our community is one that excites us, one that we see as a win, win, win.”
Bushbuck will frame up Canterbury’s new Bunnings Warehouse NPC jersey with its brand logo on the collar.
Dunn says the partnership is about supporting CRFU from the Saturday morning grassroots level to the bright lights of the NPC.
“It’s the Clubs that make Canterbury Rugby the powerhouse brand it is, and the communities surrounding each Club are bursting at the seams with Kiwis who love the outdoors just as much as we do. We can’t wait for the season to kick off.”
First year tackle incoming!
With the JAB season kicking off on May 4 the countdown is on, with kids all around Canterbury are pumped up about getting their boots back on. For some, 2024 will be their very first games of tackle!
Itching to get on the field this season is Kasey and Hudson, classmates at North Loburn School and soon to be teammates for the very first time down at Ashley Rugby Club in North Canterbury.
Hudson played his Rippa years at Ashley and is keen as a bean about getting on the field and putting his tackling to the test.
“I’ve been practising on him!” said Hudson, pointing at his mate. “Yeah, hes been teaching me how to smoke ‘em” laughed Kasey.
Kasey joins the tackle grade this year having only played touch before, but that doesn’t mean he’s nervous – when asked what he’s post excited about he blurted “TACKLING!” before the question was even completed.
As excited as these two are about the season ahead, talking over each other at speed arguing who is the stronger tackler, Hudson’s favourite thing about rugby was “eating the food at the end!” with Ashleys Rugby Club famous cheerios holding the firm number one spot (we can confirm - these are delicious).
Naming Ryan Crotty as their favourite Canterbury player, these boys will clearly be bringing a lot of energy down to Loburn Park this season and we can’t wait to see it.
Tackle clinics will be held for all clubs able to attend, preparing them with safe tackling and skills. Your club will have the details on your clinic date and time.
Words by Hannah Yates
Share an incredible moment with your whānau and support our wāhine toa on home soil!
Get your tickets now, click HERE
#UPTHEWAHINE
Friday 7’s Rugby festival boon for player participation
A new Christchurch rugby festival is changing the game for children such as Whitau School brothers Revival and Amazing. Tamai Sports and Linwood Rugby catered for over 100 new tamariki in both rippa and tackle…. read more
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