Kia ora from the President,
I’m John Stanley, and I’m truly honoured to introduce myself as the newly appointed President of Canterbury Rugby.
Having fulfilled my tenure as Vice President, I’m delighted to step into the role and continue a commitment to serving our Canterbury rugby community. My appreciation goes to Brendon Hill who held this position prior, with many hours dedicated to the sidelines.
Starting out as a young player at Amberley, Saturday mornings meant piling into cars with teammates, travelling around North Canterbury, and returning home in time to rally for our senior team.
I’ve been fortunate to be involved in our game across multiple roles, as a coach, manager, administrator and board member, across clubs like Star (Timaru), Rangiora, and Saracens, where I’m humbled to be a Life Member.
Given my involvement in Red & Black Rugby over the years I’m privileged to continue this journey as President, and will continue to champion the grassroots spirit that makes Canterbury rugby so special.
See you out on the pitch!
Ngā mihi,
John Stanley,
President, Canterbury Rugby Football Union
ANZAC: From the archives
As we mark ANZAC Day, we dive back through the archives to remember the courage, sacrifice, and enduring spirit of those who served in the First and Second World Wars. Among them were rugby players, club men, teammates, and local heroes, enlisting in armed forces and trading their spikes for boots of another kind. Making the ultimate sacrifice, these troops left behind the fields of Canterbury to serve on distant shores.
Rugby in Canterbury, like so many communities across New Zealand, was deeply affected during this time. Representative rugby came virtually to a standstill with no games being played in 1916 or 1917. Although the club season continued, ranks in clubs were further depleted, the game only carrying on under the greatest of difficulties. It wasn’t long before drastic alterations were made and the decision came by the union for only two competitions to go ahead, under twenty and under sixteen.
Lancaster Park The home of rugby became better known as the “Oval of spuds”, being ploughed by authorities and put down in potatoes. Both an effort to help the war, and to raise much needed funds for the ground facing financial strain, games were taken to neighbouring fields in 1917 and 1918.
Debuting for Canterbury in 1902 and continuing his career in red and black for 18 matches until 1906, former All Black Hubert ‘JUM’ Turtill was a standout player. After appearing for a combined Canterbury and South Canterbury selection against the touring Australians in 1905, Turtill was included in the New Zealand team for the only international in Dunedin.
The fullback who started his career in rugby union playing for Christchurch Albion, went on to join the professional All Blacks– better known as the All Golds, on their tour of Great Britain and Australia. Returning to England, and enlisting in the British Army after the outbreak of World War I, Turtill was killed in action by a shell-burst in 1918, aged 38.
A name etched in Canterbury rugby history as one of the region’s finest wingers, Christchurch born George Hart, played in the first XV at Waitaki Boys High before breaking into representative rugby for Canterbury "B" in 1927. Donning red and black from 1928 - 1936, Hart was absolutely prolific, crossing the try line 42 times in just 40 matches.
In 1930, his provincial performances earned him an All Blacks debut against the touring British Lions, announcing himself on the international stage in style, scoring tries in his first two Tests. Hart remained a regular in the national side until his retirement from top-level rugby in 1936.
When World War II broke out, Hart took his talents from the rugby field to the battlefield, serving as a captain in the 20th Armoured Regiment. Even while stationed in North Africa, he demonstrated his trademark speed continuing to play Army rugby. Hart’s life was cut short in 1944 during the advance from Cassino in Italy, where he died of wounds after being hit by shellfire, aged 35.
This ANZAC Day, we reflect not only on the lives lost and forever changed, but also on how the game of rugby carried forward the values of camaraderie, resilience, and loyalty, values at the heart of both the sport and the ANZAC legacy.
Fresh Faces and Familiar Legends: Strengthening the Canterbury Rugby Board for 2025 and Beyond!
Photo credit: NZ Herald
We are thrilled to announce the appointment of some new and returning faces to our Board of Directors following the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Christchurch City Councillor James Gough joins the ranks as an Independent Director. With deep roots in our community, James brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong business background. He has held several board appointments including the Canterbury District Health Board and chair of Venues Ōtautahi. He has also been heavily involved in a number of local charities; Keep Christchurch Beautiful, the Bone Marrow Cancer Trust and the Canterbury Earthquake Children’s Trust to name just a few.
Returning, Natasha Wong brings her experience back to the boardroom. Natasha’s rugby pedigree and contribution to the sport is immense both on and off the field. On the field she donned Red & Black 75 times between 1988 and 1998 and represented New Zealand at the inaugural Womens Rugby World Cup in 1991. Off the field, she served as manager of the Canterbury Farrah palmer Cup team, winning three national titles during her tenure. In 2018 Natahsa was the first woman to be appointed to the Canterbury Rugby Board.
With John Stanley commencing his tenure as president, Canterbury Rugby great and Crusader number 1, Stu Loe, takes up the role of vice-president. Like Natasha, Stu’s rugby pedigree speaks for itself. With 122 Canterbury Caps and 26 Super Caps to his name, Stu also represented New Zealand at Colts level, has played for the Hurricanes and finished out his rugby career with West Coast.
Newly appointed Board Chairman, Mike Lay, is excited to welcome the wealth of experience and deep knowledge of both the game and the community these individuals will bring to the board table. “We’re incredibly pleased to welcome James, Natahsa and Stu as officers of Canterbury Rugby. Each of them brings a strong connection to the game, a wealth of knowledge, and a genuine passion for rugby in our region. Their experience and fresh perspectives will be invaluable as we continue to build on Canterbury’s proud legacy and look toward the future of our game.”
Lay also recognised the significant contribution departing board member Stu Boon has made during his 14 years on the Canterbury Rugby Board. “Stu has been a corner stone of Canterbury Rugby for many years. His contribution to not only Canterbury but also Ellesmere Rugby has been immense. His presence around the board table will be missed but I have no doubt Stu won’t be hanging up his boots and will continue to contribute to the sport he is so dedicated to for years to come.”
As we get stuck into the 2025 season we also look forward to an exciting future with these additions bolstering Canterbury Rugby’s governance to ensure continued success on and off the field."
The Officers of Canterbury Rugby
President - John Stanley
Vice President - Stuart Loe
Board Members
Chairman - Mike Lay (Independent Director)
Deputy Chairman – Brent Goldsmid (Appointed Director)
Peter Winchester (Appointed Director)
Ken Pope (Appointed Director)
Tim Ryley (Appointed Director)
Valentine Tauamiti (Appointed Director)
Natasha Wong (Co-Opted Director)
James Gough (Independent Director)
Di Humphries (Independent Director)
TBC - emerging director
Upcoming Events
Check out what’s on around the grounds…
Small Blacks Courses
Multiple dates and locations across April and May | Find one here
Set piece Rugby Smart Master Class with Craig Mullan
28 April 6:00pm at Rugby Park | Register here
Free strapping clinic by USL and Pacific Radiology
Led by CRFU & Crusader Physios John Roche & Neil Tucker, limited spaces available.
7 May 6:30pm at Pacific Radiology, 129 Bealey Avenue | Register here
Ako Wahine coaching course
25 May 2:00pm at Rugby Park | Register here
A huge thank you to our 2025 Pathways Partners.
