Kia ora from Community
We’re excited to provide you with an update on the progress of our new club registration and competition management system, Rugby Explorer. We have been hard at work rolling out this innovative platform, and we’re pleased to report significant progress in just a short amount of time!
To date, we’ve hosted four successful training sessions, engaging with nearly 90% of our local clubs. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with users finding Rugby Explorer user-friendly and intuitive. We’re thrilled with the feedback so far and will continue making improvements alongside New Zealand Rugby to ensure the system works even better.
We’re also excited to share that we’ve already seen over 4,000 registrations for the 2025 rugby season – a fantastic start as we look forward to club footy kicking off over the coming weeks.
Thank you for your support and stay tuned for more updates as we continue to roll things out across the region.
Ngā mihi,
Georgia Calder-Lee
Community Operations Manager
There’s a position on the team for everyone
We’re walking into new territory with the latest addition of modified rugby set to take the field next month. Open to all ages, abilities, and genders, Walking Rugby slows down the fast pace of traditional rugby while still maintaining key fundamentals like non-contested scrums and lineouts. By removing the speed and tackle element, it lowers the barriers to participation, making it an ideal option for those returning from injury or even those who have never laced up the boots before.
Participation Lead Claudia Bethell explains, “It provides a great opportunity for people to stay in the game or re-enter it in a slower-paced environment.” Hugely popular in England, the goal is to develop a similar model here in Canterbury, starting with festival-style events and, if there’s interest, progressing to regular mid-week games. “It’s all about meeting new people, making connections, and having fun while staying active,” said Bethell.
Keen to give it a go? Get down to Malvern Park on 27th March at 6pm, click here to register your interest!
With a strong focus on creating a game for everyone, other variations like Rippa, Rip, and the newest addition, T1, are helping bridge the gap between contact and non-contact sports. The introduction of Rippa hubs for younger players have been particularly successful, offering an alternative to traditional Saturday sport. This model is easier for both parents and kids, as they can simply show up as part of a 6-8 week module and play in a more relaxed environment. By providing these non-contact pathways for Tamariki and Rangatahi, we increase the chances of kids not only entering the game but continuing their rugby journey as they grow.
Taking strides towards making rugby more appealing and accessible is the way of the future, if you or your club are interested in getting involved in these initiatives, now is the time to reach out. There’s a position on the team for everyone!
Make memories on and off the field!
Register to play junior rugby before the 7th March and score a FREE* ticket to see the Crusaders in action!
Canterbury Rugby will send your clubs unique code via email once we receive your registration, from there just head to Ticketek and claim your FREE* ticket with a paying adult!
Already registered? Keep an eye out on an email from us containing your unique code.
*Please note;
- Free kids tickets can only be claimed with an adult ticket purchase.
- Up to 3 free kids tickets can be claimed with every 1 paying adult.
- Tickets are in the GA area of the East Stand.
- Free tickets are limited to 1,000 only, first in first served.
Step up and lead: Coaching opportunities available!
Opportunities are knocking across our Canterbury Rugby, and sub-union Representative Programmes, for passionate people ready to coach, inspire, and help grow the next generation of rugby players! If you’re an experienced coach and someone looking to get into representative coaching, now’s your chance to step up and make a real impact on the game.
Committed to create pathways through coaching, Community Manager Michael Sheat shared, “Developing rugby talent starts with having the right people in leadership roles. We’re excited to see a high calibre of applications coming through and encourage our community to step up and put their hat in the ring.”
These roles are a unique opportunity to shape the future of rugby and support players at all levels. From grassroots to advanced teams, there’s a coaching position for every experience level and skill set. If you’re ready to make a difference and help develop the next generation of players, click here to get started.
Together, let’s continue building a strong, supportive rugby culture in Canterbury and foster a love for the game that lasts a lifetime.
Applications for all advertised positions close on Friday 7th March 5pm.
Upcoming Events
Check out what’s on around the grounds…
Canterbury Rugby Referees Association Field Day
2 March 8:45am | St Andrews College
Strength Series with Ash Jones
3 March 6pm | Rugby Park
Crusaders in Clubs
4 March 4:30pm | HSOB, Ashley, Sumner, Kaiapoi, Burnside, Saracens
Crusaders in Clubs
7 March 4:30pm | Woodend, Rolleston, Waihora, Lincoln, Linwood
Crusaders/ Matatu Rugby Registration Round
9 March 12:35pm | Apollo Projects Stadium
Crusaders in Clubs
17 March 4:30pm | Christchurch, West Melton, Parklands, Prebbleton, Sydenham
A huge thank you to our 2025 Pathways Partners.
