Kia ora from the boardroom,
I am honoured to be stepping into the role of Canterbury Rugby Board Chairman this season.
As I embark on this exciting new chapter, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the trust placed in me. Rugby has always been at the heart of our community, and I am incredibly excited to be part of this journey as we work to continue building on the rich history and tradition of our great club.
With the club season officially kicking off this weekend, there's an undeniable sense of anticipation and energy in the air. The players, coaches, staff, and supporters are all ready to embrace the challenge ahead, and I have no doubt we will see another year of incredible talent and passion on the field.
I’m looking forward to seeing many of you at the games, supporting our teams, and celebrating our shared love for the sport.
Together, we will make this season one to remember. Here's to a successful and enjoyable club season ahead, and thank you once again for your continued support of Canterbury Rugby.
Warm regards,
Mike Lay
Board Chairman, Canterbury Rugby
The wait is over, Club Rugby is back!
Rugby fans, we are so back! The Luisetti Seeds Combined Competition is officially kicking off this weekend, and we couldn’t be more excited for the return of grassroots footy.
The start of the season marks an exciting milestone for our rugby community. Thanks to the hard work of our clubs with the integration of the new RX platform, over 8,000 players have already registered to play – and we’re not stopping there! With a number of Bascik Transport Metro Senior grades on the fields next weekend, and Junior & Teenage rugby commencing early May, we’re well on our way to hitting player number targets, and creating an unforgettable year of rugby!
“Saturdays are best spent on the sidelines, and with a bit of luck the sun will be shining” said Community Rugby Manager Michael Sheat. “We encourage the community to get out there and support their teams, there’s no better way to celebrate the return of the season than to be there. Check the draws on the Canterbury rugby app or our website and let’s get the sidelines buzzing with positivity.”
As the season heats up, we’re also excited to welcome a large number of new referees stepping up to officiate matches across Canterbury. These individuals play such a crucial role, and it’s great to see more people being passionate about picking up the whistle. It’s not too late to get your boots on and join this awesome association of likeminded individuals, you can register your interest here.
To our dedicated coaches, and incredible network of volunteers your work behind the scenes is what gets us on the pitch every week and we thank you for your commitment to our game.
If you follow our social channels you would have seen some of our Canterbury Rugby team have been in both Woodend and Rolleston this week creating content with our clubs. With a key focus in the digital space being shining the spotlight on grassroots, it’s been awesome to create these connections with our players and highlight such a crucial part of our rugby landscape.
We don’t want to miss a thing, if you’re around the grounds and capturing content tag us @canterburyrugby or send us a DM to share what’s happening in clubland.
The Mainland Foundation: A Pillar of Support for Grassroots Rugby
Grassroots rugby in Canterbury is thriving, and much of that success can be attributed to the incredible support of the Mainland Foundation. For years, this organisation has been a driving force behind the development of the sport in the region, contributing not only to rugby but to the wider community's growth. “Their commitment to our game and community has been unwavering, and we are extremely grateful for all they do" said Canterbury Rugby CEO Tony Smail.
The Mainland Foundation has proven itself to be an extraordinary supporter of all aspects of our rugby community. From helping fund the development of coaching resources and supporting our Sub Unions North Canterbury and Ellesmere, the Foundation’s support is felt throughout our region. Regular funders of the Miles Toyota 1st XV competitions, both boys and girls teams can travel around the region, speaking to the foundations commitment to ensuring that the next generation of rugby stars have a platform to develop their skills and compete at a high level. The Foundation also plays a key role in supporting the administration, operation, and development of referees, helping ensure the growth and sustainability of the game at all levels.
At its core, the Mainland Foundation’s work is a real reflection of community spirit. "What’s truly remarkable is that the Mainland Foundation doesn’t just help us, but also other sporting codes and many community organisations across the region. They are a huge supporter of communities and sport, and that makes a real difference to all of us” said Smail. Their contributions are an investment in the future of rugby and in the lives of the people who surround the game. It’s through an ongoing commitment that we are able to foster a strong and vibrant rugby culture, and continue to deliver unforgettable experiences on and off the field.
Upcoming Events
Check out what’s on around the grounds…
Rugby Smart Master Class with Matt Todd
7 April 6:00pm at Rugby Park | Defence
Associate Referee Courses
6 dates and locations during the month of April
Rugby Smart Master Class with Brad Mooar
14 April 6:00pm at Rugby Park | Game innovation
Rugby Smart Master Class with Craig Mullan
28 April 6:00pm at Rugby Park | Set piece
A huge thank you to our 2025 Pathways Partners.
