Kia ora whānau

As 2025 draws to a close, it’s hard not to pause and feel an enormous sense of pride. Pride in our people, our clubs, our schools, our volunteers, and our players. This has been a year where Canterbury Rugby didn’t just grow — it thrived. From storybook moments on the field to quiet but significant wins off it, the spirit of our rugby community has been on full display, week in and week out.

What follows is just a snapshot of a year filled with memories, momentum and moments that will live long in the history of Canterbury Rugby.

On the field wins...

Premier Schools Competitions‍

- Miles Toyota Girls, Christchurch Girls’ HighSchool claiming the title in blustery, cold conditions at Ngā Puna Wai.
- Miles Toyota Boys Premiership – Christchurch Boys’ High School prevailing in brutal Canterbury conditions — wind, rain and grit over Christ’s College.

Senior Competitions and hugely supported Country Finals
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‍- Southern Ultra U85kg, New Brighton crowned champions at Apollo Projects Stadium.
- Luisetti Seeds Combined Country Winners – Waihora
- Luisetti Seeds North Canterbury Winners – Glenmark Cheviot
- Luisetti Seeds Ellesmere Winners – Southbridge
- Bascik Transport Metro Premier Men's Winners – Marist Albion edging Linwood in a cliffhanger at Apollo Projects Stadium. What an atmosphere, with supporters from both clubs creating something truly special.
- Premier Women’s Competition – New Brighton triumphant in year one, braving cold, windy and wet conditions at Ngā Puna Wai.

Representative Teams
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‍- Farah Palmer Cup Team , A remarkable 9th consecutive final. What a legacy. Finishing 2nd after a nail-biting contest away to Waikato, decided in the final10 minutes.
- National Provincial Championship (NPC) 
- A memorable win in Rangiora.
- After five years, bringing the Ranfurly Shield home from Southland and connecting far and wide with our communities for two unforgettable weeks (even if we wished it could have been longer!).
- Taking the Shield to the Tri Rugby International vs Australia (Perth) at Bob Deans and seeing the joy it brought to so many.
- Our first Championship win in eight years — fittingly in our final game at Apollo Projects Stadium.
- A sold-out final, 15,000 passionate fans, the Canterbury v Otago rivalry, and the most-watched NPC TV game in 20 years, incredible scenes. The event made extra special by having the Tri Rugby crew present the winning medals.

This is only a snapshot. I know each of you will have your own highlights across seniors, juniors and schools, and through the many club engagements and Community connections you’ve been part of throughout the year.

We’ve also seen players, coaches and management progress to higher honours across youth and senior levels, men and women alike — a hugely impressive reflection of the strength of our pathway.

Off the field...

RX Registration System, the introduction of rugby’s new registration system was a major change across the entire network. It required real collaboration with clubs and NZR, plenty of discussion, and no small amount of patience. But we kept people playing — priority number one. Thank you all. It wasn’t easy, yet Canterbury has been a standout leader nationwide in embedding this successfully

Incorporated Societies Act, every club, sub-union and Canterbury Rugby itself re-registering under the new Act. A significant task, tackled head-on. Congratulations to you all for simply getting on with it.

Playing Numbers and Referees, this is absolute gold. In 2025 we’ve grown playing numbers again and increased referee numbers after a drop last year. New systems, volunteer pressures — yet our commitment never wavered. Brilliant signs that the game is alive and well in Canterbury.

Looking Ahead, 2026 is rapidly approaching —and with it, our move into One NZ Stadium. This isn’t just about representative rugby; it’s about community connection and a new home for Canterbury Rugby. You are all part of this journey, click here to learn more about season memberships and leave your details to get preferential access!

What we know about Canterbury’s rugby community is this: we are passionate, we care deeply, and we strive to make a difference for every participant who, like us, loves the great game of rugby. That is our point of difference — and it must always remain so.

Thank you for your ongoing support, feedback and commitment. Enjoy a well-earned break with family and friends, and we’ll be ready to go again next year.

Meri Kirihimete

Tony Smail
Canterbury Rugby CEO