Representative rugby will meet Bunnings Warehouse NPC at the Rangiora Showgrounds next weekend for the third year running!

We’re bringing the NPC back to grassroots grounds for a proven day of quality entertainment and pairing it with the Southbridge Shield again to provide a good dose of community connection.

Often described as Ellesmere and North Canterbury’s equivalent of a test match or Ranfurly Shield game, the Southbridge Shield is always a highlight for the teams and their supporters. “It’s huge, it means a lot to the past players too”said Liam Robinson, co captain of the Ellesmere side, “You’re playing for those kinds of people as well”.

The prestigious silverware is an important part of Canterbury Rugby history, dating back to 1922 and has spent the last three years in the hands of North Canterbury. Robinson who has been part of the Ellesmere squad since 2020 says plenty of fresh new talent has joined the team this season and is excited for the challenge, “we also have a new coaching group this year, and the attitude and energy levels around the team has been really good”.

Ben Morris, co captain of North Canterbury describes the Southbridge Shield as the pinnacle of their representative rugby season, “Probably the most important game, for sure. It’s the one we look forward to the most. It really sums up the whole season, the result of this game”.

Following leading Glenmark-Cheviot to win the Luisetti North Canterbury comp final just last month, Canterbury Hooker Nick Hyde said it will be very special to be back at the Oval in front of family and friends, hopefully running out in the red & black. “North Canterbury guys are all pretty loyal rugby supporters and proud Cantabs, it’s not often you can pay $10to sit on the bank and watch multiple games of footy, so we’re expecting a good crowd”.

One thing is for sure - next Saturday promises an entire day of class act footy from U16s all the way through to Round Four of the Bunnings Warehouse NPC. If you’ve joined us in the last two years, you already know you’re in for an epic day of entertainment for all the family, “This is what community rugby is, isn't it? It's about bringing more than one team together, and we're pretty lucky to be apart of that. It's a great day,” said Morris.

Meg Schmack, Canterbury Rugby Event Manager, the key driving force behind the occasion promises it to be a “festival of rugby” with an aisle of food trucks, public bar on the embankment as well as bouncy castles in the Family Zone ready to help the kids burn off some energy, “we’re creating an awesome community day out”.

Gates Open 9:00am

North Canterbury V Ellesmere

10:00am | Developments - Field 1

10:00am | Colts - Field 2

10:00am | U16 - Field 4

12:00pm | U18 - Field 3

12:05pm | Southbridge Shield - Field 1
‍

Bunnings Warehouse NPC Round Four

2:05pm | Canterbury V Manawatū

Ample parking will be available off Ashley street, with the first games kicking off at 10am, you’ll want to arrive with plenty of time to spare to make sure you get the best view on the sidelines! Michael Sheat, Canterbury Rugby Community Manager, is looking forwards to yet another year of connection and impressive crowds out to support their teams, “It’s really awesome to connect our rep teams with high performance and draw a bit of a different crowd. With such a strong rivalry between North Canterbury and Ellesmere, we can’t wait to see all the supporters out there in numbers for a full day of rugby.”

Gate charge is just $10 and kids 10 and under are free! Corporate hospitality options are also still available to elevate your game day experience, you can contact the team here.

We can’t wait to see you there!

words by Hannah Yates

‍