Finals footy has once again proven to be one of the best times of the year to celebrate our game and bring our rugby whānau together. Across Ellesmere, North Canterbury and Metro, Finals events have delivered incredible moments, and we couldn’t have asked for better weather or a more passionate crowd of supporters.

From start to finish, the atmosphere at these events has been nothing short of special. Club spirit was strong, the rugby was fantastic, and the sidelines were filled with smiles, cheers, and positive vibes. A huge congratulations to all our competition winners and finalists – and a big shoutout to the match officials who helped make it all happen. These are the days that remind us why we love this game.

The rugby season is still going strong across the region. We’ve got Classics Finals, Junior and Teenage rugby continuing in Metro, Teenage Finals Day coming up in Ellesmere, and North Canterbury’s Junior Finals Day kicking off tomorrow. The energy hasn’t slowed down – and we love to see it.

In the Miles Toyota 1st XV competitions, congratulations to Christchurch Girls’ High School and Avonside Girls’ High School for putting on a brilliant Cup Final on Wednesday afternoon at Ngā Puna Wai. It was a showcase of skill, heart, and school pride.

Now, all eyes turn to the boys. Tomorrow, Christchurch Boys’ High School and Christ’s College will go head-to-head in what promises to be an absolute classic in the Miles Toyota Boys’ Premiership Final. There’s a long-standing rivalry there, and it’s shaping up to be a match not to miss. You can read more on this in Red & Back news!

Beyond school rugby, we’re heading into senior rep season. The Tane Norton Trophy is officially underway, with Round 1 kicking off on August 2nd. Congratulations to all the players selected – we know you’ll wear your sub-union and community colours with pride.

Our Canterbury Under 19 Men’s team are also launching their campaign this weekend with a trip to Wellington. This is a group full of emerging talent, and they’re well worth keeping an eye on. If you can, get out and support them – they’ll appreciate the backing.

It was also fantastic to connect our NPC players with the next generation this week. We held six community hubs across Canterbury, at Ohoka, Woodendm, Shirley, Marist Albion, Waihora and West Melton. It was awesome to see hundreds of tamariki turning out to meet, train, and be inspired by their red and black heroes.

As always, our NPC and FPC players carry a deep connection to their clubs and communities – so if you're free this weekend, head along and cheer them on. Your support means the world to them.

Let’s keep the positivity flowing, enjoy the footy, and celebrate everything that makes Canterbury community rugby so special.

See you on the sidelines!