Last Saturday at Rangiora Showgrounds, Canterbury Rugby celebrated a very special milestone as hooker Ben Funnell became the province’s 38th Centurion, running out for his 100th match in red and black during Canterbury’s dominant 53–14 win over Manawatū.

Originally from Palmerston North, Funnell moved south starting out his rugby with High School Old Boys before his call up in the Canterbury squad and debut in 2011. His journey has also seen him in the Crusaders (89 appearances between 2012–2019), Black Rams Tokyo in Japan, and more recently the Western Force.

Along the way, Funnell never lost his grounding in community rugby, spending seasons with Hurunui RFC, where he relished giving back, “I enjoyed playing out there, it’s a good community and they really appreciated having someone who could lead with a bit of knowledge.”

At 35, and with a career spanning 14 years, he has seen Canterbury evolve through different eras of leadership and culture, while never losing sight of what being a Canterbury man means, “There’s respect that comes with playing 100 games, but it’s not so much about the number — it’s about what it means to be a Canterbury player and a Canterbury man within the community.”

Funnell’s nickname has stuck with him since his early days in Christchurch. After flatting with mates, they began selling meat to cover processing costs, which led to him rocking up each Thursday with a truck full of meat. “Every time I rolled up they’d say, here comes the Meat Truck", said Funnell.

A proud father of three boys, Funnell says the reason he continues to play is bigger than his own career, “I’ve done the full circle — school, club, academy, rep footy, country footy, and now junior footy with my kids. I play to be a role model on how to be a Canterbury man and to inspire those who are playing today. I’m even starting to play alongside young men I once coached. That’s what keeps me going — helping the next generation.”

Running out with his kids ahead of his 100th game was an emotional moment for Funnell, who reflected on the memories rugby has given him, “Each season is a different kettle of fish, not just because of outcomes but because of the memories you make. A lot of emotions come with this milestone — playing with the boys, making memories, and being able to celebrate with family and friends afterwards.”

Canterbury NPC Assistant Coach Craig Dunlea praised the significance of the achievement. “It’s pretty awesome. There are going to be fewer and fewer players reaching 100 games with the way the game is now. There’s a chance Ben could be one of Canterbury’s last 100-gamers, so we’ve got to make the most of that and celebrate one hell of an achievement.”

Long-time teammate Johnny McNicholl also paid tribute to the occasion, “It’s pretty special. We debuted in the same season, and I’ve played a lot of footy alongside Meat Truck. I’m just really excited for him to reach this achievement.”

A Canterbury Man through and through, when asked what’s driven him across his career, Funnell was clear, “Hard work trumps everything. The reality is anyone is beatable. I just wanted to be at my best every time I pulled on the jersey.”

With 100 games to his name, Ben Funnell joins an elite group of Canterbury Centurions, not just remembered for his rugby achievements but also for the way he’s embodied what it means to be a Canterbury man — loyal, hardworking, and community-focused.

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