Grassroots rugby clubs across Canterbury are continuing to celebrate remarkable milestones in 2026, with both Linwood Rugby Club and High School Old Boys Rugby Football Club reflecting on more than a century of history, community and resilience.

Over ANZAC weekend, Linwood’s celebrations featured a Friday luncheon with All Blacks Ron Cribb and Brendan Laney, both former Linwood players, followed by a Premier clash against Burnside the following day, but for Club Manager Sam Jack - the milestone was about far more than results on the field.

“It was more about people reconnecting,” Jack said.

The celebrations welcomed generations of members back through the gates, including some in their 90s, highlighting the deep loyalty that has shaped the club since 1886.

Across the city, HSOB Club President Nic McLennan described their anniversary celebrations last weekend as “electric”, “powerful” and “emotional”, as generations of players and supporters came together to honour the people and stories that have defined the club for 125 years.

After hosting all senior teams at home during the day, a Gala evening was held at Addington Raceway with roughly 300 in attendance. McLennan said highlights included presenting Division One player, Angus Grant, with his blazer and having ‘Prodigal Son’ Andrew Mehrtens address the room live from Paris.

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McLennan said it is important to celebrate the “grit and determination” of clubs that have stood the test of time.

“The unique thing about Old Boys is we don’t really have a geographical area we cover,” he said. “People play for us because there’s a connection – that deep-rooted family connection.”

McLennan said that culture of equality and belonging remained central to the club, regardless of grade or profile, “Whether you're an All Black Crusader or a Colts player, at Old Boys, you pay the same sub and you get the same stuff. You are treated the same.”

Despite representing different areas of Metro rugby, both clubs spoke of the importance of whānau and belonging within their environments.

Linwood faced challenges following the Christchurch earthquakes, with many families moving away from the area, but Jack said the club found strength by returning to its roots. “We’re really whānau focused – it’s our DNA,” he said. “We embrace our diversity and celebrate all the great different facets of the club.”

That sense of togetherness remains one of Linwood’s defining traits, with players from all grades mixing in the club rooms long after the final whistle.

“You don’t have teams sitting in different corners. Everyone socialises together and everyone has the same respect for each other, which is a real beauty of the place.”

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While proud of its long list of All Blacks, Linwood also celebrated a new chapter in its history with former player Laura Bayfield becoming the club’s first Black Fern.

Separated by geography and history, both clubs’ anniversaries reinforced the same message - that the heart of club rugby in Canterbury is not just measured by points on a scoreboard, but by the people who continue to pull on the jersey and keep their community alive year after year.

words by Hannah Yates