On Sunday 26 July, Community Finals footy will take centre stage at One NZ Stadium forthe very first time, marking an exciting milestone for club rugby inCanterbury.

The whole rugby community is invited to be part of this historic occasion, with free entry making it the perfect way to spend your Sunday afternoon. A blockbuster double-header will see the Bascik Transport Metro Premier Women's Final kick off first, followed by the highly anticipated Metro Premier Men's Final, with Metro’s best club teams battling it out for championship honours.

Representing far more than just a new venue, this event is about bringing players, clubs and passionate supporters together to celebrate the very best of community rugby. It's an opportunity to connect at our new home of sport and create an atmosphere worthy of the occasion, with club pride on full display from the stands to the field.

Chairman of the Metro Sub-Union Clarke Washington says the opportunity is one that players and supporters alike will remember. “It’s the epitome of grassroots to grandstands. Giving these teams the opportunity to take the field at One NZStadium is incredibly exciting and will undoubtedly create a huge buzz in the community.
The competition table is tighter than ever, which is a real testament to the standard of rugby this season. It's still anyone's guess who'll be running out of the tunnel on Finals Day."

Canterbury Rugby Community Manager Michael Sheat says the event has been a long-term goal for the organisation. “It’s always been part of our strategic plan to create opportunities like this for our club players and the wider rugby community, we're thrilled to get this one off the ground.”

With last year's Metro Premier Men's Final attracting more than 5,000 spectators at Apollo Projects Stadium, there's no doubt bringing Finals Day into the heart of the city will grow the occasion. “We're inviting the entire rugby community to get behind this event, experience this world-class facility and, most importantly, fill the stands with club pride”, continued Sheat.”

Removingthe barrier of cost, the goal is a packed stadium celebrating the communitygame and supporting the players who've worked so hard to earn their place onthe biggest stage.

Kick-offtimes will be confirmed soon, but one thing is certain, it will be an afternoonto remember, capping off a festival of finals footy across the region.

The celebrations begin on Saturday 25 July, with both North Canterbury and Ellesmere hosting their respective Finals Days. The pinnacle of country rugby will see grades competing throughout the day before the Premier Finals take centre field, bringing together the very best of Canterbury community rugby for one unforgettable weekend.