Four weeks on from the Farah Palmer Cup final, reflection on the Canterbury women’s 2025 campaign brings with it a deep sense of pride and accomplishment. Though the side fell just short of reclaiming the Premiership title, their season embodied everything the “Leave Your Mark” campaign stood for, growth, connection, and legacy.

The red and black women produced another outstanding year, reaching their ninth consecutive Farah Palmer Cup final, a remarkable streak that highlights the consistency and depth within the Canterbury rugby system. Despite a gritty performance in the Grand Final in Waikato, Canterbury were edged out 19–13 by the home side, who claimed back-to-back titles.

It was a thrilling contest that saw Canterbury take a narrow one-point lead with 17 minutes remaining, only for Waikato to rally again late in the piece and claim the win. Reflecting on the final, head coach Solomona Paraki was full of pride for his players’ commitment and effort.

“The game wasn’t lost due to lack of effort and I am immensely proud of the effort we displayed in that game to give ourselves a chance to win it at the very end,” Paraki said. “We created many opportunities but unfortunately weren’t able to capitalise on them, whereas Waikato took theirs — and unfortunately that’s how a final goes.”

The 2025 squad featured seven debutants, as well as seasoned players, with the likes of co-captain Te Rauoriwa Gapper who played her 50^th game for Canterbury in round 2 at home. That game itself a dominant win of the competition, Canterbury thrashing opponents Hawkes Bay 72–0 in a clinical display of speed and accuracy.

Canterbury Rugby CEO Tony Smail praised the team for their achievements and the continued strength of the women’s programme. “To make nine consecutive finals is an incredible achievement,” Smail said. “It speaks to the depth of talent coming through our pathways and the continued growth in the women’s space, which is something we are really proud of in Canterbury.”

The “Leave Your Mark” campaign theme was woven through everything the team did, encouraging players and staff alike to think about the impact they were making on and off the field. “It was about being aware that everywhere we go, we leave a mark,” Paraki explained. “The challenge was how we wanted to leave that mark— for each other, our community, in the jersey, and for future generations of Canterbury women’s rugby.”

As the season wraps up, Paraki expressed his gratitude to the wider Canterbury rugby community. “I just want to say a massive thank you to all our Canterbury supporters and family for being behind our girls this season,” he said. “Our wāhine lift every time they get to see or interact with their supporters and feel privileged to represent such a proud region.”

While the final result didn’t go Canterbury’s way, it’s a season to be proud of. There’s no doubt a fire has been started, and the road to redemption in 2026 begins.