For every try scored, every field mowed, and every sideline sausage sizzled —there’s a volunteer behind it. While the players may take centre stage, it’s the unsung heroes of club rugby who keep the game alive. They are the early risers, the late stayers, and the first to lend a hand when no one’s watching.

For our volunteers, rugby clubs are more than just sport. They’re a second home — a chosen family. A place where giving time becomes second nature, and the rewards aren’t trophies, but kids’ smiles on the field, lifelong friendships, and a sense of belonging.

Ask Brian Temple (Poppy) — recipient of a 2025 Volunteering in Canterbury recognition award and 85-year-old icon of Kaiapoi RFC — and he’ll tell you: “It’s in the blood.”
“Volunteers are a breed of their own... they’re essential around the place. A game finishes and everyone’s gone — goal posts still have pads on, flags are still up, and you think, who’s going to do that? I don’t know — Poppy.”

With over 30 years on the committee and a story for every blade of grass on the field, Poppy is still out there — paint on his fingers and the tractor running.
“Nobody will get much sense out of me before 10 o’clock, but if you call, I’m always only four minutes away. Sometimes the day ends at 5 o’clock. Sometimes it’s after training. It just depends on what needs doing.”

An icon in blue and yellow, Poppy often gets a tap on the shoulder: “People will say, ‘You’re Poppy, aren’t you?’ and I’ll say, ‘I think so.’”Although he may no longer be allowed up the ladder, no job is too big or too small for this legendary groundsman.

Also acknowledged at the recent awards on behalf of all Rugby Club Committee Members and Administrators for their enormous efforts in the rollout of Rugby Xplorer, were Natalie Townsend (Lincoln RFC), Jacqui Veint (Waihora RFC), Marliese Stewart (Woodend RFC) and Hunter Johnston (Christchurch Football Club). Juggling families, jobs, and other commitments just to be part of something bigger than themselves, they are the quiet champions — bringing their passion week in, week out.

Jacqui’s kids don’t even play for the club anymore, but she’s still there, pouring time, love, and energy into the place. “If I’m not at home or work, I’m at the club.I love it. It’s like my other family. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from — you come here, and you walk away with a smile.”

Secretary Natalie got involved for similar reasons — to belong. The club became her connection, and her kids became ‘rugby kids’. “I didn’t know a lot of people. I wasn’t from Lincoln. But now? I love it. Everyone’s likeminded and getting involved for the same reason. It’s a really cool place to bring your kids up in.”

Marliese wears many hats: Treasurer, Junior Club Captain, and proud fourth-generation rugby mum. From managing a team to leading the junior side of the club, Marliese thrives on the buzz. “I just love seeing the kids come off the field smiling. You’re part of something bigger. You’re creating culture. And we’ve got such a great vibe going — it’s just fun.”

Across the board, one truth rings out: you cannot run a club without volunteers.
From marking fields, running raffles, and coaching junior sides to prepping gear, balancing budgets, and keeping the clubrooms ticking — without them, the game we love simply doesn’t happen. But ask any volunteer if it’s worth it? You’ll hear a resounding yes.

As Natalie puts it: “Volunteers breed volunteers. It’s so rewarding, and if you’ve got kids, you’re teaching them something really cool.”That’s the legacy. That’s the culture. That’s what Red and Black Rugby is all about.

So here’s to the ones who make it all happen — the sideline heroes, the midnight emailers, the first to arrive and the last to leave. You don’t just keep the lights on — you light up the club. From the sidelines to the spotlight, we celebrate the people who carry our game forward.

Here’s to you — the legends behind the game.

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