The countdown is on, and there’s a real buzz building across the paddocks, towns, and clubrooms of the region as the Luisetti Seeds Premier Men’s Combined Country Competition gets set to kick off on Saturday 28th March.

Nothing quite says country rugby like this competition. Since its inception in 2007, it has grown into a cornerstone of the rural rugby calendar, bringing together 17 teams from North Canterbury, Ellesmere, and Mid Canterbury. Split into two pool, nine teams in one and eight in the other, the format ensures every match counts, and every weekend delivers high quality footy.

From local derby games, to fierce rivalries that stretch across the sub-unions, this competition has it all. It’s a test not just of skill, but of commitment. Players will once again cover huge distances week in, week out, travelling right across the region to pull on the jersey for their club.

2025 reigning champs Waihora, will return to the competition with confidence but not complacency. Captain Liam Robinson, a lifelong club man who has been in the black and white since the age of four, says the squad is eager to get underway.

“We’re fizzed and excited to get back into it,” Robinson says. “We’ve got a new coaching group, some players who have moved on but also a few new recruits, so although we can go in with some confidence on last year’s success, you definitely can’t be complacent. There’s eight really good teams on our side of the draw so we’re just excited to get back into the swing of it.”

That sense of anticipation is shared across the competition, and it’s a big part of what makes it so special.

At the heart of it all is the ongoing support of Luisetti Seeds, a family-run business with deep ties to rural communities and rugby. Managing Director Edward Luisetti says the connection between the company and the competition runs far deeper than sponsorship, family members also coaching for many years across both Junior and Senior grades.

“It’s something we feel really passionate about. We’re very much a rural-based company, and a lot of the clubs involved are the same. Rugby clubs, alongside schools, are the heartbeat of these communities, it’s where people come together, connect, and support each other. That’s what we’re proud to be part of.”

Community Manager Michael Sheat echoed those sentiments, describing the competition as “The pinnacle of Country Rugby”, highlighting both the quality of the competition and the commitment behind it. "A huge credit goes to the players and coaches for commiting to travelling across a massive area each week, the quality of the game is high and we thank Luisetti Seeds for their ongoing long-term support of the country game.”

With everything in place, all that’s left is for the whistle to blow. Packed sidelines, familiar faces, and that unmistakable energy that only country rugby can deliver. So layer up, head out, and get in behind your local team. We can’t wait to see the grounds buzzing again.

And while you’re at it, keep an eye out for the draws for all senior grades across the region, kicking off on 11th April, head to the draws & results page to stay up to date, and make sure you don’t miss a moment of the action.