It’s Canterbury High School’s 1^st XV’s turn for Finals week, and what a cracker it is already turning out to be after the girls put on some epic rugby Wednesday night and the boys finalise their prep for tomorrow.

Miles Toyota Cup – Girls

Avonside Girls High School showed huge determination as they took on Christchurch Girls’ High School, but it seemed nothing was going to stop the girls in blue and red staying true to their legacy and taking out their 12^th consecutive Miles Toyota Cup, with the final score of 79-5. Both teams put on a wonderful display of resilience, and pure elation from AGHS could be felt across the grounds when they dotted down their try in the second half proving their love for the sport outweighed any score board.

With a record any sporting team would be envious of, the CGHS players could easily be forgiven if they became complacent with the legacy that has built before and continuing with them, but the drive of wanting to reach the next level is what keeps them on the top of their game, says Angie Sisifa their Head Coach. “They’re really driven, they want to be here, and they want to do well. They aspire to be playing Canterbury rugby. That’s got its own legacy, and they want to be a part of that.”

CGHS will now turn to their next battle - the South Island Final on Saturday 16^th August, in Christchurch. The opponent will be decided after tomorrows Otago Secondary Schools Final.

Thanks to the growth in numbers of Canterbury girls lacing up to represent their high schools on the field, the Miles Toyota Plate final made a return this year. Two North Canterbury schools went toe to toe for the silverware, which proved to be an epic display of rugby from both sides. Kaiapoi came out on top, raising the Plate as well as the Kearney Cup after a 22-5 win against Rangiora High School who were previously undefeated.

In the runner up finals, Selwyn Combined took on Cashmere Combined in the plate minor final, with Selwyn Girls coming out on top winning 31 - 27.
In the next field over, St Margarets / Rangi Ruru went against St Andrews College for the trophy minor final where St Andrews College raised the trophy at the end of the day winning 65-10.

Miles Toyota Premiership – Boys

A battle of school boy rugby like no other, ChristchurchBoys’ High will take on Christ’s College on home turf tomorrow after going undefeated throughout the season and winning their semi final against Nelson College 37-35.

With a slightly slow start to their 2025 campaign, the Christ’s College lads have progressed with vengeance coming away with four consecutive wins leading into the Grand Final including a two point win against Marlborough Boys last weekend, the only team that didn’t allow CBHS to leave the field with a win (33-33 draw, two weeks prior).

With more Miles Toyota Premiership wins than any other school, CBHS are remaining focussed and excited about the challenge ahead said Pete Chapin, Head Coach, “Legacy is a nice thing to look back at, but it doesn’t serve you on a Saturday. It’s what the players have done this season, this week and on Saturday that will count. Having belief in your preparation is what helps the players mindset”.

Christ’s College will be looking to right the wrong of their round robin game when CBHS came away with a 48-38 win in June and while each side have rich rugby history, both boasting Canterbury players and All Blacks throughout their Alumni, the last time they met in the Grand Final was 2018 resulting in the only draw in 24 years.

Being at the sideline of The Miles Toyota Competitions for both girls and boys first XV sides is your best opportunity to witness the future of Canterbury rugby in all its glory. CEO of Miles Toyota Mark Mills said,“We’re incredibly proud to support the Miles Toyota Competitions, and everything they represent – school pride, hard work, and a deep love for the game. Watching these young athletes play with such passion and skill is not only inspiring, it’s a clear sign that the future of Canterbury rugby is in great hands. Finals Week is always a highlight for us, and we’re honoured to stand alongside the schools, coaches, and communities who make it so special.”

The last of the Miles Toyota Finals for 2025 is not to be missed.  

Be at Christchurch Boys’ High School tomorrow at 2:45pm and you can say you witnessed history in the making, or if you can’t make it -watch live on Sky Sport 1!