Canterbury’s women have crowned a remarkable 2026 campaign by lifting the Farah Palmer Cup presented by Hilux Championship trophy, completing a perfect, unbeaten season and etching their names into the history books as the first team to claim silverware on the turf at One NZ Stadium.

Led by co-captains Te Rauoriwa Gapper and Grace Brooker and head coach Solomona Paraki, the Red & Black produced a season to remember, combining consistency, attacking flair and a relentless determination to finish the job. Across their five round-robin matches, Canterbury piled on an impressive 249 points, setting the tone for a campaign that saw them emerge as the competition’s standout side.

And what better way to cap it off than in front of a home crowd, with the team delivering when it mattered most and bringing the championship trophy to Canterbury.

From the opening whistle in round one at Rugby Park, Canterbury played with confidence and purpose, building momentum throughout the competition and showing the depth, talent and togetherness that have become hallmarks of this group.

There was no shortage of attacking highlights along the way, with Binky Muamua lighting up the scoreboard with 13 tries, closely followed by Louise Blyde with 12. Their ability to turn opportunities into points was a feature of Canterbury’s campaign, backed by a committed forward pack, a sharp attacking edge and a team-wide willingness to work for one another.

But the success was about more than the points on the board. Week after week, the side demonstrated the character and connection required to maintain an unbeaten record, with Gapper and Brooker providing strong leadership, guiding a group that continued to raise the bar as the season progressed.

For Paraki and his coaching staff, the championship was a fitting reward for the work put in by the playing group throughout the year.

“I’m incredibly proud of this group and what they’ve been able to achieve together. To go through the season unbeaten and finish it by winning the championship in front of our home crowd is pretty special. There’s been a huge amount of hard work and commitment from everyone involved, and this result is a reflection of the connection within the squad and the standards the players have set for themselves.

The 2026 championship victory carried extra significance, with Canterbury becoming the first team to lift silverware on the turf at One NZ Stadium.

To achieve that milestone in front of a home crowd made the occasion even more special. With the Red & Black faithful behind them, the women delivered a performance worthy of the moment, bringing the Farah Palmer Cup presented by Hilux trophy home to Canterbury.

Adding to the occasion, Dame Farah Palmer was on hand to present the trophy to the team, providing a fitting finish to a memorable day for Canterbury Rugby.

The result also continued an extraordinary run of success for the programme. Canterbury’s Farah Palmer Cup side has featured in the last nine finals, claiming the top spot on six occasions- a record that reflects the sustained excellence and commitment of the players, coaches and wider support team who continue to drive women’s rugby forward in the region.

The finals celebrations were preceeded at the recent Canterbury Rugby Awards, where members of the Farah Palmer Cup squad were recognised for their outstanding contributions throughout the season.

Paris Lokotui was awarded the Patterson Cup for Most Promising Player of the Year, recognising her potential and impact within the Red & Black environment.

Maisy Allen enjoyed a standout year, taking home both the Players’ Player of the Year award and the prestigious Townsend Trophy for Women’s Rugby Player of the Year. The double recognition was a fitting acknowledgement of her influence on the field and the season she produced for Canterbury.

These individual accolades are a reflection of the talent within the squad, but also of the team culture that has helped Canterbury achieve so much together.

An unbeaten season, a championship trophy and a place in One NZ Stadium history- 2026 has been a campaign to savour for Canterbury’s women.

From the hard work behind the scenes to the tries, tackles and celebrations on the field, this group has given the Canterbury Rugby community plenty to be proud of. Their success continues a proud tradition of achievement in the Farah Palmer Cup presented by Hilux while setting an exciting benchmark for the seasons ahead.

Congratulations to the entire Canterbury Farah Palmer Cup squad on an outstanding 2026 season.

Champions, history-makers and proudly Red & Black.