Under the bright lights of Apollo Projects Stadium on Saturday 14th March, Canterbury Rugby was proud to bring the grassroots game to centre stage through Crusaders Rego Round, an evening that celebrated the people, clubs and communities at the heart of our sport.

As the Crusaders ran out to face the Highlanders in front of a packed and roaring crowd, they were welcomed onto the field by the next generation. Junior players from six rugby clubs across the region—Lyttelton, Kaikōura Banks Peninsula, Southbridge Ōtautahi and Oxford, formed a guard of honour, cheering their heroes onto the field in a moment they won’t forget anytime soon.

For most of those kids, it was their first time sharing the field with local legends. Wide-eyed and grinning, they soaked it all in, many dreaming of the day they could pull on a Canterbury or Crusaders jersey themselves.

Half-time kept the energy high, with junior players taking part in a relay race on the field, backed by loud support from the Crusaders non-playing squad and an enthusiastic crowd. In a tightly contested dash, it was Ōtautahi who took the honours, showing off some impressive speed to claim the win.

Off the field, Canterbury Rugby was proud to create a space for whānau to connect with the game. Our Rego Round activation on the West Pad welcomed families to get connected with a local club and register for the upcoming season. With giveaways including jellybeans, lip balm, and the ever popular Jibbitz, alongside games like corn hole, it was all about creating a fun environment and connecting with out community.

For those involved at club level, the night was about much more than just the spectacle of a Southern derby. Jenna Paton, Secretary of Lyttelton Rugby, captured the spirit of the evening. “I think I was even more excited than the kids were, it’s a really cool opportunity,” she said. “Being involved brings our club out into the community a lot more and it lets the kids see what their potential is, to be able to come onto a field like this and see how they can grow in rugby.”

She also highlighted the importance of community involvement. “We’re a really family-focused club and we’re always encouraging people to come down and get involved, whether that’s playing or volunteering. We’re always on the lookout for more people to join our committee as well.”

For Kaikōura Rugby Club, the journey to be part of the night reflected the dedication that underpins country rugby. Coach of nine years Dex Laugesen, who’s part of a proud multi-generational rugby family, said the excitement had been building. “The kids have been looking forward to it the last couple of weeks, the excitement levels were high,” he said.

Our Northern-most club, Kaikōura’s journey started at 3pm, much earlier than any other event-goer, to make the trip down in time for the guard of honour before the 7:05pm kick-off. The long journey home no doubt full of buzz, after the Crusaders’ convincing performance.

“The travel is all part of it, it’s a big commitment for us, not just for opportunities like this but right through the season,” Logason said. “Registrations are tracking really well, stronger than last year in the juniors. The kids have had an absolute blast, we just want to say thanks so much for the day.”

That feedback was echoed across all six clubs. For many of the tamariki involved, it was a first taste of the big stage, and they’re already keen on a repeat in the new home of sport, One New Zealand Stadium.

More than anything, Rego Round showcased the powerful connection between grassroots rugby and the professional game. From local club fields to a packed stadium under lights, the pathway was right there in front of them. Judging by the smiles, the excitement, and the dreams sparked on Saturday night, the future of rugby in the region is in very good hands.

If you're yet to sign up, or connect with a club, get in touch today!

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