When Canterbury Rugby took on Southland at One NZ Stadium on Saturday 26 September, a special milestone was celebrated off the field, with Ricoh marking 200 NPC games as a partner of Canterbury Rugby.

The milestone made Ricoh Canterbury Rugby’s longest-standing partner, with the relationship spanning more than 15 years of players, coaches, teams, trophies and plenty of memorable moments in between.

A lot can change over 200 games.

Players and coaches come and go, trophies are lifted, new stars emerge and unforgettable moments are created. Even the stadiums Canterbury Rugby has called home has changed.

Through it all, Ricoh has continued to stand alongside the Red and Black.

While the Ricoh has become a familiar sight on the back of the Canterbury jersey, the partnership has always been about more than what is seen on game day. Ricoh’s support has helped Canterbury Rugby invest across the game, including clubs, coaches, referees and volunteers, pathways and the next generation of players coming through the Canterbury system.

For Ricoh, being part of the Canterbury Rugby family has been just as important.

“What has always made the partnership special is how the Canterbury Rugby team has made us feel genuinely part of the Red & Black family, says Christchurch Brand Manager Ryan O’Driscoll. “We’ve built strong relationships with the staff and playing group over the years, while also seeing our support extend into clubs, volunteers, young players and communities right across Canterbury. The new stadium has brought another exciting dimension to that connection, creating some incredible new experiences for our people and customers.”

Canterbury Rugby CEO Tony Smail said reaching 200 games was a milestone that reflected the strength of the relationship built over many years.

“Two hundred games is an incredible milestone, and one that speaks to the loyalty, and commitment Ricoh has shown Canterbury Rugby and our wider rugby community.

“Partnerships can often be measured in logos, signage and exposure, but after 200 games it means so much more than that. Ricoh has been there through the highs and lows, through different generations of players and staff, and through some significant changes for our organisation.

“They have genuinely become part of the Red and Black family, and we’re incredibly grateful for the support they continue to provide across Canterbury Rugby, from the grassroots right through to our high-performance teams.

“We were proud to celebrate this milestone together and look forward to continuing the relationship for many years to come.”

From Rugby Park to One NZ Stadium, from first appearances to milestone games, and from grassroots to grandstand, Ricoh has been a constant presence in Canterbury Rugby.

After 200 games, the partnership represents more than longevity. It represents shared history, strong relationships and a commitment to the Canterbury rugby community.

Ricoh, thank you for backing the Red and Black- and for backing the people and communities that make Canterbury Rugby what it is.

Here’s to 200 games together.