Finals footy is here — and Canterbury is ready. This Saturday night, the Red & Blacks will go head-to-head with Hawke’s Bay in a blockbuster Bunnings Warehouse NPC Semi Final at Apollo Projects Stadium. With a coveted 2025 home final on the line, it’s all to play for — and every moment will matter.

The match kicks off at 7:15pm, and the stage is set for a massive night of provincial rugby. Canterbury is calling on the Red & Black Nation to pack the stands and help drive the team across the line.

It’s been a strong campaign from Canterbury so far, finishing the regular season at the top of the table. Along the way, the team has shown grit and consistency — but it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. A hard-fought loss to Otago saw the Ranfurly Shield slip away, while a tough draw against Northland showed how competitive this year’s field truly is. But those moments have only sharpened the group’s resolve.

Saturday's Semi Final will be a rematch of the Round 3 clash between Canterbury and Hawke’s Bay, where the Red & Blacks came out on top with a commanding 26–7 win. But a lot has changed since then. Hawke’s Bay’s powerful forward pack has built momentum through the back end of the season, and Canterbury knows this is a very different challenge.

“We know this is going to be a real battle, but there’s no question that the fans get us across the line." said Head Coach Marty Bourke. "It was so evident at the Tasman game and truly made the difference. The boys feel it when the stands are full, they love playing in front of a crowd."
With four teams all fighting for a spot in the final, it's no secret that outside of Canterbury there's little support for the red and blacks.
"Everyone loves to hate us" continued Bourke. "There’s a real feeling that the rest of the country wants Canterbury to lose. We know we’re not the fan favourite outside of our region but that only makes us hungrier to earn our spot in the final."

Now, it’s time for the Canterbury community to get behind their team once more. A season to remember, this is the last ever NPC Semi Final at Apollo Projects Stadium and it’s shaping up to be a big one!

Tickets are just $15 for adults, and kids 10 & under go FREE, while members can use their season pass for entry. Gates open at 6:00pm, you and the whānau can enjoy the Family Fun Zone and Food Trucks before kick off at 7:15pm.

So don your red and black, bring the energy, and help make history. A home final is within reach — but we need you there to help get it done.

Skip the queues and get your tickets now!