It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s been lighting up the fields as summer starts calling. Across Canterbury, our sevens season has exploded into life with festivals and tournaments for everyone — from eager junior school teams to seasoned club players. With multiple grades and maximum participation, it’s been rugby the way we love it: energetic, inclusive, and full of smiles.

For Burnside High School spirits were high, rejoining the festival after not competing for a couple of years. "Giving it a go" a real motto there were no selections, no exclusions, anyone who put their hand up was in!

“The Canterbury Rugby 7s Festival was the perfect way for our players to dip their toes into the game,” says Rozz Guillemot. “We wanted all our keen players to have the opportunity to give it a go. The team put in a big shift, and it was fantastic to see them improve as the day went on. A tough day on the 7’s field still beats a good day in the classroom, right?”

Right indeed. Their enthusiasm lit up the festival and embodied what community rugby is all about, taking part!

Now, as we turn our eyes toward the National Condors Tournament, two of our school teams share their excitement and momentum heading into the big weekend.

For Christchurch Boys’ High School they're heading to Tauranga with confidence, and for good reason. After winning the Canterbury qualifying tournament with a flawless 5-from-5 run and going undefeated in their nine-game Canterbury Club Division 2 prep campaign, the team is humming.

“We’ve been training hard and the boys are really looking forward to the challenge in Tauranga,” says Phil Watson. “It’s great to see the Canterbury schools embracing the game of sevens.”

CBHS will join Christ’s College and St Thomas of Canterbury College in representing the region. Their Day 1 lineup is already locked in:

• 10:00am – St Thomas of Canterbury College
• 12:00pm – Hastings Boys’ High School

The round-robin hits on Saturday 29 November, with finals action on Sunday 30 November.

Christchurch Girls’ High School are a double threat on the big stage and have been powering through a huge sevens calendar, with both junior and senior squads primed for Condors.

“The season has been in full swing for us,” says Jessie Robertson, proud of the mahi her players have put in. “Our Junior team is in an exciting development phase — their enthusiasm has carried them through every event.” After finishing sixth nationally last year, the eagerness to climb even higher is there.

The Senior squad is equally impressive, having qualified first for Condors, won the South Island Secondary Schools title, and backed it up with strong results at the recent Matatū Sevens. “They’re eager to build on last year’s campaign and embrace the intensity of high-level national play,” Jessie adds. With coaching support from Cheyelle Robins-Reti, Neve Anglesey, Fiaali'i Solomona, and Ange Sisifa, both teams are geared and ready for takeoff.

From festival fun to fierce preparation, this sevens season has showcased the best of our community. Good luck to all our Canterbury teams heading to Condors, you’re representing a region that’s already proud of you. Go well, play fast, and most importantly, enjoy every moment!