Last Saturday, 16,000 fans packed into Apollo Projects Stadium for one final time. A sea of red and black, clashing with blue and gold, as Canterbury and Otago met once more in a Southern Derby for the ages. The top two sides in the competition delivered a spectacle that will be remembered for generations, passionate, physical, and full of pride.

The atmosphere was electric, a throwback to the glory days of Provincial rugby. The sun shone brightly over Christchurch as smoke cannons, flames, and the beats of kiwi hip-hop icon King Kapisi set the stage. It was more than just a rugby match, it was a celebration of community, legacy, and the stadium that’s seen Canterbury through a defining era of resilience.

The whistle however wasn’t the only thing blowing, as both teams faced challenges with the windy conditions. Canterbury missing points on the board at the close of the 1^st half, down 10 – 14 to the opposition. The second 40 saw a resurgence of the Red & Blacks, finding their momentum and running an absolute clinic on attack.
As the final whistle blew and Canterbury lifted the trophy for their first NPC title since 2017, the emotion in the stands was undeniable. For many, it was the storybook ending, a perfect send-off for Apollo Projects Stadium, “our temporary forever”.

For Canterbury Rugby CEO Tony Smail the occasion was simply magic. “We always set out with the intention of making the final, but to host it at home, at a sold out Apollo Projects Stadium we couldn’t ask for a better result as an organisation.” Smail continued, “We created history, and that’s a memory that will stick with our community forever.”

The road to the title wasn’t without its challenges. Canterbury facing its fair share of adversity with season ending injuries to key leaders like Captain Cullen Grace, loose forward Corey Kellow, and back Johnny McNicholl, and Issac Hutchinson. However those challenges only revealed the depth and character of the squad. Young players stepped up, seasoned campaigners took a lead, and together they forged a championship story.

A dream realised, Head Coach Marty Bourke, in his final act at the helm spoke with immense pride. “For the last four years it’s always been a dream of ours to fill the stands,” Bourke said. “I found myself not even watching parts of the final but admiring the fans and how Canterbury managed to turn back the clock. That takes a massive team effort, and a huge credit goes to our loyal people for backing us week on week. Their support is invaluable, we did this together.”

The final also marked a fitting send-off for several stalwarts of the team. Captain Tom Christie, the NPC’s “tackle machine” who now heads abroad to join the Newcastle Red Bulls. Zach Gallagher will depart for Japan, while Assistant Coach Craig Dunlea (“Dunners”) is off to the Western Force. “You can’t ask for a better way to sign off than with a sold out stadium and a championship win”, said Bourke. “We’re all taking a piece of that red and black legacy with us, it’s truly a moment I’ll never forget.”

While the Ranfurly Shield will spend its Summer locked up in Otago, there’s no doubt where the bragging rights belong. Canterbury have reclaimed the NPC crown, and with it, the pride of a province.

As Apollo Projects Stadium bids farewell, anticipation turns toward the future, the new One NZ Stadium, set to open in 2026. Smail says the move will usher in a new era for Canterbury rugby: “One NZ Stadium will provide a next-level experience for our NPC fans, the opportunities are endless and we’re really excited to get stuck in.”

But for now, let’s celebrate what this ground has meant. Live at Apollo for the last time. The final chapter now closed, with Canterbury finishing exactly how they started in 2012, on top!

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