Before the lights. Before the grandstands. Before the representative jerseys.

It all starts with our clubs.

You can't beat afternoon footy. Next Saturday, we're bringing that same club spirit to One NZ Stadium as we celebrate the heartbeat of Canterbury Rugby and the grassroots community that makes our game so special.

Every representative journey starts on a club field. It's where lifelong friendships are formed, where volunteers give their time, where communities gather every Saturday, and where young players first dream of wearing the red and black. That's why Club Round is all about celebrating the people and places that make Canterbury Rugby what it is.With players from more than 15 of our province's 45 clubs represented in this year's Canterbury squad, the connection between club rugby and the red and black has never been stronger.

It's time to pull on your club colours, gather your teammates, whānau and supporters, and make One NZ Stadium your home for the afternoon as Canterbury takes on Bay of Plenty.

The fun begins well before the NPC kick off at 2:05pm. A pathway to the Red & Black, The Tane Norton Cup curtain raiser gets us started with Waitaha and Ellesmere heading to battle at 11:35am. From there, clubs from right across the province will take centre stage. Junior players taking part in a parade around the field before one young representative from every club gets the special job of welcoming the Canterbury team onto the field as part of the Guard of Honour.

Halftime brings another battle for club bragging rights as the nominated speediest senior player from each club lines up to race for the inaugural title of Canterbury's Fastest Club Player.

Around the stadium, there's plenty happening for the whole family. The first 300 kids through the North Pad will receive a Take a Kid to Footy pack thanks to JC Construction, while face painting, sign making and activities will keep young supporters entertained throughout the afternoon.

It's an afternoon everyone can enjoy together. Kids are just $5, Adult tickets are from $10, and family passes are available for $45, making it one of the most affordable days out on the calendar. Get yours here!

Better yet, every adult East and West Stand ticket purchased using your club's unique ticketing code puts money straight back into your club through the Canterbury Rugby Club Rebate Programme. It's an easy way to support the boys, enjoy a great afternoon of footy, and help your club raise valuable funds at the same time.

Gates open at 11:15am, with your NPC ticket getting you access to both matches! Wear your club colours. Bring your club mates. Get behind the boys as they take on the Bay.

Together, let's fill One NZ Stadium and celebrate the clubs that make Canterbury Rugby what it is.

We'll see you there!