Kia ora from the Community team,
It’s an exciting time in community rugby with Senior Rugby settling into their competitions and Junior & Teenage Rugby about to kick off. In a time when our Tamariki and Rangatahi have a myriad of options available to them, it’s been great to see the retention and growth of team entries across so many of our grades.
A particular area of growth has been across our Teenage Girls grades, and what perfect timing!
With the Black Ferns returning to Christchurch on May 17, the spotlight is well and truly on the future of the women's game. We can’t wait!
The next few weekends also highlight the different work-streams of community rugby coming together to create the product we know and love. From referees taking charge of their first games, to tackle and scrum clinics led by our Game Development crew, and Club Day activations driven by our Engagement team – everyone’s playing their part.
See you out there, let’s keep it positive! 💪
Ngā mihi,
Brydie Washington,
Metro Junior & Teenage Operations Coordinator
Are you the next Club Legend?
To the ones who show up rain or shine, who put in the mahi behind the scenes, and to those who are truly “part of the furniture”. Canterbury Rugby and proud community partner Miles Toyota are thrilled to announce the Miles Toyota Club Legend campaign, a celebration of the unsung heroes who are the lifeblood of our local rugby clubs.
It’ll be up to our red & black community to drive the campaign, nominating their sideline superheroes who aren’t always in the spotlight, but whose impact to their club is immense.
Canterbury Rugby CEO Tony Smail highlighted the importance of the initiative, “It will play a vital role in helping us recognise the tireless efforts of our volunteers who are truly the heart of our rugby community. It’s their passion and commitment that keep our clubs thriving, and thanks to Miles Toyota, we can shine a light on these legends who make it all possible."
Each month during the campaign, one nominated Club Legend will be selected to receive the use of the Miles Toyota Club Legend Hilux for the month, complete with campaign signage and a full tank of fuel! But that’s not all, that legend’s club will also benefit, receiving a $1,000 donation to help support the awesome work they’re doing.
It’s about coming together to celebrate the special people who make club rugby more than just a game, they make it a community. "We are incredibly grateful to Miles Toyota for their continued support of Canterbury Rugby and the community game, “ said Smail.
Across the 2025 season, a total of three Club Legends will be recognised with their incredible stories being captured and shared nationally across social media channels and featured on game days, all to shine a light on their legacy and contribution. “Local rugby thrives because of the people who give their time, energy, and heart — not for recognition, but just because they care”, said Miles Toyota CEO Mark Mills. “As the Official Community Partner of Canterbury Rugby, we see first-hand the quiet dedication that keeps grassroots clubs running strong, week in and week out.”
When asked the why behind the project Mills continued “That’s why we’ve launched this campaign — to say thank you. It’s our way of recognising the true Club Legends who go above and beyond for their local clubs and communities. From lining fields to running sausage sizzles, they’re the reason the grassroots game keeps going strong.”
Whether they’re the first to arrive and the last to leave, a sideline cheerleader, or the silent partner that keeping things running, this is our chance to give them the recognition they truly deserve. “We’re proud to stand alongside Canterbury Rugby to show our appreciation for those who contribute so much, and to give a well-deserved shoutout to the clubs at the heart of the sport, “ said Mills.
Who is the backbone of your rugby community? We want to hear from you!
Click here and fill out the entry form to nominate your Club Legend, share their story and tell us why they deserve to be celebrated.
Let’s give our legends the love they’ve earned — and maybe a sweet Hilux ride, too!
Ako Wāhine: Growing Confidence, Connection & Coaches in Canterbury
There’s something seriously exciting happening in women’s rugby and it starts right here, at the grassroots.
The Ako Wāhine programme is coming to Rugby Park on Sunday, 25 May, and it’s tailor-made for wāhine who are ready to take their first steps into coaching. Whether you’ve never coached before, are in your first season, or just want to sharpen your skills, Ako Wāhine is for you. No previous experience is needed – just your passion for the game and a willingness to learn in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Steph Te Ohaere-Fox, Women & Girls Lead at Canterbury Rugby, is thrilled to have the programme in the region. “This is about creating a space where wāhine can show up, feel safe, and learn together. Whether you're a mum bringing your kids to training, a woman finishing your playing journey, or someone who's just keen to give back – Ako Wāhine is your place to start.”
The programme is the brainchild of former Black Fern and New Zealand Rugby Women’s and Girl's Rugby Manager Vania Wolfgramm.
Led by New Zealand Rugby and supported by the CRFU, Ako Wāhine offers hands-on coaching education through three engaging modules, game knowledge, coaching skills and how to run an effective training. And yes – there are fun games, snacks, and plenty of connection built in. Everyone who participates walks away with a NZ Rugby and World Rugby Foundation Level 1 coaching accreditation, a solid launchpad into the coaching world.
“We know the value of women coaching in rugby – not just for the game today, but for its future. We want more women stepping into coaching roles, and eventually into high performance environments too. But it starts here – at community level, with the right support in place” said Te Ohaere-Fox.
When asked what makes the course unique Te Ohaere-Fox continued “ There’s a childminding service available during the workshop, breaking down one of the barriers many women face when trying to pursue their own goals while supporting their families. We’re serious about changing the game for women. Recognising the realities like childcare and offering real solutions is paramount in keeping more women involved and growing in the sport.”
Another feature is the ongoing support beyond the course. After the workshop, coaches are invited into an online group chat, where they can share ideas, ask questions, and support each other throughout the season. With the aim to build a real coaching community of women supporting women, we’ll keep coaches in the game developing strong female leaders at every level.
Whether you're a mum following her kids through the grades, a teenage girl ready to begin your coaching journey, or simply someone who loves rugby and wants to give back - Ako Wāhine is for you.
Sign up now and join the movement to grow the future of rugby, one confident wāhine at a time.
Course date: Sunday 25 May from 2pm–6pm at Rugby Park.
Make sure you register before Monday 19 May, 5pm to secure your spot.
Around the grounds
We’re almost at full throttle across the region, with Junior and Teenage Rugby already underway in North Canterbury, and Ellesmere and Metro competitions kicking off over the next two weeks! There’s a real buzz building in our secondary schools, with the return of the Miles Toyota Premiership and Champions 1st XV competitions. Expect big school pride, top-tier rugby, and some seriously exciting matchups!
While last weekend saw a pause in Ellesmere and Metro rugby due to the local state of emergency and ground closures, we’re thrilled to have everyone back on the field tomorrow – refreshed and ready to rip in!
If you’re following us on social media, you’ll have seen the Canterbury Rugby team are popping up at Club Days right across the province.
In the lead up to each visit, we’ll be shining a spotlight on the clubs we’re heading to – so make sure you swing by, say hi, and check out what we have on offer!
We’d love to give massive shoutout to all our incredible club and school volunteers who’ve worked tirelessly to navigate the new Rugby Xplorer registration system. We know it hasn’t been easy, and we’re so grateful for the mahi you’ve put in to keep our game running smoothly. Don’t forget, our Game Development team is always here to support club coaches, if you need a hand with anything, please reach out! You can find our contacts here
So, gear up, get out on the sidelines, and soak up the atmosphere. As always – Keep it Positive out there, and enjoy everything community rugby has to offer!
Upcoming Events
Check out what’s on around the grounds…
Small Blacks Courses
Multiple dates and locations across May | Find one here
Black Ferns vs Canada - Captains Run
16 May 2:45pm at Apollo Projects Stadium | Register here
Gates close 3:00pm with spaces limited to 150 people, first in first served.
Your spot will be confirmed by end of day Tuesday 13 May by New Zealand Rugby, via email with a QR code gaining you access to the captains run
A huge thank you to our 2025 Pathways Partners.