Canterbury Rugby Football Union

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Canterbury Rugby Football Union
Canterbury rfu logo.png
Sport Rugby union
Jurisdiction Canterbury region
AbbreviationCRFU
Founded1879;145 years ago (1879)
Affiliation New Zealand Rugby
Headquarters Christchurch
PresidentJulie Patterson [1]
Vice president(s)Don Hayes [1]
Official website
www.crfu.co.nz
Flag of New Zealand.svg

The Canterbury Rugby Football Union (which is also referred to as Canterbury or CRFU) is the governing body for rugby union in a portion of the Canterbury region of New Zealand. Its colours are red and black in a hooped design. The CRFU governs the running of the Canterbury representative team (which has won New Zealand's first-tier domestic competition). The National Provincial Championship, Air New Zealand Cup and ITM Cup 14 times including a "six-peat" from 2008 to 2013 – with five in the National Provincial Championship, two in the Air New Zealand Cup, five in the ITM Cup and one in the Mitre 10 Cup. Their most recent victory was the 2017 Mitre 10 Cup. [2] Canterbury also acts as a primary feeder to the Crusaders, who play in the Super Rugby competition.

Contents

The union also administers all club rugby within the region, including senior club rugby and school rugby. Canterbury has a history of producing All Blacks, boasting the most of any New Zealand region, with Scott Barrett becoming Canterbury's 200th All Black in 2016.

History

Early history (1879–1975)

The Canterbury Rugby Football Union (CRFU) was established in 1879, following a match between South Canterbury and North Canterbury in Timaru. It took place on 26 July 1879 where delegates representing Christchurch, Christ's College, Temuka, North Canterbury (Rangiora), Eastern (Christchurch), South Canterbury (Timaru), Ashburton, and Southbridge clubs decided to form the union. [3] The impetus to form the CRFU was mainly provided by Montague Lewin, who had emigrated from England to Christchurch in 1873, and lobbied for local football clubs to adopt the rules of England's Rugby Football Union. He succeeded in getting Canterbury clubs to adopt the rugby rules in 1876, but a visit by an Australian Victorian Rules football team in 1879 prompted him to push for the formation of a union. [4] [5] It had been initially proposed that the new organization would be the New Zealand Rugby Union, but this was rejected and the Canterbury Rugby Football Union was formed. Canterbury was the first provincial union within New Zealand, with the Wellington Rugby Football Union being formed later that year. [3] By 1890 fourteen provincial unions had been founded within New Zealand. [6] As well as being the oldest union in New Zealand, the CRFU was founded before one of the Home Unions, the Welsh Rugby Union, was founded in 1881. [3]

A Canterbury representative side had played before the formation of the CRFU, but the first provincial game in New Zealand played under the authority of provincial unions took place on 27 August 1881. Canterbury hosted an Otago side that triumphed by a try-to nil. [7] The first rugby match at Lancaster Park was played the following year, [8] a ground that would be the home of Canterbury rugby until the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. [9]

Despite being instrumental in forming the CRFU, in 1888 the South Canterbury clubs broke off to form the South Canterbury Rugby Union [10] – this comprised Timaru, Fairlie Creek, Geraldine, Temuka, Waimate, Winchester, and Timaru Pirate clubs. This occurred only a few years before the formation of the New Zealand Rugby Football Union (later shortened to New Zealand Rugby Union, or NZRU) in 1892. The CRFU had originally voted to join the NZRU in 1891, but when the time came to ratify the agreement in 1892, they resisted following reluctance from their members. [11] Along with the Otago and Southland provinces, the CRFU objected to the requirement that NZRU executive committee members reside in Wellington. [11] South Canterbury had joined the NZRU, and the provinces' representative sides did not meet in 1893. As well as this, players from Canterbury were not eligible for selection in the 1893 New Zealand team that toured Australia. [12] The CRFU eventually relented, and in 1894 joined the NZRU; both Otago and Southland joined the following year. [12] [5] When New South Wales toured New Zealand in 1894, Canterbury players were now eligible for selection for New Zealand, and the CRFU hosted the only game between the sides which was played at Lancaster Park. [12]

In 1904, a sub-union of the South Canterbury Rugby Union was formed around the Ashburton area – the Ashburton Country Rugby Union. In 1905 it came under the umbrella of the CRFU, but split away to become completely independent in 1927. It was renamed the Mid Canterbury Rugby Football Union in 1952. [13]

National Provincial Championship (1976–2005)

The National Provincial Championship was founded in 1976, becoming the premier national rugby competition. The NPC did not have playoffs, with the Championship awarded to the team with the best record. Canterbury had immediate success in the competition, going undefeated in 1977 to win the title. Canterbury had mixed results for the next five years, finishing between 2nd and 9th during this period. In 1983 Canterbury won their second title, once again going undefeated.

Canterbury teams did not win the title again until 1997. All Black-laden Auckland teams constantly proved superior to Canterbury, claiming 10 titles from 1984 to 1996. The 1984 and 1989 Canterbury teams had a record of 8 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss, and finished second to Auckland. [14]

In 1992, the National Provincial Championship established playoffs, with the top four sides playing in a knockout format. In 1992 and 1993 Canterbury missed the playoffs. In 1994, Canterbury placed 3rd during the regular season. Canterbury traveled to North Harbour for the semi-final. Canterbury lost 27–59 to North Harbour. In 1995, Canterbury missed the playoffs again. Canterbury began to see the development of important players such as Andrew Mehrtens, Todd Blackadder, and Reuben Thorne. Despite losing three of the first four games Canterbury rebounded to finish 3rd in 1996. However, Canterbury went on to lose away to Counties Manukau 33–46 in the semi-final. In the 1997 season, Canterbury broke their championship drought, winning their third title. Canterbury posted a record of 8 wins and 2 losses, enough to finish 2nd in the round-robin. Canterbury defeated Auckland 21–15 in the semi-final. Canterbury also hosted the final owing to Counties Manukau, upsetting Waikato 43–40 in the other semi-final. Canterbury defeated Counties Manukau 44–13 in the final. [15]

In 1998, Canterbury finished 3rd in the round robin, with a record of 6 wins and 4 losses. Canterbury traveled to Hamilton to play Waikato in the semi-final. Canterbury lost 13–32 to Waikato in the semi-final. The 1999 season saw Canterbury missing the playoffs, finishing 5th. Canterbury had a record of 5 wins and 4 losses. In 2000, Canterbury finished 1st in the round robin with a record of 8 wins and 1 loss. Canterbury defeated Taranaki 31–23 in the semi-final. Canterbury lost the final to Wellington 29–34 in Christchurch. In 2001, Canterbury won their fourth title. Canterbury posted a record of 9 wins and 1 loss, finishing 1st in the round-robin. Canterbury defeated Auckland in the semi-final 53–22. Canterbury hosted Otago in the final, defeating Otago 30–19.

In 2002, Canterbury finished 2nd in the round robin, with a record of 7 wins and 2 losses. Canterbury hosted Auckland in the semi-final. However, Auckland beat Canterbury 23–29 in the semi-final. In the 2003 season, Canterbury did not qualify for the playoffs, posting a record of 5 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses. The 2003 season is currently the last time Canterbury has missed the playoffs. In 2004, Canterbury won its fifth title, defeating Wellington in the final. Canterbury finished 2nd in the round-robin after posting a record of 6 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses. Canterbury hosted Bay of Plenty in Christchurch. Canterbury defeated Bay of Plenty 44–12 in the semi-final. Wellington hosted the final against Canterbury. Canterbury defeated Wellington 40–27 in the final, with Justin Marshall scoring two tries.

2005 was the last season of the National Provincial Championship before becoming the Air New Zealand Cup. Canterbury finished 1st in the round robin, posting a record of 7 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss. Canterbury hosted Otago in the semi-final, in the Battle of the South Island. Otago beat Canterbury 22–37, ending Canterbury's season. [16]

Air New Zealand Cup (2006–2009)

In 2006, the National Provincial Championship became the Air New Zealand Cup, as Air New Zealand airline company became the principal sponsor of the tournament and earned naming rights. During the Air New Zealand Cup era, unexpected Canterbury dominance would begin to emerge. The 2006 season was not very successful for Canterbury. Canterbury posted a record of 6 wins and 3 losses, placing Canterbury 5th in the Top Six division. Canterbury would have to travel to Wellington for the quarter-final. Wellington defeated Canterbury 23–36 in the quarter-final. In 2007, Canterbury finished 2nd in the round robin, behind the undefeated Auckland. Canterbury hosted Wellington in the semi-final. However, Wellington closely defeats Canterbury 21–26. [17] [18]

The 2008 season would begin Canterbury's unprecedented dynasty. Canterbury recorded 9 wins and 1 loss, to finish 2nd behind Wellington. Canterbury hosted Tasman in the quarter-final. Canterbury beat Tasman 48–10. In the semi-final Canterbury hosted Hawke's Bay, defeating Hawke's Bay 31–21. For the final Canterbury travelled to Wellington to face the top seed Wellington. In a low-scoring final, Canterbury won 7–6, earning its first Air New Zealand Cup title and sixth title overall. [19]

The 2009 season continued Canterbury's success, in the round robin Canterbury finished 1st after posting a record of 10 wins and 3 losses. Canterbury hosted Hawke's Bay, the best-attacking team in the competition. Canterbury defeated Hawke's Bay 20–3 in the semi-final. Canterbury faced Wellington again in the final. In a closely fought match, Canterbury won with a penalty in the 78th minute. Canterbury defeated Wellington 28–20. For the first time, Canterbury won titles back to back. [20]

ITM Cup (2010–2015)

In 2010, the Air New Zealand Cup became the ITM Cup as ITM gained the naming rights, after becoming the principal sponsor. Canterbury tied Auckland with 45 points during the round-robin but managed to top the table after having a better points differential than Auckland. Canterbury hosted the semi-final against Wellington. In a high-scoring match, Canterbury triumphed over Wellington 57–41. Canterbury faced Waikato the 3rd seed, after Waikato upset Auckland 38–37 in the other semi-final. Canterbury defeated Waikato in the final 33–13. Canterbury earned its first ITM Cup title and eighth title overall. Canterbury achieved its first three-peat, only the second province (Auckland) to accomplish this. [21]

Due to the 2011 Rugby World Cup, there would be no semi-finals to allow more time for the World Cup. As a result, only the top two sides would qualify for a final. Canterbury posted a record of 6 wins and 4 losses, allowing Canterbury to finish as the 2nd seed. Despite Taranaki having 7 wins and 3 losses, Canterbury qualified because it had more competition points, than Taranaki (31), and Canterbury (33). Canterbury had to travel to Hamilton to face Waikato in the final for the second time in two years. Canterbury defeated Waikato 12–3, with both teams only able to score through penalties. Canterbury earned its ninth title and equalled Auckland's feat of a fourpeat. [22]

The 2012 season was another successful year for Canterbury. Canterbury tied with Wellington on 39 competition points but finished top of the table due to a better points differential. Canterbury faced Taranaki in the semi-final. Despite being expected to win easily, Taranaki, at full-time the score was tied at 27–27, forcing extra-time. In extra-time Canterbury's superior fitness paid dividends, running out to a 51–27 victory. Canterbury hosted Auckland in the 2012 final. Canterbury beat the Auckland team 31–18. Canterbury became the first team to win five titles in a row, a feat not even Auckland managed in their golden years. Canterbury earned its tenth title. [23]

In 2013, Canterbury became the first team to win six titles in a row. Canterbury finished 2nd in the round robin behind Wellington, after posting a record of 8 wins and 2 losses. Canterbury hosted Auckland in the semi-final. In an offensive game, Canterbury beat Auckland 56–26. Canterbury faced Wellington away in the final. Canterbury defeated Wellington 29–13. Canterbury made history by winning six titles in a row. [24]

In 2014, Canterbury's streak came to an end. Canterbury posted a record of 7 wins and 3 losses, finishing 3rd in the round-robin. Canterbury had to travel to Nelson, to play Tasman. Canterbury was beaten by Tasman 6–26. [25]

In the 2015 season, Canterbury won its twelfth title. Canterbury finished top of the table, recording 9 wins and 1 loss. Canterbury faced Taranaki in the semi-final. Canterbury defeated Taranaki in a dominant display 46–20. Canterbury hosted old foes Auckland in the final. In a closely fought match, Canterbury prevailed 25–23. [26]

Mitre 10 Cup (2016–2021)

In 2016, the ITM Cup was renamed to the Mitre 10 Cup, as Mitre 10 became the principal sponsor, gaining the naming rights. Canterbury finished top of the table after posting a record of 8 wins and 2 losses. Canterbury hosted fourth-seed Counties Manukau in the semi-final. Canterbury defeated Counties Manukau 22–7. Canterbury then faced Tasman in the 2016 final. Canterbury defeated Tasman comfortably 43–27, going back to back and earning a thirteenth title. [27]

In the 2017, Mitre 10 Cup season, Canterbury finished second in the round robin after posting a record of 8 wins and 2 losses. Canterbury performed well throughout the season but was defeated heavily on two occasions. Canterbury lost 14–60 to Wellington in week 5 and 43–55 to Taranaki in week 9. Canterbury won the other 8 games by an average margin of 32 points. Canterbury also lost the Ranfurly Shield to Taranaki. Canterbury Captain Tim Bateman stated after the game only winning the competition would help alleviate the loss of the shield. [28] Canterbury hosted a resurgent North Harbor for the first semi-final. North Harbor had won promotion from the Championship the year earlier. Canterbury defeated North Harbor 35–24, advancing to the final. Tasman upset the table-topping Taranaki in the other semi-final 30–29. As a result, the final would be hosted in Christchurch between Canterbury and Tasman. Canterbury defeated Tasman 35–13, sealing the match with a try in the 77th minute. Canterbury won its fourteenth title overall and ninth title in ten years. [29]

In 2018, they opened with a 25–17 loss to Tasman, beat Wellington (27–20), Bay of Plenty (19–31), Manawatu (34–23), and North Harbour (21–31). But it all came to an end with a 29–34 loss to Auckland but started again with a 25–47 win over Otago, They beat Hawke's Bay (49–24), Taranaki (41–7) and Counties Manukau (14–19) to finish 3rd on the table, behind Auckland and Tasman. In the semi-finals, they were hosted by second-place Tasman, winning 16–21 in the 76th minute. The game was considered a deserved, but controversially won match by Canterbury. They played Auckland in the final, away again. Despite looking to go for an easy win, they were held in the second half, the match ending 26–26. The match went into extra time, where they lost 40–33, ending their perfect finals attendance.

Ranfurly Shield (1903–present)

The Ranfurly Shield was donated by the Uchter Knox, 5th Earl of Ranfurly, the governor of New Zealand (1897–1904). The shield had been designed as a trophy for football (not rugby) and had to be modified to depict a rugby game. The Shield is based on a challenge system, rather than a league or knockout competition as with most football trophies. The holding union must defend the shield in challenge matches, and a successful challenger becomes the new holder of the Shield. It was first awarded to Auckland, which had the best results in the 1903 season. In the first challenge on 6 August 1904, Wellington defeated Auckland 6–3 to lift what has become known colloquially as the Log o' Wood. [30]

Canterbury has a proud history associated with the Ranfurly Shield. Canterbury has 15 Ranfurly Shield wins and 136 defenses, second only to Auckland. Canterbury's first bid for the trophy in its second game in 1904, and challenged for the shield on 11 occasions before it was finally successful for the first time when beating Manawhenua (an amalgamation of the modern-day Manawatu and Horowhenua Kapiti provincial unions) 17–6 at Palmerston North. Canterbury's first shield tenure of any length began in 1931 and ended in 1934 after 15 successful defenses. Between 1953 and 1956 the Cantabs held onto the shield in 23 challenges. In 1973 Marlborough pulled off one of the greatest Ranfurly Shield upsets of all time, by defeating Canterbury 13–6 to begin the region's only shield tenure. Canterbury's greatest shield defence occurred from 1982–1985, with 25 defences. Canterbury defeated Wellington on 18 September 1982 gaining the Ranfurly Shield for the first time in nine years. Canterbury would defend the shield for a then-record number of 25 times before Auckland would challenge on 14 September 1985. In front of 52,000 fans Auckland started strongly, jumping out to a 24–0 half-time lead. However, Alex Wyllie's Canterbury came back at the last minute when a Robbie Deans kick bounded over the deadball line. Having held on to win 28–23, Auckland set about creating a new benchmark of 61 consecutive defenses.

Canterbury reclaimed the shield in 1994, defeating Waikato 29–26. Canterbury would have nine successful defenses, before losing the shield to Auckland in 1995. Auckland would shut out Canterbury 35–0. In 2000, Canterbury challenged Waikato, who had successfully defended the shield 21 times. Canterbury defeated Waikato 26–18, winning the shield for the tenth time. Canterbury successfully defended the shield 23 times before losing to Auckland 40–31. However, next year Canterbury got a challenge, as Bay of Plenty took the shield of Auckland. In 2004, Canterbury would challenge Bay of Plenty for the shield. Canterbury won 33–26 over Bay of Plenty. Canterbury mounted 14 successful defenses until Canterbury lost to North Harbour 17–21. On 1 September, Canterbury defeated Waikato 33–20, winning back the shield. However, Canterbury had only one defense of the shield, losing to Auckland 15–26. Just under two years after losing the shield to Auckland, Canterbury regained it, beating Wellington 36–14. Canterbury again were host to a mighty upset as Southland regained the Shield for the fifth time in their history after a 50-year hiatus stretching back to 1959, with Southland winning 3–9. Canterbury got revenge on Southland prevailing in a sold-out game 26–15 in round 11 of the 2010 ITM Cup. Southland received much praise for breathing life back into the shield and for their passionate ownership of the shield. [31] Canterbury would only defend the shield twice before losing to Southland again, 19–22 returning the shield to the south.

In 2016, Canterbury would challenge Waikato for the shield in round 7. The two teams were locked up at 23–23 with only 10 minutes remaining. However, Jordie Barrett kicked two penalties to seal a Canterbury win 29–23, gaining the Ranfurly Shield in the process. Canterbury would defend the shield on 7 occasions before losing to Taranaki 43–55.

Stadium

Canterbury's main home ground was the 36,000-capacity AMI Stadium in Christchurch, formally known as Lancaster Park. However, they stopped playing there after the 2010 season due to damage inflicted by the February Christchurch earthquake. With AMI Stadium damaged, Canterbury adopted Rugby League Park (currently known as Apollo Projects Stadium) in Addington as their home ground. The facility was upgraded bringing it to an 18,600 capacity and its facilities to the minimum standards required for the Mitre 10 competition.

Christchurch is hopeful a new roofed multi-use arena will be constructed by 2022 with a capacity of 25,000, providing a world-class venue for sports and entertainment events including Crusaders, All Blacks, and Canterbury games. [32] On 5 October 2020, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that a funding agreement had been signed with the Christchurch City Council. [33]

On 14 July 2022, the Christchurch City Council voted to sign a $683 million contract to build Te Kaha.

In July 2024, a sponsorship agreement was announced granting the telecommunications company One New Zealand naming rights to the stadium for the next 10 years. [34] The stadium will be named One New Zealand Stadium. [35]

Honours

1977, 1983, 1997, 2001, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017

1927–28 (1), 1931–34 (15), 1935 (4), 1950 (0), 1953–56 (23), 1969–71 (9), 1972–73 (2), 1982–85 (25), 1994–95 (9), 2000–03 (23), 2004–06 (14), 2007 (1), 2009 (4), 2010–11 (2), 2016–17 (7).

Season standings

Championship
SeasonPosPldWDLPFPA+/-BPPtsNotes
19764th10604153118+3512
19771st10100019081+10920Champions
19783rd10604152144+812
19794th10703146115+3114
19807th10404165161+48
19819th10406128165−378
19822nd10712219132+8715
19831st101000295109+18620Champions
19842nd10811214128+8617
19852nd10712240109+13115
19863rd10712282153+12915
19875th10505201183+1810
19886th10505180197−1710
19892nd10811287168+11917
19904th10604207205+212
19914th10613252241+1113
19927th8206197198−1
19936th8404188235−47
19943rd9603257253+4Lost to North Harbour Semi-Final
19955th8413259232+27
19963rd9504273239+34Lost to Counties Manukau Semi-final
19972nd10802324165+159Defeated Counties Manukau in Final
19983rd10604348260+88Lost to Waikato in semi-final
19995th9504240162+78
20001st9801307255+152638Lost to Wellington in Final
20011st10901407164+243853Defeated Otago in Final
20022nd9702337215+122234Lost to Auckland in semi-final
20037th9513257254+3224
20042nd9612346207+139632Defeated Wellington in Final
20051st9711234138+94535Lost to Otago in semi-final
20065th9603238156+82529Lost to Wellington in quarter-final
20072nd10901351135+216642Lost to Wellington in semi-final
20082nd10901270101+169642Defeated Wellington in Final
20091st131003369231+138747Defeated Wellington in Final
20101st13913372290+82745Defeated Waikato in Final
20112nd10604293230+63933Defeated Waikato in Final
20121st10802419132+287739Defeated Auckland in Final
20132nd10802371163+208840Defeated Wellington in Final
20143rd10703337205+205634Lost to Tasman in semi-final
20151st10901307177+130743Defeated Auckland in Final
20161st10802397219+178840Defeated Tasman in Final
20172nd10802445246+199941Defeated Tasman in Final
20183rd10802325212+113941Lost to Auckland in Final
20193rd10604345198+1471135Lost to Wellington in semi-final
20205th10505251224+27929
20213rd9504228242−14828Lost to Waikato in semi-final

Rivalries

Auckland

Canterbury's greatest rivalry is with the 'old foe' Auckland, as both teams constantly battle for titles and have a long bitter history. Canterbury is the largest province in the South Island and Auckland is the largest province in the North Island. Games between the two have taken on the added intensity of North versus South and city versus country. Auckland dominated the New Zealand rugby landscape during the 1980s and 1990s, often at Canterbury's expense. However, in recent times Canterbury has turned the table, defeating Auckland in two finals in the past five years. Canterbury has even begun to challenge Auckland's status as New Zealand's most successful province. Canterbury's 14 titles, 15 Ranfurly Shields wins with 139 defenses, is closing on Auckland's 17 titles, 16 Ranfurly Shields wins with 148 defenses.

Other representative teams

In addition to the Men's 1st XV, the CRFU has several other representative teams for both Men and Women. Their Women's team is part of the Women's Provincial Championship.

Club rugby

The Country Cup is the premier club competition in the Canterbury Country region. The region includes clubs from the Ellesmere and North Canterbury sub-unions and the Mid Canterbury Rugby Football Union. Players who compete in this tournament are eligible for selection in the Canterbury Country representative team.

It is a 19-team competition with teams divided into two sections, ten teams in section 1 and nine teams in section 2. It is a round-robin format, with every team playing each other once and a bonus points system being used to rank the teams. The top four sides from each section go on to the quarter-finals, and the winners from these go to the semi-finals – the two winners then compete for the Cup in the final.

Bascik transport Cup

The Bascik Transport Cup is the premier club competition of the Metropolitan sub-union. There are currently three divisions under the Bascik transport name, as well as a fourth division, a colts, and a classics grade. All formats are similar and the trophies include the Trophy, Plate, and Bowl.

Division One has twelve teams competing in the 2024 competition. Each team plays one another once in a round-robin format that lasts eleven rounds. The top side at the end of the round-robin receives the Bascik Transport Minor Premiership Cup. Following the Cup competition, the teams are divided into three sections (1 VS 4 and 2 VS 3) (5 VS 8 and 6 VS 7) and (9 VS 12 and 10 VS 11), the winning teams from the top 2 matches get a week off, while the losing teams from those matches face the 2 winning teams from the 5th and 6th seed matches.

The Second Division operates under a similar format to Division One, with a full round robin to determine the winner of the Cup, before splitting into two divisions that eventually compete for the Trophy, Plate, and Bowl. The Premier Colts operates under a double round-robin format; the winner is awarded the Cup. The teams are split into three based on their rankings following the double round robin; the top four teams compete for the Trophy in a set of play-off matches. The teams ranked fifth to eighth compete for the Plate.

Clubs

The Canterbury Union consists of 48 clubs, the most of any other New Zealand Union, split into three sub-unions, Ellesmere, North Canterbury, and Metropolitan.

Ellesmere:
There are 16 clubs in the Ellesmere Sub-Union.

  • Banks Peninsula RFC
  • Burnham RFC
  • Darfield RFC
  • Diamond Harbour RFC
  • Dunsandel/Irwell RFC
  • Kirwee RFC
  • Leeston RFC
  • Lincoln RFC
  • Prebbleton RFC
  • Rolleston RFC
  • Selwyn RFC
  • Sheffield RFC
  • Southbridge RFC
  • Springston RFC
  • Waihora RFC
  • West Melton RFC

North Canterbury:
There are 14 clubs in the North Canterbury Sub-Union.

  • Hanmer Springs RFC
  • Amberley RFC
  • Ashley RFC
  • Cheviot RFC
  • Culverden RFC
  • Glenmark RFC
  • Kaiapoi RFC
  • Hurunui RFC
  • Ohoka RFC
  • Oxford RFC
  • Saracens RFC
  • United RFC
  • Waiau RFC
  • Woodend RFC

Metropolitan:
There are 18 clubs in the Metropolitan Sub-Union.

  • Belfast RFC
  • Burnside RFC
  • Christchurch FC
  • High School Old Boys RFC
  • Hornby RFC
  • Linwood RFC
  • Lyttelton RFC
  • Marist Albion RFC
  • Lincoln University RFC
  • Merivale RFC
  • New Brighton RFC
  • Otautahi RFC
  • Parklands RFC
  • Shirley RFC
  • Suburbs RFC
  • Sumner RFC
  • Sydenham RFC
  • University RFC

Bunnings NPC

All Blacks

This is a list of players who have represented New Zealand from the Canterbury representative rugby union team. Players are listed by the decade they were first selected in and players in bold are current All Blacks. This list is taken from allblacks.com Statistics. [36]

1880–99

1900–19

1920–39

1940–59

1960–79

1980–99

2000–19

2020–

See also

Citations

  1. 1 2 Staff Archived 7 August 2019 at the Wayback Machine on CRFU website
  2. Robson Toby (27 October 2013). "Cantabs tame Lions to win sixth straight title". Stuff . Retrieved 27 October 2013.
  3. 1 2 3 Gifford 2004, p. 27.
  4. Gifford 2004, p. 26.
  5. 1 2 Early rugby in Christchurch.
  6. Ryan 1993, p. 16.
  7. Gifford 2004, pp. 29–30.
  8. Gifford 2004, p. 30.
  9. Canterbury rugby.
  10. South Canterbury rugby.
  11. 1 2 Gifford 2004, p. 32.
  12. 1 2 3 Gifford 2004, p. 33.
  13. Mid Canterbury rugby.
  14. "Auckland rugby – Regional rugby – NZHistory, New Zealand history online". nzhistory.govt.nz. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
  15. NinetysTragic (4 January 2015). "1997 TVNZ News – Canterbury reaction to NPC Victor". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 31 October 2017 via YouTube.
  16. "2005 NPC Division One". 22 October 2005. Retrieved 31 October 2017 via www.nzherald.co.nz.
  17. "2006 Air New Zealand Cup". globalrugbyresults.com. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
  18. "2007 Air New Zealand Cup". globalrugbyresults.com. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
  19. "2008 Air New Zealand Cup". globalrugbyresults.com. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
  20. "2009 Air New Zealand Cup". globalrugbyresults.com. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
  21. "2010 ITM Cup". globalrugbyresults.com. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
  22. "2011 ITM Cup results". globalrugbyresults.com. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
  23. "2012 ITM Cup results". globalrugbyresults.com. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
  24. "2013 ITM Cup". globalrugbyresults.com. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
  25. "2014 ITM Cup". globalrugbyresults.com. Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
  26. "2015 ITM Cup". globalrugbyresults.com. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
  27. "2016 Mitre 10 Cup". globalrugbyresults.com. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
  28. "Canterbury focus on Mitre 10 Cup defense to ease Ranfurly Shield pain". Stuff . 8 October 2017. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
  29. "Mitre 10 Cup Results". globalrugbyresults.com. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
  30. "Ranfurly Shield History – mitre10cup.co.nz – Official home of the Investec Super Rugby competition". Mitre10 Cup. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
  31. "Southland Stags make Ranfurly Shield history". Stuff . 22 October 2009. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
  32. "Scott Robertson calls for stadium Crusaders 'can be proud of' after Super Rugby title | 1 NEWS NOW | TVNZ". TVNZ. Archived from the original on 13 August 2017. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
  33. "$220m of Government funding secured for Christchurch's new multi-use arena". Stuff . 5 October 2020. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
  34. "One NZ sign decade of naming rights for Te Kaha Stadium". The New Zealand Herald . 28 June 2024. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  35. "One New Zealand gets naming rights for new $683m Christchurch stadium". RNZ . 4 July 2024. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  36. "Stats - allblacks.com". stats.allblacks.com. Retrieved 31 October 2017.

Sources

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The National Provincial Championship (NPC) is an annual round-robin rugby union competition in men's domestic New Zealand rugby. First played in 1976, it is the second highest level of competition in New Zealand alongside the Ranfurly Shield. It is organised by New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and since 2021, it has been known as the Bunnings NPC after Bunnings, its naming rights sponsor. A concurrent women's tournament is also held, the Farah Palmer Cup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ranfurly Shield</span> New Zealand Rugby union football trophy

The Ranfurly Shield, colloquially known as the Log o' Wood, is a trophy in New Zealand's domestic rugby union competition. First played for in 1904, the Shield is based on a challenge system. The holding union must defend the shield in challenge matches, which are usually played at the shield holder's home venue, and if the challenger is successful in their challenge they will become the new holder of the Shield. There is a tradition for the first challenges of a new rugby season to be played against smaller associations from the Heartland Championship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North Harbour Rugby Union</span> Sports club

The North Harbour Rugby Union (NHRU), commonly known as North Harbour or simply Harbour, is the governing body of rugby union that encompasses a wide geographical area north of Auckland that includes North Shore City, Rodney District, the Hibiscus Coast and part of Waitakere City. There are 12 rugby clubs from Mahurangi RFC, based in Warkworth, Rodney District, in the north through to Massey the southernmost area of the union.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tasman Rugby Union</span> New Zealand regional rugby union governing body

The Tasman Rugby Union is the governing body for rugby union in Tasman Bay / Te Tai-o-Aorere, a bay at the north end of the South Island in New Zealand. Headquartered in Nelson, TRU is New Zealand's newest provincial union, founded in 2006 with the amalgamation of the existing Marlborough and Nelson Bays sub unions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Auckland Rugby Union</span> New Zealand provincial rugby union

The Auckland Rugby Union is a New Zealand provincial rugby union. The union was established in 1883 and was originally responsible for the administration of the sport in most of the former Auckland Province, although its boundaries have since shrunk to include only a portion of the Auckland urban area. The union governs the Auckland representative team, which has won New Zealand's first-tier domestic provincial competition 17 times, more than any other team. Their most recent title was the 2018 Mitre 10 Cup Premiership. The union administers all club rugby within its boundaries, including the Gallaher Shield and other senior club rugby, as well as school rugby. Auckland also acts as a primary feeder to the Blues, who play in the Super Rugby competition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Otago Rugby Football Union</span> Rugby team in New Zealand

The Otago Rugby Football Union is the official governing body of rugby union for the Otago region of New Zealand. The union is based in the city of Dunedin, and its home ground is Forsyth Barr Stadium. The top representative team competes in the ITM Cup, New Zealand's top provincial competition. The union was to have been liquidated in March 2012. However a deal involving the Dunedin City Council allowed it to keep operating. Otago have won the Ranfurly Shield on seven occasions. They were the National provincial championship winners in 1991 and 1998. They have a proud record playing international teams, having defeated South Africa and the British and Irish Lions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Waikato Rugby Union</span> Sports club

The Waikato Rugby Union (WRU) is the official governing body of rugby union in the Waikato area in the North Island of New Zealand. Headquartered in Hamilton, WRU was founded in 1921.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Manawatu Rugby Union</span> Rugby team

The Manawatu Rugby Football Union (MRU) serves as the governing body of the sport of rugby union in the Manawatū-Whanganui region of New Zealand.

The Taranaki Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union in Taranaki, New Zealand and was established in 1889. Taranaki is a region of New Zealand that covers areas in the districts of New Plymouth, Stratford and South Taranaki. Taranaki Rugby's two most senior representative teams are the men's NPC side, Taranaki Bulls, and the women's Farah Palmer Cup side, Taranaki Whio. The union is affiliated with the Chiefs Super Rugby franchise. Their playing colours are amber and black and they play their home games at Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth.

The 2009 Air New Zealand Cup was the 33rd provincial rugby union competition, the fourth since the competition's reconstruction in 2006, involving the top 14 provincial unions in New Zealand. It ran for 15 weeks from 30 July to 7 November. It was also the last edition of the provincial competition to use the Air New Zealand Cup name, as the competition's sponsorship contract with Air New Zealand ended after that season. The 2010 competition will be held under a new name, the ITM Cup.

The 2009 Air New Zealand Cup was a provincial rugby union competition in New Zealand, which was run as a round-robin tournament from 30 July to 25 October. There were 13 rounds where every team played each other once. The top four teams on the Air New Zealand Cup table advanced to the semi-finals, where they played for a chance in the Grand Final.

The New Zealand rugby league season 1997 was the 90th season of rugby league that had been played in New Zealand. The main feature of the year was the Super League Challenge Cup that was run by the New Zealand Rugby League. Waikato won the Challenge Cup by defeating Canterbury 34-18 and also ended the season holding the Rugby League Cup.

The 2016 Mitre 10 Cup season was the eleventh season of New Zealand's provincial rugby union competition since it turned professional in 2006. The regular season began on August 18, when North Harbour hosted Counties Manukau. It involved the top fourteen rugby unions of New Zealand. For sponsorship reasons, the competition was known as the Mitre 10 Cup and it was the first season under the lead sponsor. The winner of the Championship, North Harbour was promoted to the Premiership, the seventh placed Premiership team, Hawke's Bay was relegated to the Championship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Farah Palmer Cup</span>

The Farah Palmer Cup, is the highest level domestic women's rugby union competition in New Zealand and is named after the former Black Ferns captain, Farah Palmer. It is held annually from early July to mid September and managed by the New Zealand Rugby Union, or NZRU. The competition was first introduced in 1999, with a total of fourteen teams competing initially. The number of teams increased to eighteen in the year 2000, but has decreased to as few as six teams, with 13 currently featured. Canterbury are the current holders of the JJ Stewart Trophy, the women's equivalent of the Ranfurly Shield. The Farah Palmer Cup is an amateur competition; players are not paid salaries and hold jobs outside of rugby.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ranfurly Shield 2000–2009</span> Trophy in New Zealands domestic rugby union competition

The Ranfurly Shield, colloquially known as the Log o' Wood, is perhaps the most prestigious trophy in New Zealand's domestic rugby union competition. First played for in 1904, the Ranfurly Shield is based on a challenge system, rather than a league or knockout competition as with most football trophies. The holding union must defend the Shield in challenge matches, and if a challenger defeats them, they become the new holder of the Shield.

Kylem Francis Te Riri O'Donnell is a New Zealand rugby union player who currently plays as a halfback for Taranaki in New Zealand's domestic Mitre 10 Cup. He is also a former All Blacks Sevens representative.

The 2017 Mitre 10 Cup season was the twelfth season of New Zealand's provincial rugby union competition since it turned professional in 2006. The regular season began on August 17, when North Harbour hosted Otago. It involved the top fourteen rugby unions of New Zealand. For sponsorship reasons, the competition was known as the Mitre 10 Cup and it was the second season under the lead sponsor. The winner of the Championship, Wellington was promoted to the Premiership, while the seventh-placed Premiership team, Waikato was relegated to the Championship.

The 2018 Mitre 10 Cup season was the thirteenth season of New Zealand's provincial rugby union competition since it turned professional in 2006. The regular season began on August 16, when North Harbour hosted Northland. It involved the top fourteen rugby unions of New Zealand. For sponsorship reasons, the competition was known as the Mitre 10 Cup and it was the third season under the lead sponsor. The winner of the Championship, Waikato was promoted to the Premiership, the seventh placed Premiership team, Taranaki was relegated to the Championship.

Reuben Graeme O'Neill is a New Zealand professional rugby union footballer who plays as a prop for New Zealand province Taranaki and the New Zealand national team. In his youth career, he was selected to play in the 2012 three-match international programme for the New Zealand Schoolboys and took part in New Plymouth Boys' High School first XV, the top representative team in secondary school.

The 2020 Mitre 10 Cup season was the 15th season of New Zealand's provincial rugby union competition since it turned professional in 2006. The regular season began on September 11, when North Harbour hosted Canterbury. It involved the top fourteen rugby unions of New Zealand. For sponsorship reasons, the competition was known as the Mitre 10 Cup and it was the fifth season under the lead sponsor. The winner of the Championship, Hawke's Bay was promoted to the Premiership, the seventh placed Premiership team, North Harbour was relegated to the Championship.