Canterbury Rugby Football Union

Canterbury
Union New Zealand Rugby Union
Founded 1879
Location Christchurch, Canterbury Region, New Zealand
Region Crusaders
Ground(s) AMI Stadium (Addington) (Capacity: 18,000)
Coach(es) Scott Robertson
Captain(s) Luke Whitelock
League(s) Mitre 10 Cup
Women's Provincial Championship
2016 1st
Team kit
Official website
www.canterburyrugby.co.nz

The Canterbury Rugby Football Union (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 govern the running of the Canterbury representative team which have won New Zealand's first-tier domestic competition National Provincial Championship (Air New Zealand Cup and ITM Cup) 12 times including a "six-peat" from 2008 to 2013 – with five in the National Provincial Championship, two in the Air New Zealand Cup, and four in the ITM Cup. Their most recent victory was the 2015 competition.[1] Canterbury also acts as a primary feeder to the Crusaders, who play in the Super Rugby competition.

The union is coached by Scott Robertson. The union also administers all club rugby within the region, including senior club rugby and school rugby.

Canterbury are the current holders of the Ranfurly Shield having won it off Waikato on 28 September 2016 after a 29–23 victory in Hamilton.[2]

History

Early History

The Canterbury Rugby Football Union (CRFU) was established in 1879 following a match between South Canterbury and North Canterbury in Timaru. The meeting 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 organisation 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 was formed later that year.[3] By 1890 fourteen provincial unions had been founded within New Zealand.[6] As well as being the oldest union within New Zealand, the CRFU was actually founded before one of the Home Unions – the Welsh Rugby Union was founded in 1881.[3]

A Canterbury representative side had played prior to 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. The occurred only a few years prior to 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 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

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 would enter an era of being good, but not good enough. Solid Canterbury teams would not win the title again, until 1997. All Black laden Auckland teams would constantly prove superior to Canterbury, as they would claim 10 titles from 1984 to 1996. Even Canterbury teams that had impressive records would fall short. The 1984 and 1989 Canterbury teams had a record of 8 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss, would still finish second to Auckland.

In 1992, the National Provincial Championship established playoffs, with the top four sides playing in a knockout format. In 1992 and 1993 Canterbury would have disappointing seasons, missing the playoffs. In 1994, Canterbury would place 3rd during the regular season. Canterbury would travel to North Harbour for the semi-final. Canterbury lost 27-59 to North Harbour. In 1995, Canterbury would miss the playoffs again. Canterbury would 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 would rebound to finish 3rd in 1996. However, Canterbury would lose away to Counties Manakau 33-46 in the semi-final. The 1997 season would prove to be a stellar year, as Canterbury would break a 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 would also host the final owing to Counties Manakau upsetting Waikato 43-40 in the other semi-final. Canterbury would defeat Counties Manakau 44-13 in the final.

In 1998, Canterbury would finish 3rd in the round robin, with a record of 6 wins and 4 losses. Canterbury would have to travel to Hamilton to play Waikato in the semi-final. Canterbury lost 13-32 to Waikato in the semi-final. The 1999 season would be disappointing, with 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 would defeat Taranaki 31-23 in the semi-final. Canterbury lost the final to Wellington 29-34 in Christchurch. In 2001, Canterbury would win 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 the 2002 Canterbury would finish 2nd in the round robin, with a record of 7 wins and 2 losses. Canterbury would host Auckland in the semi-final. However, Auckland would upset Canterbury 23-29 in the semi-final. In 2003 season, Canterbury would not qualify for the playoffs, posting a record of 5 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses. This is currently the last time Canterbury has missed the playoffs. In 2004, Canterbury would win its fifth title, defeating Wellington in the final. Canterbury would finish 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 would be the last season of the National Provincial Championship before it would become the Air New Zealand Cup. Canterbury would have a good season finishing 1st in the round robin, posting a record of 7 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss. Canterbury would host Otago in the semi-final, in the battle of the South Island. Otago upset Canterbury 22-37, ending Canterbury's season.

Air New Zealand Cup

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. The 2006 season was not 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 managed to raid Christchurch and closely defeat Canterbury 21-26.

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 smashed Tasman 48-10 in a dominate display. In the semi-final Canterbury hosted Hawke's Bay, defeating Hawke's Bay 31-21. For the final Canterbury would have to travel to Wellington to face the top seed Wellington. In a low scoring final, Canterbury pulled off the upset 7-6. Canterbury earned it's first Air New Zealand Cup title and sixth title overall.

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. In a great defensive display, Canterbury defeated Hawke's Bay 20-3 in the semi-final. Canterbury faced Wellington again in the final. In a closely fought match, Canterbury sealed the game with a penalty in the 78th minute. Canterbury defeated Wellington 28-20. For the first time Canterbury won titles back to back.

ITM Cup

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 outdueled 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 it's first ITM Cup title and eighth title overall. Canterbury achieved it's first threepeat, only the second province (Auckland) to accomplish this feat.

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, Taranaki (31), 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 penalty's. Canterbury earned it's ninth title and equalled Auckland's feat of a fourpeat.

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 better points differential. Canterbury faced Taranaki in the semi-final. Despite being expected to win easily, Taranaki was a formidable opponent who pushed Canterbury to the limit. At fulltime the score was tied at 27-27, forcing extra-time. In extra-time Canterbury's superior fitness payed dividends, running out to a 51-27 victory. Canterbury hosted Auckland in the 2012 final. In a impressive performance Canterbury outclassed a great Auckland team 31-18. Canterbury become the first team to win five titles in a row, a feat not even Auckland managed in their golden years. Canterbury earned it's tenth title.

In 2013, Canterbury become the first team to win six title 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 a amazing offensive game, Canterbury blew away Auckland 56-26. Canterbury faced Wellington away in the final. In a clinical masterpiece, Canterbury defeated Wellington 29-13. Canterbury made history by winning six title in a row, creating a dynasty like no other.

In 2014, Canterbury's streak came to a 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 well beaten by Tasman 6-26, bringing a end to a unbelievable streak.

In the 2015 season Canterbury returned to glory, winning Canterbury's 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 dominate display 46-20. Canterbury hosted old foes Auckland in the final. In a closely fought battle, Canterbury prevailed 25-23.

Mitre 10 Cup

In 2016 the ITM Cup become the Mitre 10 Cup, as Mitre 10 become 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 Manakau in the semi-final. Canterbury defeated Counties Manakau 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.

Ranfurly Shield

The Ranfurly Shield was donated by the 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.

Canterbury has a proud history associated with the Ranfurly Shield. Canterbury has 15 Ranfurly Shield wins and 133 defences, second only to Auckland. Canterbury’s first successful challenge was in 1927, when it beat Manawhenua 17–6 in Palmerston North. Canterbury's first shield tenure of any length began in 1931 and ended in 1934 after 15 successful defences. 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 September 18, 1982 gaining the Ranfurly Shield for the first time in nine years. Canterbury would defend the shield for a then record number 25 times before Auckland would challenge on September 14, 1985. In front of 52,000 fans Auckland would start strongly, jumping out to a 24-0 half-time lead. However, Alex Wyllie's Canterbury came back from 24–0 to fight back and come within a bounce of the ball of victory, as a last minute Robbie Deans bomb bounded over the dead ball line. Having held on to win 28–23, Auckland set about creating a new benchmark of 61 consecutive defences.

Canterbury reclaimed the shield in 1994, defeating Waikato 29-26. Canterbury would have nine successful defences, before losing the shield to Auckland in 1995. Auckland would shutout Canterbury 35-0. In 2000, Canterbury would challenge Waikato, who had successfully defended the shield 21 times. Canterbury defeated Waikato 26-18, winning the shield for the tenth time. Canterbury would successfully defend the shield 23 times before losing to Auckland 40-31. However, next year Canterbury would get a challenge, as Bay of Plenty took the shield of Auckland. In 2004, Canterbury would challenge Bay of Plenty for the shield. Canterbury would prevail 33-26 over Bay of Plenty. Canterbury would mount 14 successful defences, until Canterbury lost to North Harbour 17-21. On 1st September, Canterbury defeated Waikato 33-20, winning back the shield. However, Canterbury would only have one defence of the shield, before losing to Auckland 15-26. Just under two years after losing the shield to Auckland, Canterbury regain it after a dominant performance in the capital, outclassing 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 would get their 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, for their passionate ownership of the shield. Canterbury would only defend the shield twice before losing to Southland again, 19-22 returning the shield to the south.

Canterbury currently holds the Ranfurly Shield, having defeated Waikato 29-23 on 28 September, 2016. Canterbury has one defence of the shield, defeating North Harbour 47-18.

Honours

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

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–present (1).

Season Standings

Championship
Season Pos Pld W D L PF PA +/- BP Pts Notes
1976 4th 10 6 0 4 153 118 +35 12
1977 1st 10 10 0 0 190 81 +109 20 Champions
1978 3rd 10 6 0 4 152 144 +8 12
1979 4th 10 7 0 3 146 115 +31 14
1980 7th 10 4 0 4 165 161 +4 8
1981 9th 10 4 0 6 128 165 -37 8
1982 2nd 10 7 1 2 219 132 +87 15
1983 1st 10 10 0 0 295 109 +186 20 Champions
1984 2nd 10 8 1 1 214 128 +86 17
1985 2nd 10 7 1 2 240 109 +131 15
1986 3rd 10 7 1 2 282 153 +129 15
1987 5th 10 5 0 5 201 183 +18 10
1988 6th 10 5 0 5 180 197 -17 10
1989 2nd 10 8 1 1 287 168 +119 17
1990 4th 10 6 0 4 207 205 +2 12
1991 4th 10 6 1 3 252 241 +11 13
1992 7th 8 2 0 6 197 198 -1
1993 6th 8 4 0 4 188 235 -47
1994 4th 9 6 0 3 257 253 +4 Lost to North Harbour Semi-Final
1995 5th 8 4 1 3 259 232 +27
1996 4th 9 5 0 4 273 239 +34 Lost to Counties Manukau Semi-Final
1997 1st 10 8 0 2 324 165 +159 Defeated Counties Manukau in Final
1998 4th 10 6 0 4 348 260 +88 Lost to Waikato in Semi-Final
1999 5th 9 5 0 4 240 162 +78
2000 2nd 9 8 0 1 307 255 +152 6 38 Lost to Wellington in Final
2001 1st 10 9 0 1 407 164 +243 8 53 Defeated Otago in Final
2002 4th 9 7 0 2 337 215 +122 2 34 Lost to Auckland in Semi-Final
2003 7th 9 5 1 3 257 254 +3 2 24
2004 1st 9 6 1 2 346 207 +139 6 32 Defeated Wellington in Final
2005 4th 9 7 1 1 234 138 +94 5 35 Lost to Otago in Semi-Final
2006 8th 9 6 0 3 238 156 +82 5 29 Lost to Wellington in Quarter-Final
2007 4th 10 9 0 1 351 135 +216 6 42 Lost to Wellington in Semi-Final
2008 1st 10 9 0 1 270 101 +169 6 42 Defeated Wellington in Final
2009 1st 13 10 0 3 369 231 +138 7 47 Defeated Wellington in Final
2010 1st 13 9 1 3 372 290 +82 7 45 Defeated Waikato in Final
2011 1st 10 6 0 4 293 230 +63 9 33 Defeated Waikato in Final
2012 1st 10 8 0 2 419 132 +287 7 39 Defeated Auckland in Final
2013 1st 10 8 0 2 371 163 +208 8 40 Defeated Wellington in Final
2014 4th 10 7 0 3 337 205 +205 6 34 Lost to Tasman in Semi-Final
2015 1st 10 9 0 1 307 177 +130 7 43 Defeated Auckland in Final
2016 1st 10 8 0 2 397 219 +178 8 40 Defeated Tasman in 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 1980's and 1990's, 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 began to challenge Auckland's status as New Zealand's most successful province. Canterbury's 13 titles, 15 Ranfurly Shields wins with 133 defences, is closing on Auckland's 16 titles, 16 Ranfurly Shields wins with 148 defences.

Other representative teams

In addition to the Men's 1st XV, the CRFU has a number of 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 over 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 one 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.

Hawkins Cup

The Hawkins Cup is the premier club competition of the Metropolitan sub-union. There are currently three divisions under the Hawkins 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 2013 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 Hawkins Cup. Following the Cup competition, the teams are divided into two sections, with the top six teams in one section, and the bottom six in the other. Each section then plays a round robin of five matches. The top four teams from division one then enter a play-off for the Trophy; the bottom two teams from division one and the top two from division two enter a play-off for the Plate; and the bottom four teams from division two enter a play-off for the Bowl.

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

Current squad

The Canterbury squad for the 2016 Mitre 10 Cup.[14][15]

Props

Hookers

Locks

  

Loose forwards

Halfbacks (Scrum-halves)

First five-eighths (Fly-halves)

  

Midfielders (Centres)

Outside Backs

(c) Denotes team captain, Bold denotes player is internationally capped and denotes a player is currently injured.

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.

2010s

See also

Citations

  1. ↑ Robson Toby (27 October 2013). "Cantabs tame Lions to win sixth straight title". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
  2. ↑ Burnes, Campbell (28 September 2016). "Rugby: Canterbury beats Waikato to claim Ranfurly Shield". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 28 September 2016.
  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. ↑ "2016 Canterbury Mitre 10 Cup squad announced". CRFU. 9 August 2016. Archived from the original on 31 October 2016. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
  15. ↑ "Canterbury coach Scott Robertson includes Sharks player in 41-man squad". Rugby Heaven. 9 August 2016. Retrieved 9 August 2016.

Sources

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.