Women's sport in Canterbury is strong and inspired. Over 52,000 Canterbury women each year participate in organised sport (2019 Sport Report).

Although it has been a tough year for sport, having the opportunity to train and play after lockdown takes on even greater meaning for the thousands of Canterbury managers, players and supporters.

In 2020 we have a new first at Ngā Puna Wai, two of the top women’s teams in Canterbury sport have been training side by side, in a space known for its sense of community and opportunities for collaboration. 

This weekend is a special occasion for both these teams, with the Canterbury Rugby League Women and Canterbury Rugby’s Farah Palmer Cup side playing in major national matches on Saturday 3 October. 
The Canterbury Rugby League Women will be competing for the first time alongside the Canterbury Bulls team in the inaugural Sky Sport NZRL National Women’s Premiership taking on Counties Manakau at Ngā Puna Wai. While the Canterbury Women’s Farah Palmer Cup Rugby side take on Wellington at Orange Theory Stadium, where they’ll put the coveted JJ Stewart Trophy on the line too as part of their overall pursuit for their fourth consecutive national title. 

What makes these occasions even more special is that every Tuesday and Thursday evening both teams share space at Ngā Puna Wai, the city’s southwestern home of sport where they have found common ground. Being able to train alongside each other since early September at Ngā Puna Wai, on quality, lit grounds with high-spec changing room access has provided a great platform for both teams to focus on their on-field performances.

“The fields are amazing, honestly the best fields in Christchurch that I have been on, so it makes it really good for training and we are able to play our fast game. We’ve also been able to use the athletics track a couple of times for our academy – it’s just so good to finally have some quality dry facilities around,” says Canterbury Women’s Rugby player, Pip Love.

It's about collaboration. It's about community. It's about two of the best women's team in Canterbury sport coming together.

Canterbury Rugby League Women’s coach, Tala Kele says, “It’s awesome to see two different codes sharing the grounds together in this great environment, you couldn’t ask for a better scenario.”

“I’m not sure you would see this elsewhere in New Zealand - here in Canterbury we are pioneers in showing people that two codes can co-exist in the one venue,” he adds.

While Love says, “It’s always awesome to see any women’s sport in general thriving in New Zealand and in Canterbury, the more support we get for that the better – we are really looking forward to playing at home in front of our fans, friends and family.”

Canterbury Women’s Rugby Head Coach, Blair Baxter speaks to these monumental occasions further by adding, “What a significant moment for women’s sport in Canterbury, it’s exciting to see both these representative teams playing at a national level at home.”

Head along on Saturday to support these teams and for an afternoon of thrilling women’s sport:
 

Gate sales only for the Canterbury Rugby League Women’s match, for more information visit  - https://canterburyrugbyleague.co.nz/ 
 

Purchase tickets for the Farah Palmer Cup match – https://www.crfu.co.nz/Tickets/Tickets-1 

Article added: Thursday 01 October 2020