ROCHELLE MACPHERSON’S LIFE MEMBERSHIP A TRIBUTE TO CRL’S BACKBONE
Few people in Canterbury Rugby League circles are as unassuming as Rochelle Macpherson. Fewer still have dedicated as much time to overseeing and fostering the game – or are as deserving of life membership of the organisation.
Long-serving CRL Executive Assistant and Office Manager Macpherson was awarded the honour at tonight’s Canterbury Rugby League AGM, to rapturous applause to those in attendance.
“It’s amazing, humbling – I was lost for words when I was told and I’m just really honoured,” Macpherson said.
“It’s totally unexpected and came as quite a shock.”
Starting with Canterbury Rugby League as fresh-faced teenager in 1992, Macpherson has been its backbone for more than three decades – an invaluable support to a multitude of CEOs, a leader and friend to countless staff, and an ever-present link between CRL and its clubs, volunteers, participants and stakeholders.
Those who know her will also be acutely aware of her dexterity in sidestepping the limelight and accolades at all costs. She managed to avoid tribute articles for her 25-year and 30-year anniversaries at Canterbury Rugby League but reluctantly obliged to an interview for her CRL life membership.
“Especially lately, being told these things about yourself is strange to hear,” Macpherson admits
“But the appreciation that does come through is just so lovely, because you don’t really look at yourself like that, right?
“I’ve been here a long time and met some great people, so it’s just really nice to hear those things and to know you’re actually doing OK.”
Macpherson is universally admired in the Canterbury Rugby League community for her integrity and her willingness to perform duties outside her role, typically with a minimum of fuss.
Her protective nature of CRL and rugby league was also highlighted in her life membership nomination.
“I am very protective of it – we’ve got such a great game, such great people and I just want it to be the best it can be,” she says.
“I care about it a lot, and I care about the people and clubs involved.”
Macpherson’s extraordinary tenure has encompassed the challenges of transitioning to the internet age, as well as navigating the immense disruptions of the Christchurch earthquakes and the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the case of the latter two, she was a tower of strength for Canterbury Rugby League – but characteristically deflects praise to others.
“Do you know what’s really cool about that, though? After the earthquakes and COVID, one of the major points for me was that the clubs were so resilient.
“Like when were only allowed certain people [during COVID levels], clubs just rode with that, they were absolutely amazing. And these are volunteers we’re talking about.
“It just showed what a great community we have – they’re all playing each other on the field, but when something like that happens they come together.”
As she embarks on her 34th season, Macpherson gave a glowing endorsement of state of rugby league in the region, reflective of her genuine care for the health of our game.
“Currently, I think we’re on such a good trajectory, it’s just getting better. The Sport Canterbury report showed we’ve got 21.5 percent growth, beating every other sport in Canterbury – that’s amazing.
“And going back we were probably so focused on rugby league on the field, but the community initiatives we’re doing now are so cool – like the swimming lessons programme – I love that, wrapping our arms around [the community].
“I think we’ve got a really good board at Canterbury Rugby League as well leading the game at the moment, it’s nice to have a cohesive group with different sorts of people involved.
“I’ve been really lucky to work with some awesome colleagues over the years that have turned into lifelong friends, met amazing people and I feel really blessed.”
Canterbury Rugby League congratulates Rochelle – a treasured friend, an inspiration and an ornament to the local game – on her life membership.
