A WORD FROM THE CEO – CANTERBURY RUGBY LEAGUE’S INCREDIBLE REP SEASON

Sending huge mihi to the Trillo Metals Men’s Canterbury Bulls

On behalf of the Canterbury Rugby League Board, staff and clubs, we would like to wish our tāne all the very best in their pursuit of winning the 2025 NZRL National Men’s Premiership this Sunday afternoon.

A word from the CEO

The 2025 season has been an incredible year at representative for Canterbury Rugby League.

There have been many successes, including hosting of the 2025 NZRL National Youth Tournament, the first time it has been held in Ōtautahi Christchurch in 32 years; and for the first time in 15 years Canterbury Rugby League had both boys and girls 16s and 18s competing in this tournament.

To top this off, the Canterbury Bulls 18s Boys won the national title, an incredible achievement, and one hell of a performance in the grand final. In addition to this, the Canterbury Bulls 18s Girls were third at the National Youth Tournament, as were the Canterbury Bulls 16s Boys.

The Trillo Metals Men’s and Women’s Canterbury Bulls have had an phenomenal year.

Our wahine played in the fully-fledged Sky Sports NZRL National Premiership, finishing third with three wins from five matches. This was outstanding progress from previous seasons, demonstrating they can mix it with the best. CRL would like congratulate head coach Joseph Purcell-Mika, his support staff and the Trillo Metals Women’s Canterbury Bulls players on such an incredible representative season and the performances they delivered on the field.

And to our tāne, the Trillo Metals Men’s Canterbury Bulls, CRL congratulate head coach Walter Wilson and his staff on the wonderful support and leadership they have provided to the players.

From being relegated to playing in the NZRL Men’s Championship in 2024 to rising to be grand finalists in the NZRL Men’s Premiership in 2025 is a superb achievement. CRL is grateful for having a visionary coach in Walter Wilson, who has player welfare and whānau front of mind.

We also shout out a huge mihi to Trillo Metals for their ongoing support to the Men’s and Women’s Bulls’ Premiership campaigns.

This Sunday is the culmination of many outstanding performances during the representative season. To the Trillo Metals Men’s Canterbury Bulls: give it heaps – karawhiua.

Malcolm Humm
Canterbury Rugby League CEO