CRL News
AUCKLAND BLUE TOO STRONG FOR SOUTH ISLAND AT NGA PUNA WAI
A dominant second-half display underpinned Auckland Blue’s commanding 34-4 victory over South Island in the NZRL National 20-year competition match in Christchurch on Sunday. A vocal Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub crowd enjoyed an absorbing first-half tussle, with Auckland taking an 8-4 lead into the break. But the visitors stepped up a couple of gears…
Read MoreSOUTH ISLAND BLOW NORTHLAND AWAY IN 20s CLASH AT NGĀ PUNA WAI
South Island made a huge statement in Round 1 of the New Zealand Rugby League National 20s competition, defeating Northland 56-14 with a blistering attacking performance at Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub in Christchurch. Level 2 restrictions coming into effect on Sunday morning prevented spectators from attending the match – a shame given the perfect…
Read MoreVALE BILL WHITEHEAD
The Canterbury Rugby League community is mourning the loss of Bill Whitehead QSM, who passed away on Friday, aged 89. To say the game farewells one of its hardest-working and dedicated servants would almost be to undersell his colossal contribution to rugby league locally and nationally. Whitehead has been described as the most decorated man…
Read MoreVALE GERARD STOKES
The CRL community is mourning the loss of Kiwi #568 Gerard Stokes, a Canterbury stalwart on and off the field, and one of New Zealand’s most prominent coaches of the past 30 years. He died aged 65 after battling brain cancer. Stokes leaves behind an enormous rugby league legacy that included playing and coaching stints…
Read More‘TODDY’ HUMBLED BY CRL PLAYER OF THE DECADE HONOUR
Linwood Keas and New Era Glazing Canterbury Bulls stalwart Alex Todd’s naming as the Canterbury Rugby League Player of the Decade is a reminder there will always be a place for hard-working, consistent, tough grafters in our game. Following on from Jonny Limmer, who was named the player of the 2000s, Todd was adjudged Canterbury’s…
Read MoreCANTERBURY BULLS OVERWHELM WAIKATO IN NGA PUNA WAI TRY-FEST
The New Era Glazing Canterbury Bulls stayed in the hunt for a spot in the NZRL National Premiership final courtesy of a 36-24 victory over Waikato Mana in an entertaining Round 2 clash at Ngā Puna Wai. The Bulls held a tenuous 16-10 lead at the break but took the match away from the Mana…
Read MoreVIPERS’ LATE SURGE BRINGS CANTERBURY WOMEN UNDONE
The Canterbury women’s team went down to Mid Central Vipers 26-18 in Round 2 of the NZRL National Women’s Premiership at Ngā Puna Wai. Canterbury twice fought back from behind to lead at halftime. But the Vipers scored three tries in the last 12 minutes to snatch a six-tries-to-four victory. Mid Central scored early via…
Read MoreNEW BREED USHER IN 20 YEARS OF THE BULLS
New Era Glazing Canterbury Bulls coach Andrew Auimatagi has named 10 debutants for Saturday’s clash against Counties Manukau Stingrays at Ngā Puna Wai to kick off the NZRL National Premiership – a campaign that marks 20 years since the Bulls’ triumph in the maiden Bartercard Cup. While there’s a core group of experienced players –…
Read MoreCRL GRAND FINAL DAY: KEAS MAKE IT FIVE STRAIGHT IN EPIC DECIDER
Linwood Keas have secured an unprecedented fifth straight Canterbury Rugby League grand final triumph, but rarely during the club’s incredible run has the team been tested as strenuously as they were in their 16-10 Pat Smith Trophy decider win over a gallant Northern Bulldogs outfit. In one of the most bruising and dramatic CRL grand…
Read MoreCRL GRAND FINAL DAY: KEAS RETAIN CANTERBURY CUP
Linwood Keas have claimed back-to-back Canterbury Cup premier reserves titles via a 34-14 victory over Northern Bulldogs in the second match of the Grand Final Day triple-header at Ngā Puna Wai. The Keas held a slender 12-10 lead at halftime but went on a run of 16 unanswered points after the break to lock up…
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