CRL NEWS
Real the latest local league news
Stalwart Rapana steps up as Trillo Metals Women’s Canterbury Bulls coach
Women’s rugby league stalwart Tyron Rapana has secured the role of Trillo Metals Women’s Canterbury Bulls head coach for their 2026 NZRL National Women’s Premiership campaign, following two years of impressive progress under the tutelage of Joseph Purcell-Mika. “Tyron has built an impressive coaching pathway, serving as head coach...
Spooner comes full circle with Trillo Metals Men’s Canterbury Bulls coach appointment
After wearing the jersey with pride in the early-2000s, Sean Spooner has been announced as Walter Wilson’s Trillo Metals Men’s Canterbury Bulls head coach successor for their 2026 NZRL National Premiership campaign. Spooner joined the Trillo Metals Men’s Canterbury Bulls as an assistant to Wilson last season as the team...
Snap Fitness joins CRL as Grand Final Day partner
Canterbury Rugby League can enthusiastically reveal Snap Fitness has come onboard as naming rights sponsor for the 2026 CRL Grand Final Day.Snap Fitness is an industry leader in gyms and community fitness with 12 locations in Canterbury alone – and their signage will proudly be displayed at Ngā Puna Wai,...
RED AND BLACK REPORT 2026: EDITION NO.5
The Red and Black Report shines a spotlight on Canterbury Rugby League juniors featuring in Australia’s and Britain’s elite and lower-grade competitions. A host of Canterbury products were in action in the latest round of the NSWRL and QRL competitions, as well as the NRL’s opening round and Super League...
Warriors’ Harvey Norman HFA Camp Heads to Christchurch, Inspiring Next Generation of Female Talent
A group of Canterbury’s most talented and ambitious young female rugby league players are gearing up for an invaluable opportunity this weekend, thanks to the Harvey Norman Heartland Female Athlete programme. The One New Zealand Warriors launched the initiative in conjunction with Harvey Norman last year to support the next...
RED AND BLACK REPORT 2026: EDITION NO.4
The Red and Black Report shines a spotlight on Canterbury Rugby League juniors featuring in Australia’s and Britain’s elite and lower-grade competitions. A host of Canterbury products were in action in the latest round of the NSWRL and QRL junior reps competitions, as well as the NRL’s Las Vegas round...
RED AND BLACK REPORT 2026: EDITION NO.3
The Red and Black Report shines a spotlight on Canterbury Rugby League juniors featuring in Australia’s and Britain’s elite and lower-grade competitions. A host of Canterbury products were in action in the third round of the NSWRL and QRL junior reps competitions, as well as the NRL’s Pre-season Challenge and...
FLASHBACK FRIDAY: CARROLL’S ORIGIN DEBUT MATCH-WINNER
In the wake of this week's bombshell State of Origin eligibility announcement, Flashback Friday revisits the concept's greatest moment involving a Canterbury-born player – Tonie Carroll’s sensational debut match-winner in the opening encounter of the 1998 series. Born in Christchurch, Carroll left the Canterbury region as a youngster and represented...
DEDICATION UNDERPINS REFEREE VIVAS’ RAPID NSWRL RISE
Porfi Vivas (centre) prior to his Harold Matthews Cup debut, flanked by fellow CRL referee Jack Feavers (right) Three years ago, Porfi Vivas was a novice junior referee still getting to grips with rugby league’s rulebook. But on Sunday the 26-year-old enjoyed yet another milestone on...
RED AND BLACK REPORT 2026: EDITION NO.2
The Red and Black Report shines a spotlight on Canterbury Rugby League juniors featuring in Australia’s and Britain’s elite and lower-grade competitions. A host of Canterbury products were in action in the second round of the NSWRL junior reps competitions, as well as the NRL’s Pre-season Challenge and the Super...
FLASHBACK FRIDAY: WARRIORS AND CANTERBURY PLAY TO PACKED SHOW GROUNDS
Ahead of the One New Zealand Warriors' first trial match of 2026 against Manly at McLean Park in Napier our first Flashback Friday of the year relives a landmark Christchurch encounter between the Canterbury provincial team and the fledgling Auckland Warriors. A record 12,811-strong crowd packed out the Addington Show...
RED AND BLACK REPORT 2026: EDITION NO.1
The Red and Black Report shines a spotlight on Canterbury Rugby League juniors featuring in Australia’s and Britain’s elite and lower-grade competitions. A host of Canterbury products were in action in the opening round of the NSWRL and QRL junior reps competitions, as well as the NRL’ Pre-season Challenge and...
