Mid Canterbury Rugby Celebrates a Stellar 2025 Season at Awards Night
The Ashburton Events Centre hosted an evening of recognition and celebration on December 4, as the Mid Canterbury Rugby community gathered for its annual awards night. The event marked the culmination of what can only be described as an outstanding season for rugby in the region.
The highlight of 2025 was undoubtedly the Mid Canterbury Hammers’ unbeaten run, which saw them claim the prestigious Meads Cup, cementing their status as one of the Heartland Championship’s most dominant sides. But success wasn’t confined to the representative level—local club rugby delivered its own drama and excitement.
Celtic Seniors came agonizingly close in the Luisetti Combined Country Competition, falling 25–23 to Waihora in a nail-biting final that showcased the strength of our club scene.
Allenton Colts enjoyed a dream season, winning the Combined Colts Final and completing the double by defeating Methven in the Mid Canterbury Colts Final
In women’s rugby, the Southern Whitetails claimed the double, first winning the Combined Women’s Competition against Pleasant Point, then edging Celtic on finals day in a fantastic showcase of skill and determination.
One of the season’s defining moments came in the Watters Cup final, where Celtic edged Southern in a thrilling contest at a packed Ashburton Showgrounds. The match will be remembered for its intensity and dramatic finish, epitomizing the passion and competitiveness that drives grassroots rugby in Mid Canterbury.
These achievements underline the depth, competitiveness, and growth of rugby across our region—from senior grades to women’s rugby and youth development.
Hanan Clean Sweep
Mid Canterbury achieved a true Hanan clean sweep in 2025. The Mid Canterbury A squad reclaimed the Hanan Cup, a goal the coaches and team had set as a top priority at the start of their campaign. Their commitment paid off spectacularly, going undefeated in all Hanan Cup matches—a testament to the depth and quality in our senior grades and the strength of our player pathway.
Adding to the A’s triumph, the Heartland side reclaimed the Hanan Shield in a hard-fought clash against old rivals South Canterbury in Timaru, before defending it in style with a commanding 47–7 victory over North Otago at the Ashburton Showgrounds. These performances showcased not only attacking flair from the men in green and gold but also defensive efforts that underlined the championship pedigree of this team.
Growth of Women’s Rugby
2025 marked a turning point for women’s rugby in Mid Canterbury. The Senior Women’s competition grew in strength and profile, culminating in a fiercely contested final between Southern and Celtic. The rise of talented players like Edelma Kelsall, Kelly Rotch, and Meika Newman—all honoured at the awards—reflects the depth and commitment within the women’s game. The Women in Rugby Premier Award, presented to Liv Thomson, further highlighted the leadership and advocacy driving this growth. These achievements underline the growing strength and competitiveness of women’s rugby in our region.
Junior Rugby Thriving
The future of Mid Canterbury rugby looks incredibly bright, thanks to the strength and passion within our junior and teenage programs. From JAB competitions through to teenage grades, participation remained strong throughout 2025. Teams like Tinwald Y7, winners of the Fair Play Award, and Celtic JAB, recognized for Best Conduct, exemplify the values that make our game special.
These achievements highlight the focus on skill development, sportsmanship, and community spirit that is shaping the next generation of players. A huge thank you goes to the JAB committee and volunteers for their tireless efforts to ensure junior rugby is enjoyable, inclusive, and rewarding for everyone involved.
MCRU Award Winners – 2025
Club Coaching:
- Senior Club Coaching Team of the Year: James George, Travis Thompson
- Teenage Club Coaching Team of the Year: Regan Broker, Lance Taylor, Dayle Pritchard
- JAB Club Coaching Team of the Year: Chris Tull, Hamish Black, Tevita Ula
Teenage Representative Players:
- Under 16 Player of the Year: Tesi Penisoni
- Under 18 Girls Player of the Year: Matilda Johnson
- Under 18 Player of the Year: Taniela Palavi
Mid Canterbury Colts:
- Forward of the Year: Oliver Hobbs
- Back of the Year: Devon Flanery
- Player of the Year: Dale Burgess
Mid Canterbury A:
- Forward of the Year: Semisi Lei
- Back of the Year: Thomas Scott
- Player of the Year: George Williams
Mid Canterbury Women’s Rugby:
- Forward of the Year: Meika Newman
- Back of the Year: Kelly Rotch
- Player of the Year: Edelma Kelsall
Mid Canterbury Heartland:
- Best Team Man: Osea Baisagale
- Back of the Year: Tom Reekie
- Forward of the Year: Zak Healey
- Players’ Player of the Year: Zak Healey
- Player of the Year: Kieran McClea
Referee Awards:
- Referee of the Year: Jeremy Robinson
- Findlay Cup: Aofia Fagalima
- Pierce Trophy: Jeremy Robinson
- MacPherson Junior Referee: Ryan Greenslade
- Life Members Cup: Simon Bennett
Special Awards:
- MB Roulstone Cup (Most Senior Points): Ben Innes
- Women in Rugby Premier Award: Liv Thomson
- Coaching team of the Year: Matt Winter, James McLeod, Tome Kearney
- Volunteer Service Award: Riley Wilson
- Body Cup Trophy: Hannibal Ikahihifo
- Heartland Bank Positive Play: Methven Senior B
- Roy Smith Memorial: Rakaia Senior A
- JAB Sports Fair Play – Team: Tinwald Y7
- JAB Len Sandry Trophy – Best Conduct: Celtic JAB
- MCRU Club of the Year: Celtic RFC
A Message to Our Rugby Community
Mid Canterbury Rugby wishes to thank all players, supporters, parents, and volunteers for their incredible contribution throughout 2025. Your passion and commitment have made this season truly special. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy, safe New Year, and we look forward to seeing you back on the field in 2026.
