It all starts here. The next generation of red and black players. The future of our game. Right in the heart of the Christchurch CBD.

For many of them, it was the very first time lacing up their boots. As our littlest legends ran out onto the turf at One NZ Stadium, eyes wide and jaws dropped, the excitement was impossible to miss. Smiles stretched ear to ear as dreams suddenly became very real. Very few people can say their first-ever rugby game was played inside a brand-new, world-class stadium. But for 18 Rippa teams from across the region, that’s now a memory they’ll carry forever.

On Saturday 2 May, One NZ Stadium officially opened its doors to our Christchurch community, welcoming more than 32,000 people through the gates between 10am and 4pm for one unforgettable day. And at the heart of it all was community.

From Rippa rugby, to rugby league and football, the stadium came alive as local codes took centre stage across the afternoon. Performances from talented local artists added to the atmosphere, while whānau enjoyed some of the best local food vendors Canterbury has to offer. The Community Open Day was more than just a stadium opening, it was a celebration of Waitaha, Canterbury, and the people who make it special.

For Canterbury Rugby Community Rugby Manager Michael Sheat, the day could not have gone better. Doubling as coach of his son’s team, the Waihora Wildcats, Sheat had plenty to smile about as young players experienced the turf for the very first time.
“This is just the start of many exciting times ahead in our new home. It was truly an unforgettable experience for these kids playing their first ever game of rugby, as well as their whānau and our Canterbury Rugby team.”

That feeling was shared right across the stadium by parents, coaches, volunteers and supporters alike. Opportunities like this don’t come around often, and for many families, the memories created on Saturday will last a lifetime.
“We want to thank both Venues Ōtautahi and the Christchurch City Council for providing us with this opportunity for our red and black community. The kids haven’t stopped talking about getting to play on the same pitch as their idols — this is what grassroots rugby is all about.”

For Canterbury Rugby, the occasion represented far more than just a fun day out. It was a glimpse into the future, young players, proud clubs, passionate whānau and a city coming together around the game they love.

One NZ Stadium promises to be a special home for rugby in Canterbury for generations to come, and if Saturday was anything to go by, this is only the beginning.
There may have been a slight reality check the following weekend when these future stars were back playing out in the Canterbury elements, but after opening their rugby journey on one of the best stages in the country, we’re not sure anything will wipe the smiles off their faces anytime soon.