The coolest news around

TOUCH DRAW

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +1300

The New Brighton touch module is now under way and the weekly draw for both nights will be posted on the clubs facebook page here http://www.facebook.com/NewBrightonRugby

Api & Kez milestones

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1200

Api Manuel reaches 100 games and Kieran Black makes the blazer club with 50 Division 1 appearances.

Over the past two weeks these two outstanding New Brighton players reached milestones for the div 1 side. Api Manuel celebrated his 100th div 1 game with a fine win over Old Boys on July 16th. The following week on Blazer day Kieran Black got his blazer for his 50th div 1 appearance. Api first played div 1 10 years ago and has played almost as many games for div 2. This shows what an outstanding club man he is. Happy to be part of the div 2 set while consistently improving his game to the stage now where he has played every div 1 game this season. A guard of honour by his former div 2 team mates as Api ran onto the field showed the respect he carries in both teams. Was also great to see some emotion from the hard man at speeches, which reflected what it meant to Api to join the 100 club. This is something very special which can never be taken away from him. Div 2 coach Dennis Cations and Div 1 coach Steve Crotty spoke on behalf of the club and the players when congratulating Api on his fine achievement.

Kieran Black reached his 50th div 1 game and blazer the following week July 23rd v Christchurch. The guys had a narrow loss but the bonus point was all that was required to make the top 4 for the first time for a while. Div 2 also made the top 4 which was a great effort and the first time both times have made the top 4 together since 1996. Kieran came to New Brighton looking for a div 1 opportunity around 2006. He quickly became an outstanding open side flanker and made the Canterbury Metro Colts in 2008. Mid way through 2008 Kieran received an offer to play for Sanyo in Japan, rumoured to be a handsome six figure sum not through phone hacking, more because he told the boys).This was a wonderful opportunity to live the dream of a professional rugby player. With the support of his partner Judy, Kieran set off and played three seasons for Sanyo who have had a great run of success winning both the Japan Cup and Top League competitions in the past two years. Top League is similar to our super rugby and the Japan Cup has the format of an FA cup or Heineken cup where the teams start in pool play and win their way through to finals. Japan Cup starts with the top league sides as well as the teams just below and a couple of University sides. Kieran and Judy returned home after the Japanese earthquake and is currently finishing his last year in his teachers degree. We the club are very happy to have him back in the gold jersey. Kieran coming back to us from playing a higher level has been great as he has been leader on and off the field.

NBC U6 on tour!

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1200

Riki Bolton took the New Brighton U6 team down south to play on Carisbrook and then to watch the All Blacks! Watch the Close Up expose 'Getting to the test' here.

Follow the whole journey to Dunedin by following this link to Air New Zealands 'Crazy about Rugby' website.

Hooper Ton

Mon, 02 May 2011 00:00:00 +1200

Ryan Hooper brings up his 100th SNR A game for the club with a good win over plucky Lincoln University.

Hooper Ton

1 May 2011

At just 26, New Brighton rugby’s newest centurion believes he’s got plenty more miles left on the clock.

Loose forward Ryan Hooper (pictured right with his son Pierce) yesterday celebrated his 100^th senior match with a win on home soil against Lincoln University.

The man nicknamed “Hoops” had a busy game on defence and had a hand in the team’s final try.

“It was so special to play that (100^th) game at home, and to win in the fashion we did was awesome. I’ve got to applaud the boys for that effort,” he said after the game.

“I felt the play didn’t really go my way, so I just tried to gee the boys up.”

Hooper says he has been fortunate to be part one of the club’s must successful eras, playing alongside the likes of Isaac Ross, Ben May, and Tyson and Jamyn Keats.

“The personnel that I’ve played around has been pretty awesome. It’s a milestone just to play one senior game.”

Hooper is a life-long New Brighton man, having played his first game for the club at age four, and is in his sixth season in the senior side.

“I was playing Colts 2 and one of the coaches gave me the opportunity to play in a 10s tournament. I got around such good personnel and they guided me where I am now.”

Having reaching his ton, and despite supporting a young family, Hooper shows no signs of hanging up the boots anytime soon.

“You see Knuckles (prop Nick McMullan) out there, and he’s 42, so I could be knocking on the door of Knuckles I’m still enjoying it, so we’ll see.”

New Brighton, like many clubs in Christchurch’s eastern suburbs, was affected by the February earthquake.

However, Hooper says the club spirit remains strong.

“A lot of people have lost jobs and have been put out of homes, but we’re a tight-knit community and club.”

New Brighton were also the first recipients of the Kevin Lundon Trophy in their 20-3 win over Lincoln University. Pictured right with New Brighton Captain Mitch Alcock and Lincoln University Captain Berny Hall, Kevin Lundon has donated the trophy to be played for annually between the sides. Lundon is the current Club Captain of New Brighton and has also been Club Captain of the former Merivale Lincoln University Club.

Pre Season Dates

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +1300

Pre-season training every Tuesdays 6pm from the 24th of January 2012, and every Thursday from Feburay 23th.

Pre season games

Div 1

March 18th Sun v Waihora away (Div 1 Trial, all welcome)
March 25th Sun v Sydenham away.
April 1st Sun v Old Boys home.

Div 2

March 25th Sun v Sydenham away
April 1st Sun v Old Boys home

Colts

March 17th Sat Training Camp Mt Somers

March 18th Sun v West Melton away

March 25th Sun v Sydenham away

April 1st Sun v Shirley away

Competition starts 14th April

Contact RDO Roddy Butt ph 021656695