Mid Canterbury Rugby Finals Day – 26/7/25
Ashburton, NZ — This Saturday, the Ashburton Showgrounds will host the most important day on the Mid Canterbury club rugby calendar: Finals Day. With four titles on the line — Colts, Women’s, Senior B, and Senior — the day represents the pinnacle of club competition in the region. Each match carries its own narrative, its own stakes, and its own legacy to be written.
Colts Final – Allenton vs Methven
Kick-off: 11:00am | Field 3
The Colts Final presents a compelling clash between Allenton and Methven, two well-prepared sides ready to contest one of the most dynamic grades in Mid Canterbury rugby.
Allenton enter the final with momentum, having defeated Methven 38–17 in their last meeting and going on to claim the Combined Country Colts title. Their campaign has been characterized by attacking fluency, disciplined set-piece execution, and a backline capable of turning half-chances into points.
Methven, however, will be motivated by redemption. Their season has shown resilience and tactical maturity, and they’ll be eager to reverse the earlier result. The key for Methven will be to disrupt Allenton’s rhythm early and apply scoreboard pressure through structured play and defensive intensity.
With scores to be settled between the two sides expect no quarter to be given.
Aside from the chance to lift the silverware and local bragging rights— this match is a showcase of the next generation of Mid Canterbury rugby.
Senior Women’s Final – Southern vs Celtic
Kick-off: 11:00am | Field 2
The Senior Women’s Final brings together Southern and Celtic, two sides that have emerged as the leading contenders in the Mid Canterbury women’s competition.
The Southern Whitetails arrive with the distinction of having won the Combined Country title earlier this season, a reflection of their consistency and deserving of their pre match favourite tag. Their ability to play both a direct and physical style as well as expansively make them a dangerous threat, along with the knowledge that they have been in finals and lifted silverware already this season.
Celtic, meanwhile, claimed a narrow 19–15 win in their most recent meeting with Southern, showcasing their defensive authority and ability to strike from turnover ball. It could be argued that due to the makeup of the women’s competition table, this final round robin fixture was less a finals preview and more two poker players keeping their cards close their chests, with the knowledge that they would likely meet again on the main stage 7 days later. With both teams finishing the local competition with two wins from three, the margins are fine and the stakes are high.
Expect a tactical battle, with the breakdown and set piece likely to be decisive. This match is a testament to the growing depth and competitiveness of women’s rugby in Mid Canterbury.
Senior B Final – Hampstead vs Southern
Kick-off: 12:45pm | Oval
The Senior B Final features a dominant Hampstead side taking on a determined Southern outfit in what could be a defining moment for both clubs.
Hampstead have been the standout team all season, going undefeated and recording emphatic wins over Southern — 26–15 in May and 51–10 in April. Their campaign has been built on consistency, physicality, and a clear strategic identity.
Southern, however, will be looking to challenge that dominance. Finals rugby often defies regular-season form, and Southern’s ability to apply early pressure and disrupt Hampstead’s set-piece will be crucial.
Adding to the occasion is Hampstead’s centenary year. Manager Nicki Tuatai shared the team’s focus:
“The Hampstead Senior B’s won the 2nd Grade Cup in 2022, and have been close the last few years. This year they are looking to go all the way and finish off an undefeated season. The men from Bridge Street want to cap off a significant 2025 for the club which this year is celebrating 100 years of Hampstead Rugby. We have worked really hard to be here. Fun, Family, Respect.”
With history on the line, Hampstead will be aiming to deliver a performance worthy of the milestone. Southern, meanwhile, will be hoping to write a different ending.
Senior Final – Southern RFC vs Celtic RFC
Kick-off: 2:45pm | Oval
The Senior Final is the marquee event of the day, featuring Southern RFC and Celtic RFC in a clash that promises intensity, tactical depth, and high drama.
Southern have been the more consistent side across the Mid Canterbury regular season, winning five of their six matches. Celtic, with four wins, are not far behind and bring momentum from a thrilling 36–35 victory over Southern in the final round of the round-robin. However, with both teams already assured of a finals berth at that point, many believe that match served more as a strategic dress rehearsal than a true reflection of form.
Southern’s strengths lie in their structured forward play and ability to control territory through disciplined phase execution. Celtic, by contrast, have shown adaptability and composure in tight contests, often finding ways to win in the final stages.
Southern team manager Jacob Pairama reflected on the team’s journey and the significance of the occasion:
“We’ve had a fantastic year which was kicked off with a pre-season trip to Australia. We are excited to share the same field with Southern’s Senior Reserve and Senior Women’s teams on Finals Day — a proud day for our club. Our build-up has been business as usual, and we have fully earned our place in the Watters Cup Final.”
Celtic, too, are embracing the challenge. Team manager Gary McIntyre acknowledged the intensity of the occasion:
“The team has prepared well for Saturday’s game and know they will have to dig deep against a formidable Southern side. With finals comes a different intensity and I’m sure both teams will come out firing.”
The breakdown battle, tactical kicking, and decision-making under pressure will likely determine the outcome. Both sides have the personnel and systems to win — the question is who can execute when it matters most. Both sides have Heartland representatives in their ranks, and will rely on their skill and experience to give them the upper hand.
This match is not only a contest for the region’s top prize — it’s a reflection of the high standard of club rugby in Mid Canterbury. The Watters Cup competition has delivered compelling rugby throughout the season, marked by narrow margins, tactical battles, and standout individual performances. Saturday’s final promises to be no exception — a fitting climax to a campaign that has kept supporters engaged from the opening round. With two evenly matched sides and a history of close encounters, this decider is poised to deliver the same drama and intensity that has defined the Watters Cup in 2025.
