14 December 2009 Rugby booming at Lincoln University – more coaches and managers needed for 2010

It’s been a milestone season in the 128-year history of Lincoln University rugby. After more than a decade based in Christchurch, affiliated to the Merivale Club and playing under the Merlins strip from headquarters at Nunweek Park, Lincoln University rugby returned to its traditional campus roots in 2009.

Rugby at the University boasts many famous names among past players including All Black captains Sir Wilson Whineray, Andy Dalton and Reuben Thorne. Current skipper Richie McCaw is also a former Lincoln University student. 

In September last year at a meeting between both parties – Lincoln University and Merivale Rugby Football Club – it was agreed that the two clubs should revert to pursuing their own traditional identities. Lincoln and Merivale are respectively Christchurch’s second and third oldest rugby clubs.

A campus-based Lincoln University Rugby Club was launched again in February this year and it played the season in the Christchurch Metropolitan Rugby Competition.

The Club fielded teams in Divisions 1 and 2 as well as at the Colts Premier level  and enjoyed some success. The Division 1 team won the CBS Canterbury Bowl, as well as the Press Trophy awarded by referees for good conduct. The Colts Premier team won the Plate final. Further success included the large group of players who achieved Canterbury representative status at various age group levels, as well as the inclusion of Bernie Hall in the New Zealand Under-20 team and Sam Whitelock in the winning Canterbury A team in the Air New Zealand Cup competition. 

While the Club is focused on success in terms of results on the field, it is keen to increase the sporting participation of students at Lincoln University. The social side of sporting involvement contributes to the physical and emotional health of students. The University’s rugby and netball clubs hold many joint social gatherings which are particularly popular.

In 2010 the number of Lincoln University rugby teams is set to increase through the inclusion of a Division 3 team. The Club is looking for people keen to undertake either coaching or management roles to fill vacancies generated by the increase in the number of teams. The Lincoln University Rugby Club is an open club so players who are non-students are welcome to join. 

If you are interested in a playing, coaching or managing role with the Lincoln University Rugby Club, contact Peter Magson, phone (03) 321 8898 or email peter.magson@lincoln.ac.nz