League bids farewell to its Addington home

Canterbury Rugby League will play its club finals at Christchurch Stadium (formerly known as AMI Stadium) this weekend before bidding a fond farewell to its long-standing Addington home.

From next winter Canterbury Rugby League will be based at the Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub in the south west of Christchurch.

Canterbury Rugby League will play its grand finals at AMI Stadium this weekend.

“Addington has been the home of rugby league since the game began in Christchurch so it is fitting they are able to use Christchurch Stadium for this season’s club finals,’’ says Christchurch City Council Recreation Services Manager David Bailey.

“The rugby league fields at Rugby League Park in Addington were displaced when the temporary AMI Stadium was built, but soon Canterbury Rugby League will have a new permanent home at Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub.’’

Canterbury Rugby League Board Chairman Simon Doig says they are excited to have the opportunity to say goodbye to Rugby League Park with the last grand final to be played there this weekend between defending champions, the Linwood Keas, and traditional rivals, the Hornby Panthers.

The Grand Final day will also incorporate the women’s final.

“Rugby league is moving to Ngā Puna Wai in 2019 with new purpose built facilities for rugby league which will be the closing of one historical chapter and an exciting start to a new future for the game,’’ Mr Doig says.

Rugby league is one of four sporting codes that will have community and regional sporting facilities at Ngā Puna Wai. Hockey, tennis and athletics will also be accommodated there.

“We’re delighted to have been able to work with Canterbury Rugby League to help them secure a new permanent base and are excited about what the future holds for rugby league in Christchurch,’’ Mr Bailey says.