May 06, 2026
467 Views
Simon Cantwell
Linwood Blog
Entry #1
One week down, twelve to go. It has been a great first week here in Linwood, New Zealand. Being exposed to a completely new city, lifestyle, culture & style of rugby has settled me in nicely. Firstly, before I start this blog I’d just like to thank everyone back home in Suttonians & the Ronnie Maher fund for making this once in a lifetime opportunity possible. Also, thank you for all the support in the Met Cup Final; as I’m sure everyone already knows that day was incredible for the club and an honour to be a part of. This is only the beginning of much more Suttonians success.
After 30+ hours of travel and a lost suitcase in Auckland, I eventually touched down in Christchurch airport at 9am on Wednesday the 29th April. I was met by Linwood’s Rugby Development Officer, Sammy Jack, who very kindly brought me for breakfast before dropping me off at my home for the next 3 months. Meeting my flatmate, George, for the first time after months of back-and-forth texting was the perfect welcome and we’ve got along superbly since, even though he is English. I was given a tour around Linwood’s impressive facilities at Tane Norton Park. With a gym overlooking the main pitch, large bar, terrace, stand & multiple changing rooms with functioning separate showers, it almost made me picture our new Suttonians clubhouse, whenever that gets built.
Thursday came around which brought with it the first training day. After a gym session, I was introduced to the lads I’d be sharing the pitch with for the next couple of months, along with all coaches and managers, all of whom had great things to say about Jack Gallagher’s rugby ability & Daniel Flood’s drinking ability from their visit 2 years ago. After stepping out onto the pitch, I was exposed to a rapid and skilful new style of rugby I haven’t been part of before. It was great to see how fast and accurate these lads play at even at the age group of U21’s. The team was named at the end of the session and I was picked to start in the second row for the Colts, covering injuries, in our first league game against University of Canterbury B.
George and I went on a great trip around Christchurch city centre on Friday. It was great to look around the new home for the Crusaders, One NZ Stadium, which recently held the “Super Round” of Super Rugby the week previous. After a bit of shopping and picking up a new pair of boots for the occasion, we of course found ourselves in an Irish pub getting a pint of Guinness. It was nowhere near as good as the Guinness back at Station Road.
Finally, it was match day. There was a great deal of excitement all around the dressing room as we were ready to kickstart our league campaign. After a goal line stand, we got to half-time with a 14-5 lead. Playing in 18+ degree heat is something I was not exactly used to, but I certainly would prefer them to the conditions we played in against Clontarf in the Met Cup Semi-Final. The second half moved fast and before we knew it, the ball was kicked out for a 21-10 win to start the campaign. The buzz post-game was amazing to be a part of. We all headed back to Tane Norton Park to support the Men's 1st XV in their great win against Christchurch Rugby Club. This was a special day for the club as all men's teams won to sign off on a great first gameday here in Linwood. The celebrations included a welcoming by Linwood to all the new players in the club. We all received a Hula, and the Men's 1st XV performed their Haka which was incredible to watch.
Sunday and Monday were focused on recovery while sorting out a few details regarding part-time work while I’m out here, before training last night with our focus turned to this weekend's opposition, University of Canterbury A, at home in Tane Norton Park. Really looking forward to the next week ahead and the challenge that this University team will bring. Bulls Baby
Linwood Blog
Entry #1
One week down, twelve to go. It has been a great first week here in Linwood, New Zealand. Being exposed to a completely new city, lifestyle, culture & style of rugby has settled me in nicely. Firstly, before I start this blog I’d just like to thank everyone back home in Suttonians & the Ronnie Maher fund for making this once in a lifetime opportunity possible. Also, thank you for all the support in the Met Cup Final; as I’m sure everyone already knows that day was incredible for the club and an honour to be a part of. This is only the beginning of much more Suttonians success.
After 30+ hours of travel and a lost suitcase in Auckland, I eventually touched down in Christchurch airport at 9am on Wednesday the 29th April. I was met by Linwood’s Rugby Development Officer, Sammy Jack, who very kindly brought me for breakfast before dropping me off at my home for the next 3 months. Meeting my flatmate, George, for the first time after months of back-and-forth texting was the perfect welcome and we’ve got along superbly since, even though he is English. I was given a tour around Linwood’s impressive facilities at Tane Norton Park. With a gym overlooking the main pitch, large bar, terrace, stand & multiple changing rooms with functioning separate showers, it almost made me picture our new Suttonians clubhouse, whenever that gets built.
Thursday came around which brought with it the first training day. After a gym session, I was introduced to the lads I’d be sharing the pitch with for the next couple of months, along with all coaches and managers, all of whom had great things to say about Jack Gallagher’s rugby ability & Daniel Flood’s drinking ability from their visit 2 years ago. After stepping out onto the pitch, I was exposed to a rapid and skilful new style of rugby I haven’t been part of before. It was great to see how fast and accurate these lads play at even at the age group of U21’s. The team was named at the end of the session and I was picked to start in the second row for the Colts, covering injuries, in our first league game against University of Canterbury B.
George and I went on a great trip around Christchurch city centre on Friday. It was great to look around the new home for the Crusaders, One NZ Stadium, which recently held the “Super Round” of Super Rugby the week previous. After a bit of shopping and picking up a new pair of boots for the occasion, we of course found ourselves in an Irish pub getting a pint of Guinness. It was nowhere near as good as the Guinness back at Station Road.
Finally, it was match day. There was a great deal of excitement all around the dressing room as we were ready to kickstart our league campaign. After a goal line stand, we got to half-time with a 14-5 lead. Playing in 18+ degree heat is something I was not exactly used to, but I certainly would prefer them to the conditions we played in against Clontarf in the Met Cup Semi-Final. The second half moved fast and before we knew it, the ball was kicked out for a 21-10 win to start the campaign. The buzz post-game was amazing to be a part of. We all headed back to Tane Norton Park to support the Men's 1st XV in their great win against Christchurch Rugby Club. This was a special day for the club as all men's teams won to sign off on a great first gameday here in Linwood. The celebrations included a welcoming by Linwood to all the new players in the club. We all received a Hula, and the Men's 1st XV performed their Haka which was incredible to watch.
Sunday and Monday were focused on recovery while sorting out a few details regarding part-time work while I’m out here, before training last night with our focus turned to this weekend's opposition, University of Canterbury A, at home in Tane Norton Park. Really looking forward to the next week ahead and the challenge that this University team will bring. Bulls Baby