13 weeks down, and that is us. That is the final whistle on what has been an experience of a lifetime for me.

To say these past three months have been some of the most enjoyable of my life would be an understatement. I’ve met new people, been part of a new club culture, lived independently for the first time and excelled on the pitch.

The final three weeks kicked off with a game against Sydenham. The whole mentality going into the game was to get back up on the saddle and find our momentum again after a two-week gap from competitive games.

Tuesday and Thursday brought us two very strong training sessions ahead of the game. I was happy to be named at 5 again, with Pon being named to make an impact off the bench.

The game saw a very slow start for Linwood, with us only making two entries into Sydenham’s half in the opening 40. We went into half-time trailing 12–0 after making plenty of goal-line stands.

After a comeback attempt, with the boys not giving up until the 80th minute, we came out on the losing side of a 28–19 defeat.

Unfortunately for myself, I managed to catch a knee to the noggin in a tackle with five minutes left, which sent me and Pon on an adventure to get it seen to and possibly stitched up. Two hospitals later and my face was all glued up.

Rolling into the next week, Belfast were the opposition. After a scrappy win over them previously, the focus for the team was to right the wrongs from the week before and lay down a marker.

After two great training sessions, the team was in a good place. As a pack, we knew that we would deliver the go-forward platform for the backs to play off and around teams. Team naming came around and it was the same story as the week previous, with Pon on the bench and myself starting at 5.

Right those wrongs we most definitely did.

The pack bullied Belfast up front on both sides of the ball, which led to us applying pressure in the right areas of the park. This pressure handed us a 17–10 lead going into half-time, with still a lot left in us.

We kept on top of Belfast throughout the game, not allowing them to play how they wanted to. This was clear after two 15+ phase goal-line stands where we managed to hold them out.

Just to keep on trend, I managed to get a knee to the other side of my face — by my own teammate this time — which has given me a tidy little shiner that still hasn’t gone away just yet.

I was also very happy to dot down from a quick tap for my third try in green and black.

Into the final week, and a historic one for Linwood Rugby Club, as all three senior grade teams were in Grand Finals. Div 1 were up against Marist Albion, Div 2 faced UC and the Wahine took on Christchurch RFC.

The vibe around the club at both Tuesday and Thursday training sessions was incredible. All teams were in great spaces and hoping to deliver on the weekend.

My last game saw us play UC under the lights on Friday night. Funnily enough, my first game here was on the same pitch against the same team. A full-circle type of moment.

With me and Pon being named in the same spots again, we rolled into game day with a great attitude and a determination to finish on a high.

The coaches mentioned pre-game that this was my final game for Linwood and that the boys wanted to send me off with a win. We did exactly that.

With 15 minutes gone, we had put three tries on UC and, by half-time, we led 28–12. UC were persistent throughout the game. They gave nothing easy and were always a threat.

Our power game up front, paired with our backs’ pace and skill set, saw us prove too much for UC as we saw the game out 52–24.

Getting on the scoresheet in my final game was the icing on the cake, after scoring probably my best try out here.

The final whistle blew and that was it — my last game for Linwood, done and dusted. Being surrounded by all the lads afterwards was a very enjoyable send-off to what has been a brilliant three months.

Linwood U20's Squad 2026

Saturday and Sunday saw me and the rest of the Colts get behind our Div 1, Div 2 and Wahine teams in their respective finals.

Unfortunately, our Div 1 and Div 2 sides came up just short in very close and competitive games, but our Wahine became champions, which was a great achievement for them.

With Monday being my last full day here, I got up and out early to see all of my favourite parts of Christchurch one last time. Coffee in Sumner Beach, lunch in Riverside Market and a few pints with the lads in Bailies to send me off — an ideal final day.

And that is where the blog ends, folks.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed writing these and I hope you’ve found some enjoyment reading along throughout my journey here.

This is a trip that I will never forget and one that I’ll always cherish.

Thank you again to everyone who made this possible.

Buzzing to get back to Station Road, build on the success from last year and, most importantly, let’s go win the league!

Been a pleasure and, until next time,

Simon.