Canterbury have brought their eight-year title drought to an end in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship, reclaiming their once long-lasting status as champions with a clinical 36-28 win over Otago today.
The Cantabrians hadn’t tasted Premiership glory since 2017, when they defeated Tasman 35-13 in that season’s NPC Final. They returned to the big dance three years ago, but the Wellington Lions flew into Christchurch and left with the trophy, winning 26-18.
In the 2025 regular season, Canterbury and Otago finished first and second on the ladder with eight wins from 10 matches. With the Cantabrians collecting the minor premiership, they secured a home final with wins over Counties Manukau and Hawke’s Bay in the knockout rounds.
First five-eighth Andrew Knewstubb sent the opening kick-off in Otago’s half, with the ball finding the ground before bouncing into touch. It was a nervy start to what ended up being a thrilling decider at Apollo Projects Stadium – a final with plenty of twists and turns.
Canterbury had the first opportunity to score points, but the hosts ended up turning down a potential shot at goal in the pursuit of seven. Christian Lio-Willie had been penalised around the breakdown, seeing Knewstubb kick for the sideline.
Otago’s defence stood tall, before in-form backrower Lucas Casey got over the ball. After kicking their way out of danger, Otago ended up scoring the opening points of the match, with Lio-Willie and halfback Dylan Pledger setting up the score with clever link-up play.
Lio-Willie got an offload off to Pledger, with young No. 9 running into some open space, before Canterbury’s scrambling defence stopped the play. Otago kept the pressure on, spreading the ball to Thomas Umaga-Jensen who touched down in the fifth minute.
Cameron Millar converted the try, which was the difference for a while.
Canterbury hit back almost immediately, with second-rower Jamie Hannah striding up the field. Capped All Black Dallas McLeod scored a few phases later, but Chay Fihaki pushed the difficult attempt wide, meaning the hosts still trailed by two.
