Comments on: Do you think that Canterbury should be where the New Zealand rugby academy should be based?

By: Fred T

Fred T — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:00:59 +0000

Yes I do, when you look at Canterbury over the last 15 years they must have the best record of being in the top 4 (I haven't checked this out) the province have produced so many good All Blacks. There is so much good experience with current and previous players to call on.
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By: Harlesburg

Harlesburg — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:15:59 +0000

But then there is players that Canterbury has pouched from other unions, so I’d say no.
Auckland has had a longer history of success so by that theory they should have it.
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By: woturekon

woturekon — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:44:59 +0000

WTF 4
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By: thunda

thunda — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 18:00:59 +0000

Why not. Isnt Canterbury a breeding ground for a strong off field culture that leads to on field performance? The stats supporting Auckland re shield defences and National titles is irrelevant. Firstly they haven’t performed anywhere near as well since the professional era despite having a huge player base to choose from. Also the comment Canterbury doesn’t develop their own is true to a point however now the sport is professional there will be less home grown talent and a lot of player movement due to the salary cap. No one can deny that once they get players in they do seems to kick on to bigger and better things.

Canterbury has imported a lot of players however they were developed in the region and went to earn higher honours. Very few came in as superstars unless they were fed up with their current province – ala Ali Williams.

The academy is for the greater good of New Zealand rugby not Caterburys. It would appear that whilst the sport is well and truely professional their is some amatuer thinking when it comes to progress.

And before being accused of bias I’m Australian and support the Tahs
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By: KalgoorlieRed

KalgoorlieRed — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:27:59 +0000

Canterbury Bulldogs? Nar, they are a proper footy team in the NRL! Not poop from Enzed!
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By: alexhmac

alexhmac — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:02:59 +0000

I agree with Neo. Half of Canterbury's players are poached from other Unions, especially the smaller ones.
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By: Neo

Neo — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:55:59 +0000

NO, Recently Canterbury isn't a breeding ground for top players. How many players are even grew up in the area and even less born there. They buy in players.
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By: Beige Lantern

Beige Lantern — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:22:59 +0000

I think that the current placing of the rugby academy in Palmerston North is ideal. It’s centrally located and it’s a good place for players to get away from their usual rugby environment and realise that they are no longer there as Canterbury, Wellington or Auckland representatives, they are there at a national level.

I’d have to say that the number of top class players being produced by a province is irrelevant. Canterbury already have an academy in place for developing their own talent and they are doing a stirling job of doing that. The NZRU just needs to take on whatever they’re doing down there in Christchurch and implement it into their program in Palmerston North. I’m a North Harbour supporter so I can honestly say that I have no personal investment into the rugby academy being placed in Palmy.
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By: xtra X

xtra X — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:54:59 +0000

Those facts would be incorrect with a few exceptions. You’ll have to understand that Auckland has won 16 titles which is more than any other province. Going by your reasoning, Auckland should be the home of the national academy. Auckland has also has a record for Ranfurly Sheild defenses (61 defenses).

The Anti-Cantab idea is just crazy.
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http://www.aucklandrugby.co.nz/about/history.html

By: Bing C

Bing C — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:12:59 +0000

Absolutely. Canterbury and more specifically Christchurch is without question the home of NZ rugby. 8 super rugby titles, the home of R McCaw, D Carter, R Deans the list goes on and on. The only argument against this suggestion will come from wannabe Wellingtonians or Aucklanders who are just fed up with coming second. Alas, for the NZ rugby, it will never be in the garden city, the anti Cantab brigade will see to that, lead by turn coat Jock Hobbs, who wants to ask himself sometime where his roots are.
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