Rugby returned to a vibrant spotlight in Christchurch over the weekend, as the city hosted a successful Super Round, attracting a large and diverse crowd. The event saw supporters from around the globe, including a couple from Durban in Sharks gear and young fans sporting British and Irish Lions jerseys, as well as representatives from every Super Rugby team, such as Lima Sopoaga wearing Moana Pasifika’s colours.
After a period of stagnation, Christchurch rekindled its rugby spirit, celebrating the opening of a new era for Super Rugby and the revival of rugby union in the Pacific, particularly significant given the city’s recovery from the devastating earthquakes of 2011. The stadium buzzed with energy as around 70,000 fans filled the venue, with many travelling from afar, including 4,000 from Australia.
Players including Hurricanes halfback Cam Roigard noted the palpable excitement surrounding the event, contrasting it sharply with past Super Rounds held in Melbourne. He described the atmosphere as akin to an All Blacks Test, with the community fully engaged and supportive. Wallabies captain Harry Wilson echoed this sentiment, expressing surprise at the prospect of ever relocating the event back to Australia, given the enthusiasm and infrastructure present in Christchurch.
The weekend proved financially beneficial for the local economy, with estimates suggesting over $6 million in visitor spending. ChristchurchNZ’s CEO, Ali Adams, envisions establishing the Super Round as an annual fixture, similar to other major sporting events like the NRL’s Magic Round. Negotiations are set to begin about securing the event for future years, with local government funding deemed crucial for continuity.
While other locations, including Fiji, have expressed interest in hosting, the unique appeal of Christchurch could make it a strong candidate for long-term commitments to the Super Round. Super Rugby officials acknowledged the weekend exceeded expectations, hinting at potential conversations about future iterations in the city.
The festival atmosphere and significant attendance were celebrated by coaches and players alike, including Waratahs coach Dan McKellar, who remarked on the event’s refreshing impact and community spirit despite his team’s opening night loss. Vern Cotter, a respected coach, highlighted the need for events like this to enhance the competition’s image and unite rugby supporters.
In summary, the Super Round in Christchurch was not just a sporting event, but a reinvigoration of the city’s rugby culture, generating excitement, community involvement, and economic benefits, sparking discussions about its future in this passionate rugby city.