** MEDIA RELEASE **

Merivale Papanui Rugby Club and Belfast Rugby Club are passionate about teenage rugby and creating pathways for our players.

With teenage rugby no longer having a strong club presence it has been challenging in recent years to ensure teams across grades that are competitive and have good numbers. This has resulted in clubs and schools competing for the same player pool.

Following discussions between the two clubs we are pleased to announce an agreement to join forces in the teenage grades ( Under 14 – Under 18 ) for the 2018 season and beyond.

The teams will play as the MP Cobras in the CRFU Metro competitions

Both clubs will assist our local Papanui High School teams who from 2018 will compete in midweek fixtures .

The High School in turn recommends the pathway to MP Cobras for those players wishing to play Saturday rugby.

The players will enjoy club days at both clubs and attend clubrooms at Merivale Papanui while also invited to Belfast clubrooms throughout the season on a team of the week basis.

Home games will be shared across both Sheldon and Nunweek Park grounds with trainings at Nunweek Park.

This agreement allows for players to play together with their friends without the pull of different club allegiances. This creates a pathway for rugby in later life with the players of both clubs transitioning into the Belfast Senior Club.

Both clubs have a proud history in the Canterbury Rugby competitions and we believe this arrangement creates a strong block in the North West of Christchurch that satisfies the needs and aspirations of school / clubs / parents and most importantly the players themselves.

We look forward to strong support from both clubs for these teams which we believe are a blueprint for clubs and schools working together for the betterment of our players.

Players of both clubs are encouraged to register and pay via the Merivale Papanui registration portal

Click here