Did you know...
...that in 1976, a Cantabrian's team won the inaugural Hong Kong 7’s tournament, then known as the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong 7’s. The team, managed by Ian Penrose, consisted of - LJ Davis, SC Cartwright, IA Hurst, DA Hales, BA McPhail, RF Scott, DM Thompson and SI Purdon. They beat Australia in the final, who had accounted for Fiji in the semi-final.
...that in 1979, a team playing under the Cantabrian’s name, completed a most demanding eight game tour of England, Wales and Italy, undefeated. With Prof. Jim Stewart as manager and coach, and on field leadership provided by Alex Wyllie and Ian Hurst, the team accounted for sides such as Morley, Leeds, an Italian XV, Neath, Pontypool and Public School Wanderers.
...that the first match played in the Club’s colours, was against the Canterbury Country team prior to their Seddon Shield districts tour. It was played at Rhodes Park, Tai Tapu, on the 21st of July, 1957. Over 6,000 people viewed the match.
...that in those early years, the Club organised invitation games for various charities and funds, such as - the Burwood Spinal Unit for the purchase of equipment, injured players funds, the Town Hall Promotion Company, a benefit match for the 1974 Commonwealth Games, the Plunket Society, to raise funds for the family of a player who had died following a serious rugby injury. Also games to celebrate various Club Jubilees, and as trial matches for representative sides.
...that the Club’s first Golf Tournament was held in October, 1964, at the Ellesmere Golf Club.
...that the Club has had four Members who have been made Knights of the Realm: Sir Wilson Whineray,Sir James Stewart,Sir Colin Meads and Sir John Graham.
...that the Club has had nine Members who have captained the All Blacks Bob Stuart, Pat Vincent, Bob Duff, Tiny Hill, Wilson Whineray, John Graham, Tane Norton, Jock Hobbs and Todd Blackadder.
...that twenty five Club Members had played for, and then gone on to be involved in coaching Canterbury and/or the Crusaders.
...that 2010 was year 20 for the Cantabrian's Live-in Camp at Burnham, for 16/18 year olds. (With Tiny Hill as Course Director for those 20 years)
