SENIOR RUGBY 2026

Join Burnside RFC for the 2026 Season!

https://myaccount.rugbyxplorer.com.au/choose-registration?name=Burnside

Are you ready to take your rugby to the next level? Burnside RFC is now recruiting players for the 2026 season! Whether you’re an experienced athlete or new to the game, we invite you to become part of a proud rugby tradition with a strong community focus.

Why Choose Burnside RFC?

🏉 Expert Coaching & Player DevelopmentAt Burnside RFC, you'll train under passionate and experienced coaches committed to helping every player grow. For those with higher aspirations, we offer a structured Player Development Pathway to guide and support your progression through the rugby ranks—whether your goals are representative honors or personal excellence.

💪 Upgraded FacilitiesWe’re investing in the future. Our club facilities are currently undergoing exciting upgrades to ensure our players have access to modern, high-quality resources that support top-level training, recovery, and team culture.

🤝 Community & CultureMore than just a team, Burnside RFC is a welcoming rugby family. From juniors to seniors, we foster an inclusive environment where commitment, respect, and enjoyment are at the heart of everything we do.

🔥 Competitive OpportunitiesJoin a club with a proud history and an ambitious future. Compete in a challenging rugby environment, face strong opposition, and grow your game in a team that pushes each other to succeed.


Ready to Join Us?Whether you’re chasing high performance or simply want to enjoy your rugby in a great environment, Burnside RFC is the place for you. 

Registrations open now via the link below..

https://myaccount.rugbyxplorer.com.au/choose-registration?name=Burnside

👉 ​​​​​​​Burnside RFC – Built on Pride. Driven by Passion.

Key Dates:

  1. 20th Jan preseason restarts Tues & Thu.
  2. 14th March preseason vs University Canterbury RFC to be played at UC for Premier, Premier Reserve, Colts & Women TBC, timings TBA
  3. 21st March preseason vs Waihora RFC at Waihora RFC for Premier, Premier Reserve & Colts treams.
  4. 28th March preseason vs New Brighton RFC at New Brighton RFC for Premier, Premier Reserve & Colts
  5. 3rd – 6th April Easter no rugby.
  6. 11th April Premier, Premier Reserve & Senior grades start competition.
  7. 11th April, 18th April & 25th April Colts pre competition tournament.
  8. 2nd May Colts competition starts.

Start dates for the Seniors, Women’s & U85kg grades are TBC.

No rugby Kings Birthday 30th & 31st May.

Burnside RFC Open Grade coaching & management contacts for the 2026 season are listed below.

The Premier coaching & management team;

Willie Brown: Head Coach 0211035537

Tom Houghton Asst Coach 0274652533

Danny Malu: Assistant Coach 0220390458 

Dave Elvy: Manager 02718004692

Gary Choat: Manager 021632958

Barry Donaldson: - Physio - 0275011061

The Premier Reserve coaching & management team;

Cam McLoud - Head Coach 02040773698

TBA - Assistant Coach

Matt O'Rourke - Manager 021461946


The Colts coaches for 2026

Colts 1.

Brent Frew - Director of Rugby 0273232757

Justin Nixon - Coach 0221940517

Apenisa Bulimaiwai - Coach 0275131546

Tere Ngariki - Manager 0278869951

Colts 2

Gilly McGillvrey - 0221542206

The Senior coaching & management team;

Richie Hyslop - Coach/Manager 0278568510 

Matt Little - Coach

The U85kg coaching & management group

Philip Morgan - Manager 021773029

Ivan Emerson - Head Coach - 021347029

The Women's Team Coaching & Management Group

Latham Bruce - Co-Coach

Geordie Bateman - Co-Coach

​​​​​​​Casey Curtis - Women's Manager 0274426252

U18 School Girls Team

Amiria Rule - Head Coach

0210396236

TBC - Assistant Coach

TBC -Manager