Haeata Community Campus played host to three BNZ Crusaders players last week, when Matt Todd, Mitch Dunshea and George Bridge attended a training session with the UC Cup girl's 1st XV team.

Women’s Rugby and Schools Coordinator, Katie Stanton, led the session with the Haeata team, who had already won their first game of the season against Lincaston. Katie’s experience coaching women’s rugby proved useful to the Haeata players as she took them through a range of tackling drills to ensure they are getting the most from their game.

“The girls are shaping up to be a great team and I wish them all the best for the season,” said Katie after observing the young players in action.

Following the training session, which was arranged by the University of Canterbury (UC) as part of its partnership with the Crusaders to assist in the development of senior players, the girls took away signed Crusaders flags and UC drink bottles and sunglasses.