Welcome to Darfield Rugby Club

Darfield Rugby Club is situated in Darfield, a rural Canterbury town 40 kilometers from Christchurch.  We are a typical New Zealand country rugby club, drawing players from the surrounding rural areas.

We have a long and proud history of involvement in both our community and our national game at all levels - junior and senior club level, and supply many players to Ellesmere, Canterbury County and Canterbury representative teams. We are the largest club in the Malvern area, and one of the biggest in Ellesmere, which is a sub union of the Canterbury Rugby Union.

92 North Terrace, Darfield
PO Box 43028, Darfield 7541

Club Values

D – Drive: We cultivate a spirit of drive, encouraging players, coaches and supporters to approach challenges with determination and motivation. This relentless pursuit of improvement fuels our commitment to success on and off the rugby field.

A – Attitude: We emphasise the importance of attitude, fostering a positive mindset, resilience and a willingness to learn and grow. A positive attitude not only enhances individual performance but also contributes to a supportive team environment.

R – Respect:  Respect is at the core of our values. We emphasise the importance of respecting teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, and the game itself. We create an environment where everyone feels values and treated with dignity. 

F – Fun:  We believe in the power of fun. Through enjoyable and positive experiences, we aim to create lively and engaging atmosphere that fosters a love for the game, promoting both personal and collective enjoyment within our rugby club.

Code of Conduct

Being a member of one of the DRFC Junior Teams implies a commitment to the clubs ‘Code of Conduct’, ensuring that both training sessions and games are a positive experience for everyone involved. There is an expectation that all players, parents and supporters will behave appropriately during trainings, games and post-game activities.


Team Behaviour

It is imperative that we set a high standard both on and off the field. 

  • Play hard but fair.
  • Be gracious in defeat and hold your head high.
  • Show grace in victory and take pride in the team’s achievements.
  • Avoid putting down other teams or teammates at any time.
  • No foul language or inappropriate behaviour on the sideline, in clubrooms, or during training. Coaches, spectators and supporters will not be impressed. 
  • No disruptive behaviour during games or at training.
  • Respect the team and the individuals in it; you are working together towards a common goal.
  • Punctuality is crucial.
  • Listen actively.
  • Contribute positively.
  • Give your best effort.
  • Never give up.


Parents and Supporters

These guidelines create an optimal learning environment for players. By minimising distractions, refraining from coaching, and maintaining a supportive yet non-intrusive presence, parents contribute to a focused atmosphere that enhances players development and overall team success.

  • Support the entire game of rugby; applaud good play and a great try, regardless of which team scores it.
  • Proud positive support during games.
  • Feel free to give advice to your child at home in the backyard setting while playing with the ball.
  • Avoid expressing referee-like opinions or advice from the sidelines; the on-field referee does not need or want advice.
  • Spectators must remain at least 3 metres away from each touchline and dead-ball line.
  • Te ensure a focused and productive training please refrain from participating in a activities that could be distracting and intrusive to the players and coaching team.
  • No use of foul language.
  • Enjoy and support the game, but remember that it is just a game.


Team Responsibilities

  • All players must inform the Coach or Manager if they are unable to attend training or game day.
  • Players should be at the game location each game day, ready to play at least 30 minutes before kick-off.
  • Families are expected to assist with home game after-match duties. A roster will be established, with two families on duty each week. If you are unable to help on your assigned week, it is your responsibility to swap with another family and inform the team manager. Duties include setting up, putting out food, cleaning dishes, wiping tables, and vacuuming the floor.
  • All families should bring a labelled plate of food to share after the game when playing a home game. Place it clearly in the designated box for duty families to easily find and set out.