Linwood Bulls Crowned 2024 Metro Premier Champions
Bulls Break 51-Year Drought With Courageous 39–32 Grand Final Victory
The Linwood Bulls have stormed back into Christchurch rugby history, claiming the 2024 Metro Premier Championship with a thrilling 39–32 win over the University of Canterbury. The victory ends a 51-year wait for top-grade glory and marks one of the most inspiring playoff runs in recent club memory.
A Final for the Ages
Backed by an enormous wave of green-and-black support, the Bulls delivered a performance defined by toughness, speed, and relentless work rate. The match remained tight throughout, but a decisive moment came with 14 minutes left when lock Bill Fukofuka powered over for a crucial try, stretching the lead to 39–27.
UC struck back late, but the Bulls’ defence held firm as the clock wound down. When the final whistle blew, Linwood supporters erupted — decades of near misses washed away in one unforgettable moment.
“The Modern-Day Waka”: Culture Drives Success
One of the defining symbols of this championship has been the club’s iconic green bus, affectionately known as the “modern-day waka.”
The bus became a powerful reminder of connection and belonging throughout the season — a place where players young and old shared moments, built belief, and forged the unity that drove this championship charge.
As longtime club figures have said all year: “If you’re on the bus, you’re part of something bigger.”
On finals day, that spirit was everywhere — on the field, in the stands, and in the hearts of every supporter.
A Season Turned Around
The Bulls’ 2024 campaign will be remembered not just for the trophy, but for the resilience behind it.
Only three weeks before the playoffs, Linwood sat 10th on the ladder, carrying a 2–6 record. Many counted them out. But the Bulls responded by winning three crucial matches to earn a place in the top eight.
From there, the team went on a stunning four-game playoff run, knocking out higher-ranked opponents week after week in a surge that captured the imagination of the entire club community.
For the Community, By the Community
Saturday’s final saw nearly 500 supporters turn out in full voice to the club for the prematch — families, former players, juniors, volunteers, and lifelong Bulls faithful.
Equally, the scenes after the match were unforgettable: players embracing the supporters and a wave of green and black rolling across the field.
This triumph belongs to the entire Linwood rugby community.
What Comes Next
With a young, hungry squad and a revitalized culture, the 2024 championship is more than just an end to a drought — it is the beginning of a new era for the Linwood Bulls.
The club is already preparing for the 2025 season with excitement, belief, and the knowledge that Linwood rugby is once again a force to be reckoned with.