University of Canterbury wins 2023 Tertiary Championship, secures historic shield

The victory not only clinched them the coveted championship series title but also secured the prestigious 100-year-old Shield, a symbol of sporting excellence and tradition, previously held by the University of Auckland. Remarkably, this win represents the first time the Shield has changed hands since the inception of the National Tertiary Championship Series in 2016.

The National Tertiary Championship Series is an annual sporting event that sees the best university teams in the country battling it out for national supremacy between April and September each year. Consisting of 17 days of competition across eight sports, including 3×3 Basketball, Rowing, Badminton, Futsal, Ultimate, 5×5 Basketball, Volleyball and Netball, the Championship events are delivered by University and Tertiary Sport New Zealand in partnership with relevant New Zealand National Sporting Organisations.

In addition to claiming the 2023 National Tertiary Championship Series title and the centenary Shield, the University of Canterbury has also taken out the prestigious National Tertiary Spirit Champion award. This award acknowledges the University’s commitment to excelling in sport but also promoting the values of teamwork, camaraderie, and sportsmanship among its students. This accolade cements the University of Canterbury’s status as a powerhouse in both sport and sporting spirit, as it is the first university to capture both titles in a single year.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey shard her immense pride in the UC athletes, coaches, and supporters.

“This extraordinary achievement embodies the values of excellence, perseverance, and unity that define the University of Canterbury sports programme. We are not only champions on the field but also champions of the spirit of sport. This victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our student-athletes and the entire University community.”