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As a club Christchurch is used to success but few teams if any have had the sort of success that the club's Division 3 side is currently having.
The self-titled ‘All Stars’ have won the Division 3 competition for the past three seasons and are currently unbeaten after seven competition matches this year.
Co-coach Pierre Gargiulo says the team, established by Toby Giles, Greg Lee and himself, was set-up four years ago to encourage players at the club to stay in the game.
"We were finding that there were many guys who didn't want to commit themselves to training and doing the extra stuff but still wanted to play to a decent standard."
The All Stars (so named by Toby Giles) train once a week. Their training involves a game of touch for an hour. “There is no pressure on guys to be available on Saturdays if they have pressing family or work commitments.
"About half our guys have played Division 1," Pierre says. "And we have some really talented guys who are too old for colts rugby but still want to play to a high level."
A star of the All Stars is former Highlander's lock Pete Bowden.
"He has a lot of experience and reflects what our team is about. When his body is sore during a match he will take a breather. He still really enjoys his footy though."
Many of the All Stars have played all four seasons. "Andy Broomhall is one of those," Pierre laughs, "and this season he has even managed to get fit!"
Although their intentions might be casual, there is no doubt that on the field the team gets serious.
"There have been four main clubs in contention during the last few years," Pierre says, "Belfast, Burnside, Sumner and us. Unfortunately Sumner has not entered a team this season."
Despite being unbeaten this year, it has not all been plain sailing for the All Stars. They needed a last minute try to heat Burnside. They are taking nothing for granted.
Pierre says the All Stars and other teams like it are good for rugby as they keep guys involved who would otherwise be lost to the sport. "I know the guys really enjoy it and have become very close over the years.
Teams in Division 3 this season play two full rounds of rugby before the semi-finals and final take place.
Todd Nicholls
