The CRL is currently part of the South Island Zone which includes the Tasman, West Coast, Otago and Southland regions.
The organisation was founded on 13 July 1912 at a meeting that included William Moyle, Robert Brunsden, New Zealand representative Charlie Pearce and David McPhail, who had played with St. Helens and Wigan.
The side was coached by Frank Endacott and included players such as captain Mark Nixon, Mike Culley, Quentin Pongia, Aaron Whittaker, Justin Wallace, Terry Hermansson, Brent Stuart, Paul Johnson, Whetu Taewa, Logan Edwards, Brendon Tuuta, Simon Angell and Mike Dorreen.
With the creation of the Lion Red Cup however, many moved franchises and eventually ended up in Australia or England.
[5] In 2011 due to the Christchurch earthquake the Grand stands became too dangerous to inhabit and Canterbury Rugby League were displaced until 2019 when in conjunction with the Christchurch City council, Rugby League purpose-built facilities were built at the Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub and will be officially opened on 23 February 2019 with an exhibition match between the NZ Warriors and the Canterbury Bulls.
Aranui Eagles Halswell Hornets Hornby Panthers Linwood Keas Northern Bulldogs Papanui Tigers Riccarton Knights Burnham Chevaliers Sydenham Swans