The Pride of Burnside Roars: BWCUCC Celebrates Historic Test Trio

Burnside West Christchurch University Cricket Club | December 10, 2025

The Lion on the crest of the Burnside West Christchurch University Cricket Club (BWCUCC) has never roared louder, following the selection of Mitch Hay for the Black Caps Test side to play the West Indies at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, starting on the 10th of December 2025.

Hay’s elevation creates a historic "Burnside Pride" on the biggest stage. He joins current Black Caps Test Captain Tom Latham and fast bowler Will O’Rourke as active Test representatives from the club.

While O’Rourke is currently managing an ongoing back injury, the club is celebrating the rare distinction of having three current Test players among its current membership.

Tom Latham on the drive for Burnside in 2022/23. PHOTO: Liz Inglis.

Three Lions on the World Stage: The club’s crest features a rampant lion, making the "Pride" moniker fitting for this trio of talent. Club Chairman Peter Hay—who is also Mitch’s father—says the selection is a landmark moment for the club's history.

"We talk a lot about the 'Pride of Burnside' in our newsletters and club culture. To see that pride translated into three players in the Black Caps setup is remarkable," says Peter Hay.

"Wearing my Chairman’s hat, this validates our high-performance culture. On a personal level, as Mitch’s father, it is special to know he is joining a test setup that already includes two of his clubmates. It speaks to the brotherhood we try to foster here."

Mitchell Hay behind the sticks in last summer's T20 semi-final vs Sydenham. PHOTO: Hartland Images.

A Historic Alignment: With fellow local junior, Latham, batting at the top of the order, Hay behind the stumps, and O’Rourke opening the bowling when fit, the club has produced a core that covers every key facet of the game. BWCUCC acknowledges that while injuries are part of the sport, the prospect of seeing this "Burnside Pride" take the field together is a massive rallying point for the club's junior members and supporters for the remainder of the season.

Will O'Rourke wins the V.J McKibben Trophy in 2021 for best overall bowler for the club. PHOTO: BWCUCC.

About BWCUCC

Burnside West Christchurch University Cricket Club (BWCUCC) is a proud club with a rich history dating back to 1905, boasting a home ground at the picturesque Burnside Oval that features four high-quality grass cricket pitches and purpose-built cricket training facilities. The club is located in the heart of the suburb of Burnside, in northwest Christchurch. The club caters to all levels of cricket, from top men’s and women’s premier grades through to social grades, youth, and junior boys & girls cricket. The club maintains close ties with the University of Canterbury, as well as local high schools and primary schools.

For further information, contact: Gareth Gibson, BWCUCC secretary, cricket@burnsidecricket.org.nz.

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