Macklan Robertson named on Canterbury bench for NPC debut

Macklan Robertson has been named on the bench for Canterbury's final regular season NPC match against Manawatū in Palmerston North this Saturday. The first five-eighth is poised to make his debut as an understudy to starting pivot Andrew Knewstubb.

The young playmaker is a former St Andrew’s College pupil and a member of the Crusaders academy. He recently returned to club rugby with Sumner in May after a long period on the sidelines due to a ruptured ACL in 2025.

Canterbury currently sits second on the NPC ladder, one point behind North Harbour. The squad welcomes back lock Sam Darry, who returns after being omitted from the All Blacks' Bledisloe Cup squad.

Macklan is the son of former All Blacks coach Scott Robertson, who played 69 games for Canterbury. While his father was a backrower, Macklan plays as a first five-eighth.

Where reports differ

• Reports differ on the total number of NPC titles Scott Robertson won as a coach, citing either two or three.

Compiled from reports by The Press, Stuff and RNZ.