Ahead of Dry July, Canterbury Rugby teams are being challenged to pick alcohol free alternatives. 

Throughout June, South Canterbury Rugby Football Union is teaming up with Te Whatu Ora, Fire and Emergency, the Police, and South Canterbury Road Safety, asking people to ‘Be a Hero: Try Zero’. 

Club members are being encouraged to choose zero alcohol beverages in an initiative aimed at reducing alcohol related harm in the community and destigmatising zero alcohol choices. 

Tim Hyde-Smith, CEO of South Canterbury Rugby, told Kerre Woodham that it’s all about looking after their players not only in regard to alcohol, but also their mental, emotional, and physical health, as well as supporting them in their relationships. 

He said that whichever club drinks the most zero alcohol beverages will win a tackle mat worth $1,200, plus a pizza shout. 

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