By Stu Piddington

Timaru's Celtic rugby club have sealed a place in New Zealand club rugby history with their ninth Hamersley Cup crown in a row.

To the delight of their supporters at the city's Alpine Energy Stadium on Saturday, the 25-10 win over Harlequins made them the most successful club in the modern era of New Zealand rugby when it comes to consecutive titles.

Only Southland's Star Rugby Club have a better record, notching up 16 titles, but they started their amazing run way back in 1888.

Celtic captain Nick Strachan who, along with prop Matt Fetu and No.8 Kali Latu, has played in all nine victories, said it was an unbelievable feeling.

"I can't quite believe we have done it. It's fantastic for the team and club," he said.

Strachan thanked all the coaches and management, committees, sponsors and supporters for their efforts behind the scenes.

"For everyone involved with the club it's been unreal, really."

South Canterbury Rugby Union chief executive Craig Calder said the record was richly deserved.

"It's an amazing achievement by a club that has been setting the standard for some time.p.

"The way they go about things on and off the field has to be admired."

It was not an easy loss for the gallant Harlequins, who beat Celtic twice in the round robin games this campaign, but fell short at the business end of the season.

Harlequins have also been the bridesmaid on seven occasions during Celtic's wonderful run.

Celtic president Peter Cockburn said it was a special effort over a decade from all those involved, both on and off the field.

"Any rugby record is great in New Zealand because they are not easy to come by." 

Celtic had a long dry spell before their current success arrived.

They were on wrong side of a record-breaking 119-7 thrashing by North Otago side Valley in a combined competition in 2005.

That was the catalyst for change, with their centennial pending.

Hard-working committees, good coaching staff and managing to refresh their side each year have been key parts of their success.

Celtic's strong link with Roncalli College has also paid dividends, as well as the introduction of talented Pacific Island players over the past decade.

Over the nine seasons Celtic have only had head coaches. Shaun Breen got the run under way with the first three titles, before Nigel Walsh took charge.

Breen then came back this year when Walsh was appointed to the North Otago role.

Likewise Celtic have only had two captains, Strachan and Jeremy Bailey, who was also on hand to witness the win.

Breen said it had been a huge effort from the team.

"I'm really proud of them, the boys really stuck to the task. It was an awesome effort."