Bulls Rugby Club was established in 1876 under the name Rangitikei RFC. This makes it one of New Zealand’s oldest clubs. It comprised players from both Bulls and Sandown (Sanson). In 1888, Sanson RFC was formed (as part of the Manawatu union) and Rangitikei was renamed Bulls United. The 1937 team swept all before it winning the Wanganui and Rangitikei championships and the Licenced Victuallers Cup for senior supremacy in both Manawatu and Wanganui. The 1965 team repeated that feat.