The Gladstone Rugby Club is a prominent, country-based rugby union club located in the rural community of Gladstone (near Carterton) in the Wairarapa region of New Zealand’s North Island.

Key History & Milestones

1. Foundations (1902)

The club was formally established in 1902 and has been playing at its traditional Gladstone Road grounds ever since. Initially, it competed under the banner of the historic Wairarapa Rugby Union (which was founded in 1886).

2. Club Identity

• Colours: Yellow jerseys with black trim, black shorts, and black socks featuring three yellow stripes.
• Community Roots: Gladstone has long been known as a fiercely proud, family-oriented country club. Its identity is deeply tied to the surrounding farming community, thriving on multi-generational family involvement both on the field and in its active social scene.

3. Transition to Wairarapa-Bush (1971)

In 1971, the Wairarapa and Bush rugby unions amalgamated to form the Wairarapa Bush Rugby Football Union. Gladstone transitioned into this new setup and quickly established itself as a consistent, powerful force in the local club competition.

4. Modern Era & The Sports Complex

Today, the club operates out of the Gladstone Sports Complex, a multi-use facility that serves as the social heartbeat of the local district. The club maintains a highly competitive footprint in local club rugby, traditionally fielding:

• Senior Premier and Reserves teams.

• A massive Junior Advisory Board (JAB) system, drawing over 100 local children every Saturday morning across various age groups.