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Gisborne HSOB Rugby Club History
Club:
Year published:
Author:
Page count:
Notes:
High School Old Boys Rugby Club Gisborne
2025
James Warren
1 pages
Following the centenary of the club in 2025, James Warren contacted me to provide the following information:
High School Old Boys Rugby Club Gisborne was established in 1925 by members of the 1924 Gisborne District High School 1st XV, who wished to stay together and continue playing rugby. In its inaugural year, the club fielded both a Junior and a 3rd Grade team, with the Juniors going on to win their competition. The following season saw the formation of the club’s first Senior XV.
Originally, the club’s colours were maroon jerseys with black shorts. Strong ties with Gisborne High School were maintained from the outset, including the appointment of the school’s headmaster as Club Patron – a tradition that continues to this day (Currently, that is Tom Cairns).
Although the club lost its senior status in 1928, it regained it in 1931 and has maintained that status ever since. HSOB claimed its first Senior Championship title in 1937 and repeated the feat in 1938, sharing the honours that year with Celtic RFC. Over the decades, the club has built a proud record of success, winning the Senior title 20 times. Most recently, a dominant era was marked by three consecutive championships in 2015, 2016, and 2017.
In 1949, the club colours changed to the now-iconic blue and white hoops, and the first clubrooms were also constructed that year. These facilities were upgraded in 1971 to include two squash courts – all built through volunteer labour and community spirit, and again extended in 2001.
HSOB has been home to several players who achieved national and international honours. All Blacks who have worn the club’s jersey either before or after their international careers include Norm Wilson, Richard (Tiny) White, Brian Fitzpatrick, Keith Bagley, Mick Cossey, Mark Irwin, Mike Parkinson, and Rico Gear. Other notable representatives include Eric Grant (Scotland, during WWII), Malakai Ravulo (Fiji, 2010–2016), and most recently, Siosiua Moala, who played two Tests for Tonga in 2024.
The club also proudly claims over 240 players who have represented the Poverty Bay Rugby Football Union
In 2025, High School Old Boys Rugby Club marked a major milestone, celebrating its 100th year with a highly successful jubilee that honoured its proud past, vibrant present, and exciting future.
PS: Attached is a photo of the original GHSOB team. Vic Caulton was the captain, and he was the head boy of Gisborne High School in 1924. He played for Poverty Bay (selected while still at school) against the 1924 Hawke’s Bay side.
CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE
Gisborne HSOB Rugby Club History
Club:
High School Old Boys Rugby Club Gisborne
Year:
2025
Author:
James Warren
Pages:
1 pages
Notes:
Following the centenary of the club in 2025, James Warren contacted me to provide the following information:
High School Old Boys Rugby Club Gisborne was established in 1925 by members of the 1924 Gisborne District High School 1st XV, who wished to stay together and continue playing rugby. In its inaugural year, the club fielded both a Junior and a 3rd Grade team, with the Juniors going on to win their competition. The following season saw the formation of the club’s first Senior XV.
Originally, the club’s colours were maroon jerseys with black shorts. Strong ties with Gisborne High School were maintained from the outset, including the appointment of the school’s headmaster as Club Patron – a tradition that continues to this day (Currently, that is Tom Cairns).
Although the club lost its senior status in 1928, it regained it in 1931 and has maintained that status ever since. HSOB claimed its first Senior Championship title in 1937 and repeated the feat in 1938, sharing the honours that year with Celtic RFC. Over the decades, the club has built a proud record of success, winning the Senior title 20 times. Most recently, a dominant era was marked by three consecutive championships in 2015, 2016, and 2017.
In 1949, the club colours changed to the now-iconic blue and white hoops, and the first clubrooms were also constructed that year. These facilities were upgraded in 1971 to include two squash courts – all built through volunteer labour and community spirit, and again extended in 2001.
HSOB has been home to several players who achieved national and international honours. All Blacks who have worn the club’s jersey either before or after their international careers include Norm Wilson, Richard (Tiny) White, Brian Fitzpatrick, Keith Bagley, Mick Cossey, Mark Irwin, Mike Parkinson, and Rico Gear. Other notable representatives include Eric Grant (Scotland, during WWII), Malakai Ravulo (Fiji, 2010–2016), and most recently, Siosiua Moala, who played two Tests for Tonga in 2024.
The club also proudly claims over 240 players who have represented the Poverty Bay Rugby Football Union
In 2025, High School Old Boys Rugby Club marked a major milestone, celebrating its 100th year with a highly successful jubilee that honoured its proud past, vibrant present, and exciting future.
PS: Attached is a photo of the original GHSOB team. Vic Caulton was the captain, and he was the head boy of Gisborne High School in 1924. He played for Poverty Bay (selected while still at school) against the 1924 Hawke’s Bay side.
