The Kaikorai Rugby Club, based in Dunedin, New Zealand, is one of the region’s historic rugby clubs. Sporting blue, black, and white hooped jerseys, they are based out of the Bishopscourt clubrooms.
Club Timeline
Foundation
1883
The Kaikorai Football Club was formed following a meeting of local youthful enthusiasts.
First Banners
1888 – 1889
After officially joining the Senior Competition in 1887, Kaikorai won back-to-back Otago Rugby Football Union (ORFU) premiership banners.
The 7-Year Golden Run
1893 – 1899
Kaikorai established a legendary, unparalleled record in the Dunedin club competition, winning the Premier banner for seven consecutive seasons.
Early 20th Century Success
1914 – 1921
The club secured Premier banners in 1914 and 1921. Following the 1921 victory, the club entered a 76-year championship drought as the local competition fell under the dominant grip of University and Southern.
The Drought Broken
1997
Led by captain Andy Hunter and features from future stars, Kaikorai famously defeated a star-studded Southern team 12-7 on a cold, wet day at Carisbrook to claim the banner once more.
Modern Era Triumph
2016
Kaikorai captured its 14th Premier banner. Coached by 1997 captain Andy Hunter and captained by Blair Tweed, the team defeated Dunedin 29-22 at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Notable Players & All Blacks
Over its long history, Kaikorai has produced more than 3,700 players, including over 150 Otago representatives and 19 Highlanders. 15 club members have achieved New Zealand representative selection as All Blacks (or members of the early 1888 NZ Native Team).
• Byron Kelleher: The dynamic halfback played for the 1997 banner-winning side before debuting for the All Blacks in 1999, going on to play 58 games and appearing in three Rugby World Cups.
• Mike Brewer: Played for Kaikorai between 1987–1992, racking up 61 total matches (32 tests) for the All Blacks.
• David Duncan, Jimmy Duncan, and Alex McDonald: Standard-bearers of the club’s early dominance around the turn of the 20th century.
• Christian Lio-Willie: A standout contemporary player, continuing the club’s tradition of producing top-tier loose forwards with recent selection to the All Blacks.
International Representatives: Kaikorai has also been a breeding ground for international players representing other nations, such as Brendon Laney (Scotland) and Mike Mika (Samoa).
