Mahurangi Rugby Club

Club History

Though rugby roots in the Mahurangi region stretch all the way back to the 19th century, the Mahurangi Rugby Club (MRFC) as it stands today was officially established in 1989.

Here is the story of how three fierce rivals came together to build one of the most vibrant community clubs in the North Harbour province.

The Origins & Amalgamation

Before 1989, local rugby was dominated by three separate, highly competitive clubs competing in the Rodney Sub-Union of the North Auckland Provincial Union:

• Kaipara Flats (Established in 1886)
• Warkworth
• Omaha

The rivalry between these clubs was intense, both on the field competing for the historic Govan Wilson Cup (inaugurated in 1911) and off the field in local establishments. However, a major issue arose regarding youth development. Because there was no formal college rugby competition at the time, the three clubs constantly fought over players coming out of Mahurangi College to fill their teenage age-grade teams.

Realizing this fractured approach was holding their young players back, a steering committee spent two years working to unify the region. In 1989, the three clubs successfully merged to form Mahurangi RFC and made the pivotal decision to join the North Harbour Rugby Union.

All Black Connections

Despite its rural footprint, the Mahurangi area has an impressive rugby pedigree. Local Mahurangi College has produced three All Blacks:

• Murray Jones (who played his club rugby for Omaha)
• Zinzan Brooke
• Robin Brooke

Modern Day & The Warkworth Showgrounds

Today, “Mahu” has grown into a massive community hub with over 900 members, fielding dozens of senior, junior, and touch rugby teams.

Based at the Warkworth Showgrounds, the club boasts premium facilities, including sand-based playing fields equipped with NPC-level LED light towers. The venue has grown so sophisticated that it has even hosted provincial pre-season matches for Super Rugby franchises like the Blues and the Hurricanes.

mahurangi-rugby-club-versus-glenfield-1st-april-1989

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Mahurangi v Glenfield Saturday April 1, 1989

Club:

Year published:

Author:

Page count:

Notes:

Mahurangi Rugby Club

1989

Not stated

4 pages

This is the programme for the first game played by the newly formed Mahurangi Rugby Club

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Mahurangi v Glenfield Saturday April 1, 1989

Club:

Mahurangi Rugby Club

Year:

1989

Author:

Not stated

Pages:

4 pages

Notes:

This is the programme for the first game played by the newly formed Mahurangi Rugby Club

Club History