The Old Boys – University Rugby Club (affectionately known as OBU) is one of the largest and most successful senior rugby clubs in Wellington, New Zealand.
OBU was created through the amalgamation of two proud and historic Wellington clubs, bringing together the academic flair of the university side and the robust tradition of the city’s premier high school alumni.
The Merger (1991)
Old Boys-University was officially established at the conclusion of the 1991 season. The merger combined over two centuries of aggregate rugby history between:
1. Wellington College Old Boys (WCOB): Founded in 1897 by former students and masters of Wellington College to maintain school bonds and enjoy high-level amateur rugby.
2. Victoria University of Wellington RFC (VUWRFC): Founded in 1903 (with roots tracing to 1902), representing the green-and-gold academic contingent of the city.
The Identity: To honor both founding clubs, OBU adopted a distinct playing kit consisting of bottle green and white hoops (from University) accented by a black patch and gold numbers (from WCOB). The club’s alternative strip features a striking harlequin design featuring all four parent colors.
Championship History and Success
Both founding clubs brought highly decorated histories to the table, including early Jubilee Cup (Wellington’s premier club trophy) titles. Victoria University notably won the very first Jubilee Cup ever awarded in 1929.
Following a period of rebuilding after the merger, OBU rose to become a modern powerhouse in the Wellington Rugby Football Union (WRFU) competition.
Jubilee Cup Titles:
• Predecessor Clubs: 1927, 1928, 1929, 1933, 1946, 1952–1954, 1958, 1964, 1966
• As OBU: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2024
In addition to their Premier men’s dominance, OBU is famously recognized for its exceptional Colts (Under-21) system—which completed a legendary streak of five consecutive championship seasons—as well as highly competitive Women’s, Under-85kg, and vibrant social grades.
Grounds and Culture
• Home Ground: The Basin Reserve (Hawkins Basin) serves as the primary home ground for major matches.
• Training Hub: Boyd-Wilson Field, a premier artificial turf located right on the doorstep of Victoria University’s Kelburn campus.
• Clubrooms: Historically based out of the iconic Cambridge Hotel in central Wellington.
OBU prides itself on playing a style traditional to both old clubs: an expansive, fast-paced, “free-flowing, 15-man rugby” game. The club relies heavily on student participation, boasting hundreds of active Victoria University students and alumni across its ranks.
Notable Players
OBU and its predecessor clubs have nurtured a massive number of provincial representatives, Super Rugby stars, and international icons. Some of the most notable names include:
• Conrad Smith: Iconic All Black center, double World Cup winner, and proud Victoria University alumnus.
• Ron Jarden: Legendary 1950s All Black winger who starred in University’s “Golden Era” sides.
• Stu Wilson: Exuberant All Black winger and former national captain (from WCOB).
• Lima Sopoaga & Michael Hobbs: Super Rugby pivots who featured heavily in the club’s modern renaissance.
• Wes Goosen: Star Wellington and Hurricanes back.
• George Aitken: 1921 All Black Captain.
• Claire Rowat: Celebrated Canadian international and Black Ferns representative.
