Founded in May 1912, Papakura Rugby Club (often affectionately known as “Kura”) is a cornerstone sports institution in South Auckland. Affiliated with the Counties Manukau Rugby Union, the club has spent over a century anchoring the local community through grassroots and premier rugby union.
Key Historical Milestones
Club Foundation & First Field
1912
Established in May 1912, Papakura RFC helped form the Manukau Rugby Union alongside neighboring clubs Bombay and Wairoa South. That same year, the Papakura Town Board granted permission to use the Railway Reserve (now Massey Park).
Post-War Rebuilding & First Clubrooms
1940s–1953
After surviving play interruptions during both World Wars, the club permanently established its official clubrooms at Massey Park in 1953.
Birth of Counties Manukau Union
1955
On 10 March 1955, Papakura RFC hosted the inaugural AGM of the South Auckland Rugby Football Sub-Union, which directly led to the formation of the Counties Manukau Rugby Union.
Grandstand Relocation from Eden Park
1957
In a unique piece of New Zealand rugby heritage, the original timber grandstand from Eden Park was disassembled, moved south, and re-erected at Massey Park.
Golden Era & McNamara Cup Dominance
1956–1996
Papakura established itself as a local power, winning Counties Manukau’s premier trophy, the McNamara Cup, nine times across five decades.
Championship Honors & Legacy
Papakura’s red-and-black hooped jerseys have hoisted the prestigious McNamara Cup nine times:
• 1950s: 1956, 1957, 1958 (shared with Waiuku)
• 1960s–1970s: 1968, 1972, 1973, 1974 (shared with Manurewa)
• 1980s–1990s: 1982, 1996
Beyond silver service on the field, the club added netball under its umbrella to become the Papakura Rugby and Netball Club, catering to teams ranging from “Small Blacks” (under 6s) all the way to senior premier grades and masters.
