Founded in 1886, Patumahoe Rugby Club (often affectionately known as “Patu” or “Patty”) holds the title of the oldest rugby club in the Counties Manukau region.
Based out of the rural community of Patumahoe in South Auckland, the club is a central pillar of local sports culture and fields teams ranging from junior rippa rugby to senior premier sides.
Key Historical Highlights
• Origins (1886): Formed by local settler families organizing matches in the Mauku and Patumahoe districts, Patumahoe predates the formation of the Counties Manukau Rugby Football Union itself (established in 1955).
• Colors & Identity: The club proudly wears Blue and Gold playing kit.
• Home Ground: Patumahoe Domain, which serves as the heart of the club’s match days and social events.
• Name Significance: The name Patumahoe references local history, relating to the ordering of the felling (“patu”) of a sacred Mahoe tree in the area during early local history.
On-Field Success: McNamara Cup
Patumahoe competes in the Counties Manukau premier competition for the coveted McNamara Cup. The club established itself as a modern powerhouse in the union by claiming premier titles in:
• 2006 (First McNamara Cup title)
• 2009
• 2012
They consistently feature in the top tier of Counties Manukau club rugby alongside traditional rivals like Pukekohe, Karaka, Bombay, and Manurewa.
Community & Representative Pathways
Patumahoe has long served as a key feeder club for the Counties Manukau Steelers provincial side, producing numerous local legends, Super Rugby players, and international representatives who got their start or played premier rugby at Patumahoe Domain.
