The Sydenham Rugby Club, established 1882, has capitalised on the good work of earlier generations by once again emerging as a respected force in Canterbury rugby. With player numbers in excess of 500 incorporated within 30+ teams; this makes the Sydenham Rugby Club one of the largest playing memberships in the South Island. Besides contributing three presidents to the Canterbury Rugby Union, the Club has had a major influence on the development of the game nationally, providing three presidents of the New Zealand Rugby Union.