T.B.& S. and C.F.M. Rugby Clubs

Club History

Unlike conventional community rugby clubs, T.B. & S. and C.F.M. Rugby Clubs represent workplace rugby teams born out of New Zealand’s bustling meat processing and freezing works industry during the mid-20th century.

Key History & Background

1. Corporate Origins

• T.B. & S. (Thomas Borthwick & Sons): Represented the New Zealand processing operations of Thomas Borthwick & Sons, a prominent British meat export firm operating several freezing works across New Zealand.

• C.F.M. (Canterbury Frozen Meat Company): Represented the Canterbury Frozen Meat Company, an influential South Island meat company established in 1882 (operating major facilities such as the Belfast Freezing Works).

2. The Annual Rivalry Fixture (1948–1970s)

• During the peak era of New Zealand industrial and commercial rugby leagues, workplace teams regularly fielded full squads to compete in commercial trophies and inter-company fixtures.

• Starting in 1948, T.B. & S. and C.F.M. established an official annual rugby match between their respective workforces.

• The yearly clash became a celebrated fixture on the industrial rugby calendar, bringing together freezing works workers, stock buyers, office clerks, and executive staff on the rugby field.

3. Silver Jubilee & Historical Record (1973)

• In 1973, the teams celebrated the 25th Anniversary (Silver Jubilee) of their annual fixture (1948–1973).

• To mark the milestone, a 28-page commemorative publication titled “T.B. & S. v C.F.M. 1948 – 1973 25th Anniversary” was published, documenting the results, rosters, and lore of the quarterly century of matches.

TBandS-versus-CFM-rugby-25th-anniversary-1973

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T.B.& S. v C.F.M. 1948 – 1973 25th Anniversary

Club:

Year published:

Author:

Page count:

Notes:

T.B.& S. and C.F.M. Rugby Clubs

1973

Not stated

28 pages

Thomas Borthwick & Sons v Canterbury Frozen Meats. This was an annual match between the meat companies To view a pdf of the booklet click here.

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE

T.B.& S. v C.F.M. 1948 – 1973 25th Anniversary

Club:

T.B.& S. and C.F.M. Rugby Clubs

Year:

1973

Author:

Not stated

Pages:

28 pages

Notes:

Thomas Borthwick & Sons v Canterbury Frozen Meats. This was an annual match between the meat companies To view a pdf of the booklet click here.

Club History