The Wanganui Technical College & Old Boys Rugby Club (commonly referred to as Technical, Tech Old Boys, or Tech) was established in 1923 to provide a pathway for former students of Wanganui Technical College (which later evolved into City College / Wanganui High School streams) to compete in local club rugby.
Affiliated with the Whanganui Rugby Football Union, the club played a central role in Whanganui club competitions throughout the mid-20th century.
Key Historical Milestones
• 1923 (Foundation): Established specifically as an Old Boys network for technical college alumni. The club adopted traditional blue and white colors.
• 1930s–1950s (Competitive Heyday): Tech Old Boys became a core senior premier contender at Whanganui’s historic Spriggens Park, regularly locked in local rivalries with clubs like Pirates, Kaierau, Marist, and Wanganui Old Boys.
• 1973 (Golden Jubilee): The club celebrated its 50th anniversary in October 1973, commemorating half a century of contribution to Whanganui rugby and releasing its official history, To Proclaim the Blue and White – Golden Jubilee 1923–1973.
• Transition & Recess (1990s): Amid changing demographics and player numbers across Whanganui club rugby, the club released a 1992 prospectus aimed at reinvigorating its membership base. Despite these efforts, the club eventually went into recess as players dispersed into other local club amalgamations.
• Reunions: Former players and supporters have kept the legacy alive through milestone gatherings, including major reunions in 2019 and centennial celebrations.
Notable Cross-Border Heritage
• Keith Gudsell: A rare dual-international who played for both the New Zealand All Blacks (1949) and later represented the Wallabies (1953) after moving to Australia; he spent his formative club years with Tech Old Boys.
