Preserving the history of New Zealand rugby

We need your help.

Since the introduction of professionalism in Rugby, Rugby clubs have struggled to maintain finances, volunteers and playing numbers. Recent reports have highlighted the problems which are facing all clubs currently, while many clubs have folded under the pressure.

In July 2022, New Zealand Rugby launched a new initiative focusing on the future of community clubs the future of community clubs.

“NZR General Manager Community Rugby Steve Lancaster said the project had been identified as a key priority to grow the sport in the long-term”.

The New Zealand Rugby Museum has, as its Mission “To be the official Rugby Museum in New Zealand that safeguards the preservation, protection and display of the history and heritage of New Zealand rugby.”

With so many clubs in New Zealand struggling for survival, preserving the written histories of all clubs takes on a greater importance. Many clubs have become defunct, and as time passes, the records of these clubs disappear.

This site serves as a record of all the written histories of the Rugby clubs and Rugby unions in New Zealand, including those clubs long gone. While we identify those records and place them on the site, it does not mean that The Museum has a copy of that record. Ideally, every written history will eventually be stored at the museum, whether an original publication or a copy.

The museum hosts Rugby Jamborees annually for all historians and collectors, writers and dealers, administrators, and players to attend and enjoy a weekend of “show/tell/sell/swap/learn”. “The jamborees are an exhibition of rugby – by the people, for the people.”

We ask all those who have attended the jamboree’s and have toured the museum and witnessed the dedicated work of the staff and volunteers to help fill gaps in the records of the clubs and unions held in the museum library.

We also ask anyone who may have a book or a collection at home to assist.

Visit our Facebook page

If you have an old club history, or some records from a club that is likely to be unique or invaluable, please contact us. Even being able to get a copy of the records will help.

Share this article:

You may be interested in: