The Counties Manukau Rugby Union (CMRFU), whose representative team is known as the Counties Manukau Steelers, holds a unique and revered place in New Zealand rugby. Famous for their enterprise, flair, and high-octane running style, the union represents South Auckland and the Franklin region, sporting traditional red, white, and black hooped jerseys.
Formation & Early Years (1955)
Before establishing independence, clubs in the region competed as a sub-union under the Auckland Rugby Football Union starting in 1926.
• Full Union Status: In 1955, local administrators broke away to form the South Auckland Counties union. The name was shortened to Counties in 1956 and formally updated to Counties Manukau in 1995.
• The Steelers Name: The “Steelers” moniker pays homage to the local industrial backbone—the Glenbrook Steel Mill near Waiuku.
• Home Fortress: The union plays out of Navigation Homes Stadium (traditionally known as Bayer Growers Stadium or ECOLight Stadium) in Pukekohe.
Golden Eras & Major Titles
1. The 1979 NPC Champions
Counties hit their stride in the late 1970s under coach Hiwi Tauroa, playing a adventurous brand of total rugby. After finishing as runners-up in 1976 and 1977, Counties broke through in 1979 to win the National Provincial Championship (NPC) First Division title, crowning them top-flight national champions.
2. The 1990s Cult Era
During the mid-to-late 1990s, Counties became one of the most exciting sides in the world. Led up front by gritty forward stalwarts like Errol Brain and Jim Coe, their backline boasted devastating power and international superstars like Jonah Lomu and Joeli Vidiri. They reached consecutive NPC Division 1 Finals in 1996 and 1997.
3. Lifting the Ranfurly Shield (2013)
For decades, Counties carried a “bridesmaid” tag in the Ranfurly Shield (“The Log o’ Wood”), missing out on agonizing draws and narrow losses in 1979, 1981, and 1982.
That heartbreak ended on August 30, 2013:
• Counties defeated Hawke’s Bay 27–24 in Napier, bringing the Ranfurly Shield home to Pukekohe for the very first time in their history.
• They went on to mount six successful defences before relinquishing it back to Hawke’s Bay in 2014.
Notable Legends & All Blacks
Despite competing in the shadow of neighboring powerhouse Auckland, Counties has consistently produced world-class talent and fan favorites:
• Andy Dalton: Captained Counties during their 1979 NPC victory and went on to captain the All Blacks, including during the 1981 Springbok tour.
• Pat Walsh: Scored twice in the union’s first-ever representative victory in 1955 and became the union’s first All Black.
• Jonah Lomu: Rugby’s first global megastar made his provincial mark in the red-and-black hoops, terrifying defense lines with his unmatched blend of speed and power.
• Joeli Vidiri: The flying Fijian winger formed one of the most iconic wing duos in rugby history alongside Lomu.
• Bruce Robertson: Widely regarded as one of the finest and most elegant centers in All Black history.
• Alan Dawson: The union’s ultimate ironman, holding the appearance record with 201 matches played between 1976 and 1989.
• Tana Umaga: Former All Black captain who later served as head coach for Counties Manukau, leading them to their 2012 Division 2 Championship promotion and 2013 Ranfurly Shield triumph.
Super Rugby & Grassroots Today
• Super Rugby Alliance: Counties Manukau is one of six provincial unions affiliated with the Chiefs Super Rugby franchise (though geographically close to Auckland, its historical roots tie it to the Chiefs region).
• Bunnings NPC: The Steelers continue to play in the top-flight Bunnings NPC, known for their explosive style and passionate South Auckland fanbase.
• Women’s Rugby: The union also boasts a strong women’s program, the Counties Manukau Heat, competing in the Farah Palmer Cup and producing several world-champion Black Ferns.
