Founded in 1884, the Hawkes Bay Rugby Union (HBRU) is the oldest provincial rugby union in New Zealand outside the four main centres. Known as the Magpies due to their iconic black-and-white striped jerseys, Hawke’s Bay is historically defined by its legendary relationship with the Ranfurly Shield (the “Log o’ Wood”), setting the standard for New Zealand provincial rugby across multiple golden eras.
Key Eras in Hawke’s Bay Rugby
Foundation & Birth of NZ Rugby
1884–1892
Delegates from Napier, Union, Hastings, and Petane formed the HBRU in 1884. Hawke’s Bay administrators Ernest Hoben and Francis Logan were pivotal in founding the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) in 1892, with Hoben serving as its inaugural secretary.
The First Golden Era (‘Shield Fever’)
1922–1927
Coached by the wily Norm McKenzie, Hawke’s Bay took the Ranfurly Shield from Wellington in 1922 and held it through 24 successful defences. Featuring stars like George Nēpia and the Brownlie brothers (Maurice and Cyril), the 1920s Magpies scored 720 points while conceding just 204.
The Second Golden Era
1966–1969
Under coach Colin Le Quesne and legendary All Black flanker Kel Tremain, the Magpies captured the Shield again in 1966. They mounted 21 successful defences at Napier’s McLean Park, rekindling massive local fan frenzy (“Shield Fever”) across the region.
Central Vikings & Modern NPC Era
1997–Present
Following the advent of professional rugby, Hawke’s Bay briefly merged with Manawatu in 1997 to form the Central Vikings. After reverting to independent status, the Magpies won NPC Division Two titles (2001–2005) to return to top-flight provincial rugby, making consistent semi-final runs and lifting the Ranfurly Shield again in 2013, 2014, 2020, and 2023.
Notable Figures & All Blacks
Hawke’s Bay has produced nearly 50 All Blacks, including some of the most influential figures in rugby history:
• George Nēpia (Fullback): Star of the 1924–25 “Invincibles” All Blacks, widely regarded as one of rugby’s greatest fullbacks.
• Maurice & Cyril Brownlie (Forwards): Dominant pack leaders who anchored the formidable 1920s Magpies squad.
• Kel Tremain (Flanker): Prolific try-scoring forward and captain during the 1960s Ranfurly Shield run.
• Modern All Blacks: World Cup champions Israel Dagg, Zac Guildford, and Brodie Retallick, along with Brad Weber and Hika Elliot.
Today, the Magpies compete in New Zealand’s premier domestic competition, the Bunnings NPC, and form part of the Hurricanes Super Rugby franchise alongside Wellington and other central North Island provincial unions.
