The Tasman Rugby Union (TRU), based at Te Tau Ihu (the top of New Zealand’s South Island), is New Zealand’s newest provincial rugby union. Known as the Mako (or Makos) and donning striking red and navy blue jerseys, Tasman’s modern rise from a newly merged union into a top-tier powerhouse is one of the most remarkable success stories in modern New Zealand rugby.

1. Deep Historical Roots & The Birth of NZ Rugby

Though Tasman itself is a modern creation, it represents the birthplace of New Zealand rugby:

• The First Match (1870): The very first official match of rugby union in New Zealand took place on May 14, 1870, at The Botanics in Nelson, played between Nelson College and the Nelson Football Club.
• Predecessor Unions: The region was originally split into two separate provincial unions:
o Marlborough RFU: Founded in 1888 (the “Red Devils”), famous for claiming one of the biggest Ranfurly Shield upsets in history by defeating Canterbury 13–6 in 1973 and defending it six times.
o Nelson Bays RFU: Founded in 1968 through the merger of Nelson (1885) and Golden Bay-Motueka (1920).

2. The Amalgamation (2006)

• Formation: In December 2005, the Marlborough and Nelson Bays unions officially merged to form the Tasman Rugby Union in response to New Zealand Rugby’s reorganization of the domestic game into the Air New Zealand Cup (NPC).
• Early Financial Struggles: The early years were fraught with financial uncertainty and administrative challenges, to the point where NZ Rugby considered removing Tasman from the premier competition in 2008. The union rallied local community and business support to survive.

3. The Rise to Premier Powerhouse (2013–Present)

Once stabilized, Tasman mounted an unprecedented ascent through the New Zealand domestic hierarchy:

• Championship Division Title (2013): Tasman won the NPC Championship division, defeating Hawke’s Bay 26–25 to earn promotion to the elite Premiership division.
• Back-to-Back NPC Premiership Titles (2019, 2020):
o 2019: Tasman completed an undefeated season, beating Wellington 31–14 in the final to lift their first major national provincial title.
o 2020: They successfully defended their crown, defeating Auckland 13–12 at Eden Park.
• Ranfurly Shield Conquest (2024): In September 2024, Tasman claimed the Ranfurly Shield for the first time as a merged union, defeating Hawke’s Bay 25–24 in Napier.

4. Home Grounds & Super Rugby Alignment

• Dual Venue Strategy: Reflecting its merged heritage, Tasman splits its home fixtures between two venues: Trafalgar Park in Nelson and Lansdowne Park in Blenheim.
• Crusaders Region: Tasman is an official feeder province for the Christchurch-based Crusaders Super Rugby franchise.

Notable Tasman Figures & All Blacks

Despite its short official history, Tasman has developed and hosted an exceptional array of top-tier talent:

• Marty Banks: Fan-favorite fly-half and clutch goal-kicker who led the side through its key developmental years.
• Liam Squire & Shannon Frizell: Hard-hitting loose forwards who earned All Black selection through stellar Mako performances.
• Sevu Reece & Will Jordan: World-class All Black wingers whose lethal finishing skills were honed in Tasman colors.
• David Havili & Ethan Blackadder: Long-serving modern leaders for both the Mako and the All Blacks.