NZ Rugby Legacy
Our History
The New Zealand Universities Rugby Football Council has a storied legacy that dates back to 1908, when the organisation was formally established to bring together university rugby clubs across Aotearoa. Pioneering clubs such as Otago, Canterbury, and Auckland laid the foundation for university rugby, fostering a unique blend of sporting competition and camaraderie.
In 1936, the first New Zealand Universities team embarked on a historic tour to Japan, marking the beginning of international representation for university rugby. Since then, NZU Rugby has continued to provide a platform for players to excel on global stages, proudly wearing the black jersey.
Through over a century of challenges and triumphs, NZU Rugby has upheld its commitment to fostering connection, loyalty, and opportunities for players and alumni. With tradition and innovation at its core, it remains a cornerstone of New Zealand’s rugby heritage.
Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini
My success should not be bestowed onto me alone, as it was not individual success but success of a collective.
1908 - 1939
Foundation Years
The early years of NZU Rugby laid the foundations of a proud tradition.
The first tour in 1908 saw 22 players selected after a North v South trial in Miramar. Led by captain R.I. Dansey of Otago and manager Dr Irwin Hunter, the team faced the University of Sydney on Australian soil. Though results were not favourable, the tour marked the start of international representation.
Throughout these foundation years, university teams regularly played matches against Australian and American sides, with the University of Sydney series becoming a notable fixture. Many players, including All Blacks like George Aitken, showcased early excellence while balancing academic and professional life.
In 1936, NZU became the first New Zealand team to tour Japan, finishing unbeaten in nine matches. This pioneering team highlighted the growing strength of university rugby and its role in shaping the sport’s future in New Zealand.
1940 - 1959
A Period Of Growth
Post-WWII, NZU Rugby resumed Australasian competition, laying the foundation for iconic international matches against the Springboks and British & Irish Lions during the 1950s.
In 1949, NZU resumed matches against Australian Universities, drawing a three-match series on home soil. This Australian team featured players not only from Sydney but also from Queensland, Tasmania, Adelaide, and Melbourne, marking broader representation.
In 1950, NZU lost to Otago but rebounded with a historic 1951 tour of Australia, playing in Brisbane, Armidale, Canberra, and Sydney. The team, captained by Bob Stuart, lost just once to Wellington upon their return, missing Ron Jarden and John Tanner, who had joined the All Blacks tour.
In 1956, NZU Rugby faced the touring Springboks at Athletic Park, marking their first game against a major side. Featuring 10 All Blacks, NZU triumphed 22-15, with spectacular tries from “Tuppy” Diack and John Tanner. Ron Jarden’s dazzling halfway try was controversially disallowed, but the victory cemented this match as a turning point for university rugby. Three years later in 1959 NZU Rugby faced the British & Irish Lions at Lancaster Park, losing 25-13.
1960 - 1979
Historic Matches
The 1960s and 1970s marked pivotal moments in the legacy of NZU Rugby, showcasing the spirit and skill of university players on the national and international stage.
During the 1960s, NZU expanded their horizons with tours to Australia (1960), California and British Columbia (1961), and Hong Kong and Japan (1967), while also maintaining fixtures against New Zealand provincial teams
In 1965, NZU Rugby faced a formidable South African team at Eden Park, falling 55–11 in a defining challenge. The following year, in 1966, they took on the British & Irish Lions at Lancaster Park, putting up a spirited fight but losing 24–11.
However, history was made in 1977, when NZU Rugby achieved a landmark victory over the British & Irish Lions, winning 21–9 at Lancaster Park, a game that demonstrated the talent and determination of university players.
1980 - 1999
Memorable Victories
The 1980s and 1990s were a golden era for NZU Rugby, marked by international success and competitive grit.
Highlights include the 1985 European Tour, where NZU Rugby won 11 of 12 matches against top teams such as Oxford, Cambridge, and French Universities, including a narrow 10–9 victory over Italy at Stadio Mario Battaglini. In 1988, NZU Rugby soared by winning the Inaugural Student World Cup in New Zealand. They repeated their strong form at the 1992 Student World Cup, securing 5 wins from 6 matches.
Other notable matches included a victory over Fiji in 1994 (11–5) and commanding performances against Japan A teams in 1997 and 1998, with wins such as 43–7 at Jade Stadium.
These years demonstrated the strength and resilience of NZU Rugby, upholding its reputation as a dominant force in university rugby worldwide.
2000 - 2019
Decades of Triumph
The 2000s marked a period of dominance and cultural significance for NZU Rugby on the international stage.
Key victories against Japan A showcased the team’s strength, including a 38–24 win in 2000 at Westpac Trust Stadium and an emphatic 99–12 victory in 2004 at Jade Stadium, cementing their place as a force in university rugby.
Beyond the field, cultural heritage took centre stage in 2013 with the creation of a unique haka composed by Sir Derek Lardelli, encapsulating the pride, passion, and identity of NZU Rugby. This haka remains a symbolic representation of the team’s values and connection to Aotearoa.
This era reflected not only NZU Rugby's success in competition but also its commitment to cultural identity and the deeper values that unite players, universities, and the wider rugby community. A decade of both sporting and cultural excellence.
2020 – Onwards: The Modern Era
The 2020s mark an exciting chapter for NZU Rugby, filled with resilience, growth, and innovation. Despite challenges during the Covid pandemic, NZU Rugby bounced back in 2021 and 2022 with domestic fixtures against Heartland provincial teams. A historic milestone was achieved in 2022, with the introduction of the NZU Women’s team, showcasing the Council’s commitment to inclusivity and development.
Internationally, NZU Rugby’s fierce rivalry with Japan Under-20 teams brought thrilling encounters. In 2023, NZU narrowly lost 52–46 in Tokyo, but rebounded in 2024 with back-to-back victories: a 66–38 win at Apollo Project Stadium and a 43–31 win at Canterbury Ilham Fields. The NZU Women’s team also made an impact, winning 24–21 against the Reds Development Women in October 2024.
NZU Rugby continues to epitomise camaraderie, creativity, and the excitement of university rugby, providing a key pathway for players to don the coveted black jersey.
QUICK LINKS
GET IN TOUCH WITH US
Phone: +64 21 0234 6354
Email: secretary@nzurugby.com
Postal: Secretary
8 Prendiville Lane, Greytown 5712
