The Nelson Rugby Football Club, founded in 1868, is the oldest rugby club in New Zealand.

In 1870 Charles Monro introduced the club to rugby as we know it today and next year (2020) we are celebrating 150 years since the first ever game of rugby was played in New Zealand. The game was played between Nelson and Nelson College on the 14th May 1870 at the Botanical Reserve in Nelson City.

The Nelson Rugby Football Club is extremely proud of their history and heritage as New Zealand's oldest rugby club and role in the first game of rugby played in New Zealand and are planning to celebrate the occasion in style.

There will be a number of events next year, with the 150th celebration planned for Queens Birthday weekend June 2020.

Guest Speaker

We are delighted to announce that the guest speakers at our 150th dinner is celebrated coach and New Zealander Sir Graham Henry.

Sir Graham has had a notable sporting career, playing senior club rugby in Christchurch,Dunedin and Auckland, cricket for Canterbury and Otago and is one of the most successful coaches to have ever coached the All Black.