In 2018 we celebrated the 150th year since the birth of the Club, known at the time as the Nelson Football Club. The Club played a hybrid form of the game — a mixture of Association football and Melbourne Rules football (now known as Australian Rules Football).
In 1870 Charles Monro introduced the club to rugby as we know it today and the club formally adopted the name Nelson Rugby Football Club and the first rugby game ever played was between Nelson and Nelson College at the Botanical Reserve in Nelson City.
We are extremely proud of our history and heritage as New Zealand's oldest rugby club 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.
Register at the club rooms, check out our visual displays and catch up with friends.
Support our teams playing in the junior and senior competitions during the day and then enjoy the 150th dinner in the evening.
Join the parade and be part of our team photo. Join us for lunch and catch up with friends.
At this stage we haven't planned anything for Monday as we thought that attendees may want some free time to make the most of all the wonderful things Nelson has to offer.
To help us with planning the weekend can you please complete the expression of interest form.
We are trying to reach as many people connected with the club as possible - please share this link with other members of the Nelson Rugby Football Club family.
Keep an eye on this page and our Facebook page for events and dates. We will also be sending out 150th email updates.
100th anniversary photo on church steps