Founded in 1868. Rugby began in 1870 with the first game ever played between Nelson and Nelson College at the Botanical Reserve in Nelson City.
We are extremely proud of our history and heritage and are committed to promoting the development of rugby for all people throughout the Nelson and Tasman region of New Zealand and beyond.The aim of the website is to update club activities and provide a historical digital repository for future generations of the club to access.
The club has adopted the MOH guidelines and will be following all advice issued by the MOH / NZ Government.
Barbara Hodgson interviews Bill Phillips, the third generation of the Phillips’ family associated with the club. Roy (Tinker, Bill’s grandfather) and Terry (Bill’s father) both played junior and senior rugby for the club and for their meritorious service to the club were made life members. Tinker oversaw the building of the clubrooms and Terry also contributed significantly to the build. Eileen (Bill's mother) was the first woman to receive the Tenants Cup for service to the club after stepping in to take on the role of club secretary, a position she held for five years. Bill played rugby for the club as a junior till a passion for volleyball shifted his focus. He remains a staunch supporter of the club.
In celebration of the club's 150th anniversary Barbara Hodgson has been interviewing some of the club identities to capture their memories and create a living history of the club. You can watch all the interviews on our channel.
Members of the Nelson Rugby Football Club are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting: 6pm, 26 November 2021 at the Clubrooms, Trafalgar Park, Nelson
Please send nominations, signed by the proposer and seconder of the motion, for the committee to the Secretary.
Nomination of a person for Life Membership must be made in writing and signed by two club members. Please send nominations to the Secretary.
Any member of the Club may present a Notice of Motion for consideration by the Annual General Meeting. Such notice need to be in writing and signed by the proposer and seconder of the motion. Please send Notice of Motion to the Secretary.
After a shortened and tough season the club took the time to acknowledge the players who had delivered on and off the field and the team working behind the scenes that kept the club functioning.
We congratulate the winners and thank them for their contributions to the club.
Gargulio Trophy: Larry Banse and Kershaw Sykes-Martin
Under 21 Player of the year: Anton Segner
Most Improved Player: Paddy Miller-Leaf
Player of the day: Connor Higgins
Sportsman of the Year: Jackson Pugh
Most Improved Player: Matthew McClunie
Player of the year: Rakoia Dooley
Player of the day: Beaudy Wardell
Most Valuable Person: Quentin Harwood
Tenant Trophy - Administrator of the year: Kelly Kiniston
Presidents Cup (selected by Club President): Kent Inglis
John Goodman Trophy (selected by the Goodman family): Quentin and Jo Harwood
Gargulio Trophy awarded to Larry Banse and Kershaw Sykes-Martin.
John Goodman Trophy (selected by the Goodman family) awarded to Quentin and Jo Harwood
Due to Covid restrictions the juniors could not celebrate the end of the season and prize giving with a big party. Instead each team had their own party and acknowledged the players who were acknowledged for their hard work and contribution to the team.
McDonald's trophy for outstanding attitude: Oliver King
Female player of the year: Isabelle Turner
Rochelle Walker Memorial Cup for contribution to the junior club: Jo Harwood
Player of the year: Pablo Garguilo, Most Improved: Jax Paton, Sportsperson: Solomon King
Player of the year: Barret Cocker, Most Improved: Joseph Warland, Sportsperson: Cory Trusler
Player of the year: Jago Doherty, Most Improved: Benjamin Poll, Sportsperson: Ollie Timpany
Player of the year: Hezekiel Tupuola, Most Improved: Kayden Trusler, Sportsperson: Robbie Freeman
Player of the year: Shaun Mana, Most Improved: Charlie Belln, Sportsperson: Carter Marshall
Player of the year: Welfare Schwenke, Most Improved: Sam Boyce, Sportsperson: Hunter Morrison
Player of the year: Kobe Madden, Most Improved: Luke Crosbie, Sportsperson: Nero Bjerring
Player of the year: Quinn MacDonald, Most Improved: Tristen Peake, Sportsperson: Wolfgang Hoare
Player of the year: Kian Mellor, Most Improved: Finlay Lawes Sportsperson: Leith Copson
Player of the year: Edward Foskett, Most Improved: Hamish Williamson, Sportsperson: Murdoch Smith
Senior Club Captain
James Fairbrass - 021 132 2049
Coaches
Div 1: Gary Stevens - 021 222 8410
Div 2: Daniel McDonald - 027 859 7091
Junior Club Captain
Quentin Harwood - 027 302 3508
See our Membership page for more information.