Kia ora/ Welcome

New Zealand's Oldest Rugby Football Club

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.

Covid-19 Management

The club has adopted the MOH guidelines and will be following all advice issued by the MOH / NZ Government.

Game Day

Saturday 26th June

Div 2

1:15pm, Takaka Recreation Park: Nelson vs Takaka

Junior Rugby

The U6 & U8 teams are at home (Neale Park) and the other junior teams are all away this week.

For all the fixtures see the Tasman Rugby Union site:

Videos

Check out our latest video - an interview with Tom Sharland

Tom played for NRFC for 20 years - incurring the wrath of the Nelson College Headmaster for choosing to play for the club over the school. Tom has been an active sports person all his life (rugby, basketball & running to name a few) and now, at the age of 85 is still a keen biker. Tom talks to Barbara about his rugby career and his other sporting achievements.

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.

Club News

Junior Skill Holiday Sessions

Neale Park, 22nd July (Postponement Day 23rd July, confirmation on NRFC Facebook Page)

Open to all U10-U13 players

Session times

10.00am-U10/U11
12.00pm-U12/U13

Registration & cost

Cost: $50 ( includes fruit snack & sausage sizzle).

Payments made to: NRFC 03-1354-0325835-00

What to bring

Please wear appropriate rugby kit for training and bring:

water bottle
mouthguard
boots

Skills

catch & pass
tackle
evasion
breakdown
positional play

Session Coaches

NRFC Senior coaches & players including available Mako

All Blacks squad named for Steinlager series

Congratulations David Havili and Ethan Blackadder.

We know how hard you have both worked to achieve this goal and it is well deserved.

David and Ethan were both outstanding this season and their selections reflect the contribution they made to the Mako and Crusader successful seasons.

Coach Ian Foster was impressed with how David stepped into that fullback role and the skill set that he brings to a game - a great ball carrier in terms of his leg drive and in the tackle he's physical in that area and certainly he's grown in his defensive accuracy and what he does there. He brings a nice all-round skill set.

Ethan Blackadder - the impressive features of Ethan's game were his consistency in his play and an ability to absorb requirements and develop them.

Recognising service

This year we recognised the contribution, loyalty, and commitment of five players that wear the jersey with pride, honouring the tradition and values of the club.

Dylan Turnbull played his 100th game for the club. Dylan joins an elite few to achieve this milestone.

Dave Egelstaff, Asher Wells, Christian Tupuola and Inoke Latu all played their 50th game for the club.

Dylan Turnball

Dave Egelstaff

Asher Wells

Christian Tupuola

Inoke Latu

Interested in being a member?

Senior Players

Senior Club Captain

James Fairbrass - 021 132 2049

Coaches

Div 1: Gary Stevens - 021 222 8410

Div 2: Daniel McDonald - 027 859 7091

Junior Players

Junior Club Captain

Quentin Harwood - 027 302 3508

Non-playing membership

See our Membership page for more information.

Contact us

E: nrfcsecretary@gmail.com