Manawatu Rugby Union
Manawatu Rugby Union is the governing body of Rugby in the Manawatu rugby province. It is based in the city of Palmerston North but has club teams from nearby towns in the province, such as Feilding and Rongotea.
The home ground is FMG Stadium, also known as Arena Manawatu.
Manawatu play in the distinctive green and white tramline jersey.
Club Rugby
There are 12 club teams which play at Senior A level.
They are:
- Palmerston North High School Old Boys RFC (HSOB)
- Queen Elizabeth College Old Boys RFC (COB)
- Freyberg Old Boys RFC
- Kia Toa RFC
- Palmerston North Marist
- Massey University RC (commonly known as Varsity)
- Feilding RFC (Commonly called Feilding Yellows, to differentiate from the below club)
- Feilding Old Boys RFC
- Bush from nearby Woodville
- Te Kawau from nearby Rongotea
- Oroua RFC, from Kimbolton
- Linton Army RFC, from Linton Military Camp
Other clubs include:
- Ashhurst-Pohangina
- Bunnythorpe
- Bulls
- Halcombe
Representative Rugby
Manawatu will play in the Air New Zealand Cup in 2006. It will be the first time since 1988 that Manawatu will play in the top grade for New Zealand Rugby. They will play under the name of the Manawatu Turbos
Main sponsor is Higgins Group. Apparel will be provided by ISC. Other sponsors include Tony's Tyre Service, EziBuy and Speight's
Manawatu Turbos played their first Air NZ Cup match against Auckland in Palmerston North on Saturday 29th July 2006.
Current Squad
- Daniel Alofa * Tim Faleafaga * Johnny Leota * Koli Sewabu
- Siaosi Anamani * Lisiate Faaoso * Leon Lubbe * Graham Smith
- Ryan Bambry * Robbie Foreman * Sam Moore * David Te Moana
- Francisco Bosch * Aaron Good * Bertus Mulder * Hayden Triggs
- Josh Bradnock * Talau Hala * David Palu * Simeli Tuiteci
- Frank Bryant * Eddie Hei Hei * Paul Rodgers * Joggie Viljoen
- Nick Crosswell * Nathan Kemp * Mike Rowe * Alex Waite
Coach: Dave Rennie
History
Manawatu Rugby Union, founded in 1886, is one of New Zealand's oldest rugby unions. It has on occasions combined with Horowhenua, under the name Manawhenua.
Manawatu's glory days were during the 1970s. Holding the Ranfurly Shield in the years 1976, 1977, 1978. Also winning the 1st Division NPC in 1980. Runner-up in the years 1976 and 1981.
However in 1988, Manawatu was relegated to 2nd Division NPC and remained there, despite in 1997-98 combining with neighbouring Hawke's Bay to form the Central Vikings highlight being beating Bay of Plenty in the 1998 2nd Division final. However due to failure to meet NZRU criteria, were denied entry into the 1st Division.
Notable players from Manawatu (including ex-All Blacks)
- Rod McKenzie
- Doug Rollerson
- Sam Strahan
- Ken Lambert
- Mark Shaw
- Christian Cullen
- Jason Eaton (now playing for Taranaki)
- Lifeimi Mafi (now playing for Taranaki)
- Chresten Davis
- Deon Waller
- Geoff Old
- Mark Ranby
- Bruce Hemara