Rugby History – Page 6

Pioneers of Rugby in Wellington 103: Ernie Todd

by clubrugby - June 11, 2025

In his book Haka! The All Blacks Story Winston McCarthy wrote a chapter called ‘The Team That Never Was’ about the 1940 All Blacks to South Africa that was cancelled because of the start of the war. Trials were held and the touring squad was selected by sole selector Ted McKenzie

Pioneers of Rugby in Wellington 102: Donald Riesterer

by clubrugby - June 3, 2025

Donald Riesterer played for four provinces, and Wellington was his final stop on his rugby playing tour around New Zealand. He later became Mayor of Bay of Plenty town Opotiki, wearing that town's chains between 1989-2001. Donald John Riesterer was born on 9 November 1930 at Otahuhu in Auckland, but grew up

Champion teams 012: Onslow 1955

by clubrugby - May 29, 2025May 29, 2025

Looking at the Onslow team of 1955 that won the first of their two Jubilee Cups. For more, read our story from 2015 on this team at this link: 1955: The year the suburbanites won the Jubilee Cup https://twitter.com/ClubRugby/status/1927444808609472924

Pioneers of Rugby in Wellington 101: Alby Jack

by clubrugby - May 28, 2025

Wing/fullback Alby Jack was a Wellington club rugby player before and after World World War 2. During the war Jack served with the Wellington Battalion of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force before being injured and captured on 22 July 1942 at the battle of El Mrier and sent to Germany

Champion Teams 011: University 1952

by clubrugby - May 22, 2025May 22, 2025

Following our 100th Wellington history rugby identity profile this week with University, Wellington and All Blacks wing Ron Jarden, the University team in 1952-54 will always be on the shortened list of the best and most successful club sides of all time in Wellington. ++++++ https://twitter.com/ClubRugby/status/1925276946143093097