King Country Rugby Football Union

History

The original King Country Rugby Union was formed in 1905 by the Manunui, Matapuna, Oio and Kakahi rugby clubs. In 1907, the newly formed Taumarunui rugby club replaced Oio.

The current King Country Rugby Football Union was formed in 1922, by the amalgamation of the first King Country Rugby Union (which was renamed as the Taumarunui Sub-union in 1922) along with the Ruapehu Sub-union in Ohakune (founded 1908), Maniapoto Sub-union in Te Kūiti (1907) and Ōhura Sub-union (1920). These were joined by Ōtorohanga Sub-union in 1927, Kawhia in 1926 (founded 1920) and Kaitieke in 1933 with the Taupō Sub-union transferring from the Hawkes Bay Rugby Union in 1987. The Ruapehu Sub-union returned to its original parent union the Wanganui Rugby Union in 1970.

This was the second attempt to establish a Rugby Union in the middle of the North Island, as in 1920 the Rangatiki, Taihape, Ruapehu sub-unions (all affiliated to the Wanganui Rugby Union), and the King Country Union (affiliated to South Auckland) had applied for affiliation as the Main Trunk Union. However, this was declined after the Wanganui Rugby Union objected to the loss of their country players.

In those early years King Country representative games were held in Te Kūiti, Taumarunui and Raetihi or Ohakune. Ōtorohanga was first used for a representative game in 1939 with representative games also being hosted in Tokaanu (1966) and Tūrangi (1967). In later years King Country played home games at Piopio, Maihiihi, and Waitomo.

King Country played in light blue and green until 1949 when it switched to maroon and gold hoops. In 1980, a maroon jersey with gold collar and cuffs was adopted. The current strip has been used since 1994.

King Country has made 22 challenges for the Ranfurly Shield over the years without success but having come close at times, going down to Taranaki in a hard fought game 11–15 in 1958. In 1969 they came even closer when good mates Colin Meads and Kel Tremain were the respective captains, King Country storming back from 6–19 at half time in a torrid second half before going down 16–19.

A well known and amusing challenge in 1988 against Auckland at Rugby Park in Te Kūiti when “Boris the Boar” mysteriously got onto the field and camped in the Auckland 22 for much of the second half.

With the 2020 Heartland Championship cancelled due to Covid-19, the Rams played three First-Class Fixtures against some of their traditional Heartland Rivals. King Country lost their first match against Wairarapa-Bush in the inaugural Meads-Lochore Scroll Fixture (18–22). They won their second fixture versus East Coast (34–22) and in their final game they became holders of the Sir Colin Meads Memorial log beating Whanganui 16–11 in Taumarunui. This game was also Carl Carmichaels 100th first-class game.

Clubs

King Country Rugby Football Union is made up of 11 clubs.

• Bush United Rugby Football Club, Benneydale
• Kio Kio United Sports Club, Maihiihi
• Piopio Rugby Football Club, Piopio
• Taumarunui Districts Rugby Football Club, Taumarunui
• Taumarunui Rugby & Sports Club, Taumarunui
• Taupo Marist, Taupō
• Taupo Rugby & Sports Club, Taupō
• Taupo United Inc. Taupō
• Tongariro Sports Club Inc. Tūrangi
• Waitete Rugby Football Club, Te Kūiti
• Waitomo Rugby Sports & Recreation Club, Waitomo

Former clubs

King Country clubs that are now defunct or in recess include the following.

Secondary schools

As King Country is a geographically large union with a relatively low population there are only a few secondary schools within the region so it doesn't have a consolidated Secondary Schools competition. Schools play their rugby in other provinces such as Waikato and Bay of Plenty Rugby Union that can offer better opportunities. Players from these schools are still eligible for the King Country Secondary Schools and U19 Rugby Representative teams.

• Ōtorohanga College
• Piopio College
• Tauhara College
• Taumarunui High School
• Taupo-nui-a-Tia College
• Te Kūiti High School
• Te Kura o Hirangi, Tūrangi
• Tongariro School, Tūrangi

Together these schools are able to challenge for the Sam Te Kaha Shield, which is a challenge shield between all King Country Secondary Schools.

Provincial representative rugby

The King Country team play home matches at Owen Delany Park, Taupō, Rugby Park, Te Kūiti and Taumarunui Domain, Taumarunui.

National Provincial Championship (NPC)

In 1996, King Country were in the first division of the NPC but in subsequent years struggled and in just 6 years were in the third division.

Heartland Championship

There was no Heartland Championship in 2020 due to Covid 19 restrictions.

Ranfurly Shield

King Country have never held the Ranfurly Shield. The union has challenged unsuccessfully for the Shield 22 times.

Matches against visiting international teams

King Country Rugby Union has a long history of playing against visiting international teams and playing them competitively. For a number of these games, King Country paired up with neighbouring unions.

Player records

Top points scorers

Top try scorers

All Blacks

There have been eight players selected for the New Zealand national team (the All Blacks) while playing for King Country. The most famous King Country All Black is All Black of the Century Colin Meads.

• Kevin Boroevich
• Ronald Bryers
• Phil Coffin
• Jack McLean
• Colin Meads
• Stanley Meads
• Bill Phillips
• Graham Whiting

Additionally, former England captain and coach Martin Johnson played for King Country, during his early career. Former Wales hooker Garin Jenkins also spent a spell playing for the province in his younger years.

Super Rugby

King Country along with Waikato, Counties Manukau, East Coast, Bay of Plenty, Thames Valley and Taranaki make up the Chiefs region.

References

References

1. "Standings (2006–present)". [[Heartland Championship]].
2. "Fixtures and Results (2006–present)". [[Heartland Championship]].
3. (23 October 2010). "Finalists found in Lochore and Meads Cups". [[Newshub (New Zealand).
4. (31 October 2010). "2010 Lochore and Mead Cups finals wrap". [[Heartland Championship]].