Richmond Rovers

Early history

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In 1883 the land surrounding Grey Lynn Park was subdivided and the houses were built. The area that is now Grey Lynn Park was too steep to build houses on and so, in 1914, the area was drained and flattened so sport could be played. Flood lights were installed at the park in the 1950s.

Richmond's first ever first grade game was against Athletic (Maritime) on April 22, 1922. They lost 14-2 with Henderson scoring their first ever points in the grade with a penalty.{{rugbybox collapsible | access-date = 2020-01-19}}{{cite news | access-date = 2020-01-19}} This saw them win the Rangatira Shield, played for between Sydney and Auckland clubs. They won the Fox Memorial in 1934, 1935, 1937, 1940, 1946, 1949, 1951, 1955 and 1956.[[File:Richmond Rovers 1937.jpg|thumb|The 1937 Fox Memorial championship winning side.]][[File:Grey Lynn Park in 1952.jpg|thumb|Grey Lynn Park being developed in 1952. In the distance is the main field adjacent to the clubrooms.]]

Bartercard Cup

The Richmond club were involved in the Bartercard Cup as a joint venture with the Marist Saints between 2000 and 2005. This team was called the Marist Richmond Brothers.

Notable players

Main article: Category:Richmond Bulldogs players

48 Richmond Juniors have played for the New Zealand national rugby league team including Nigel Vagana, Fred Ah Kuoi, Steve Matai, David Solomona and Evarn Tuimavave. In addition 19 women have represented the New Zealand Women's team.

Other Warriors such as Tevita Latu, Steve Matai, Sam Lousi, Sione Lousi, John Palavi, Wayne McDade, Daniel Vasau, Evarn Tuimavave, Faavae Kalolo, & Malo Solomona were also Richmond juniors.

American actor Geno Segers had a stint with the club.

A team of the century was named in 2013, and consisted of: 1. Bert Cooke, 2. Nigel Vagana, 3. Tom Baxter, 4. Maurie Robertson, 5. Vern Bakalich, 6. Fred Ah Kuoi, 7. Shane Varley, 8. Joe Vagana, 9. John Lasher, 10. Cliff Johnson (c), 11. Jim Riddell, 12. Se'e Solomona and 13. Raymond Williams.

Richmond Senior Team Records (1915-1945, 1993-2004 + 2022-24)

The season record for the most senior men's team in the club.

Club Titles

Richmond Rovers grade championships (1910-1944)

• 1921 Sixth Grade
• 1922 Fourth Grade
• 1923 Fifth Grade
• 1924 Second Grade B Section winners (lost final to Otahuhu 17-5, who won the A Section), Fourth Grade B Section winners (lost final to Ponsonby, who were A Section winners), Fifth Grade knockout (Section B)
• 1925 Second Grade, Fourth Grade, Fifth Grade, Sixth Grade A, & Sixth Grade B
• 1926 Third Grade Intermediate, & Fifth Grade
• 1927 Third Grade Intermediate and Third Grade knockout competition, Fourth Grade (Hospital Cup), & Sixth Grade B (Myers Cup)
• 1928 Third Grade Open, Third Grade Intermediate, & Fourth Grade
• 1929 Third Grade Open, Fifth Grade, Sixth Grade A, & Sixth Grade B
• 1930 Second Grade, Fourth Grade & Fourth Grade knockout, Seventh Grade & Seventh Grade knockout, & Schoolboys (Richmond Schools A)
• 1931 Third Grade Intermediate, & Seventh Grade
• 1932 Reserve Grade, & Sixth Grade
• 1933 Reserve Grade, Fifth Grade, & Seventh Grade
• 1934 First Grade (Fox Memorial), Reserve Grade, Third Grade Open, & Seventh Grade
• 1935 First Grade (Fox Memorial), Second Grade, Fifth Grade, Sixth Grade A, Seventh Grade, & Schoolboys (Senior)
• 1936 Sixth Grade A, & Schoolboys (Senior)
• 1937 First Grade (Fox Memorial), Reserve Grade, Fourth Grade, Schoolboys (Senior)
• 1938 Reserve Grade, Third Grade Open, Seventh Grade, Schoolboy (Senior), Schoolboy (Intermediate)
• 1939 Reserve Grade, Sixth Grade A, Seventh Grade
• 1940 First Grade (Fox Memorial), Reserve Grade, Fifth Grade, Seventh Grade, Schoolboys (Senior)
• 1941 Sixth Grade

Other titles

• 1926 Roope Rooster
• 1927 Roope Rooster
• 1933 Roope Rooster
• 1934 Roope Rooster, & Stormont Shield
• 1935 Stormont Shield
• 1936 Stormont Shield
• 1938 Roope Rooster, & Stormont Shield
• 1940 Roope Rooster
• 1942 Roope Rooster

All time top point scorers (1922-1945)

The point scoring lists are compiled from first grade matches in the championship, Roope Rooster, Phelan Shield, Stormont Shield, Sharman Cup, official exhibition matches including organised preseason rounds, and organised friendly matches.

References

References

1. "Roll of Honour". Richmond Rovers Rugby League.
2. link. (July 10, 2011)
3. (June 4, 2013). "Richmond Rovers Team of the Century". Richmond Rovers Rugby League.
4. "History". Richmond Rovers Rugby League.