Wanganui Rugby Football Union

Infobox_esl_club | clubname = Wanganui


fullname = "Wanganui Rugby Football Union"
emblem = Wanganui Rugby Coat of Arms
colours = Blue and Black
founded = 1888
sport = Rugby union
league = Heartland Championship
ground = Spriggens Park and Cooks Gardens.
web = http://www.wanganuirugby.co.nz/

The Wanganui Rugby Football Union was formed in 1888.

The Wanganui team play from Westpac Stadium, Wanganui and in the last two seasons they have finished as runners-up in the Meads Cup. Wairarapa Bush beat Wanganui at Westpac stadium in the inaugural Meads Cup final in 2006, and North Otago won the following year in Omaru.

Their nickname is "the Butcher Boys".

History

The Wanganui Rugby Football Union was formed on April 11, 1888. It then joined the NZRFU as a foundation member in 1892. Wanganui's first official game after affiliation with the NZRFU was against Great Britain in 1888, a 1-all draw was more than encouraging for the union. In 1913 Wanganui played Australia and won 11-6 and in 1966 (with King Country) they won against touring side, British Isles 12-6.

Championships

Wanganui won the 3rd division in 1989, 1996 and 2003

Heartland Championship placings

Ranfurly Shield

Wanganui have challenged for the Ranfurly Shield 25 times and had 24 defeats with a 15-all draw with Taranaki in 1964.

Wanganui in Super Rugby

Wanganui along with Wellington, Taranaki, Wairarapa Bush, East Coast, Poverty Bay, Hawke's Bay, Manawatu and Horowhenua-Kapiti make up the Hurricanes Super 14 franchise.

All Blacks

There have been 17 players selected for the All Blacks whilst playing their club rugby in Wanganui.

* E.A Belliss
* J.A Blair
* G.A.H Bullock-Douglas
* A.J Donald
* K.E Gudsell
* P Henderson
* J Hogan
* P.A Johns
* P McDonnell
* A.L.R McNicol
* H.P Milner
* P.C Murray
* W.M Osborne
* W.P Potaka
* H.C.B Rowley
* P Taituha
* H.D Thomson

Clubs

Wanganui Rugby Football Union is made up of 13 clubs:
* Keierau
* Marist
* Ngati Maika
* Pourewa
* Ratana
* Ruapehu
* Taihape
* Utiku Old Boys
* Waiouru
* Wanganui and Old Boys
* Wanganui Pirates [http://www.pirates.org.nz]
* Wanganui Tech
* Marton Rugby and Sports Club

References

External links

* [http://www.wanganuirugby.co.nz/ Official site]

* [http://www.geocities.com/wanganuirugga/ Supporters' Site]

* [http://www.justin.tv/butcherboy/ Wanganui rugby TV live matchcasts]

* [http://www.geocities.com/wanganuinpcglory/ Wanganui NPC finals Site]