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Wellington has always been very popular for the numerous sports played here. Rugby has always been very popular in Wellington and sees active participation from the people of Wellington. Rugby has always been popular and there are numerous Rugby grounds in Wellington. The Rugby Football Club was established in 1874. There are numerous rugby clubs in Wellington which are as follows: Wellington Rugby Football Union:
This is the governing authority of the rugby union. Players who qualify o play usually represent the Hurricanes and comprise of the main Hurricane Squad. Manawatu and Hawke’s Bay provide many talented players. Wellington thus has a very strong rugby team. National Representative Rugby: Wellington Lions play in the Air New Zealand Cup and they are the senior representative team and have gone on to replace the National Provincial Championship in 2006. The team wears the colors of black and yellow as displayed on the jersey. Ranfurly Shield: This is the prestigious trophy in New Zealand domestic rugby. The Ranfurly Shield is a challenge tournament more than a knockout. Wellington won the first ever shield challenge in 1904. Local club Rugby: This is the important part of the Wellington tradition where many All Blacks appear for the old clubs. Wellington Club Rugby thus is an integral part of the Wellington culture. Wellington Rugby FootBall Union is the home of the club rugby in the Wellington Region. Wellington Seven Teams have been announced and have been invited to participate in the National Sevens Rugby Tournament in Queenstown in this year. Wellington City was the proud hosts of the 16th Air New Zealand Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival in 2006. This is the best tournament in the world and has seen the participation of 160 rugby teams. Golden Oldies Rugby is very popular and a number of teams participate here like the Upper Hutt Yellow Bellies Tawa Toads and others. Thus Rugby in Wellington is played with a lot of zest and fervor. Many eager enthusiasts take part in the game and have contributed largely to the popularity of the game.
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