New Zealand’s Newest Rugby Union .. Steeped in Tradition
The Tasman Rugby Union was formed in December 2005 to allow the region to field a team in the premier 2006 national provincial competition (then known as the Air New Zealand Cup).
The “Makos”, as the Union’s team is known, was an amalgamation of the Nelson Bays and Marlborough Rugby Unions, thereby becoming New Zealand’s newest provincial union.
Nelson is The Home of Rugby in New Zealand, being where the first ever competitive rugby match took place in May 1870 at The Botanics between a Nelson College side and Nelson Football Club.
The Nelson Bays Rugby Sub-Union, founded in 1969 and whose representative team is known as “The Griffins”, is in itself an amalgamation of the Nelson and Golden Bays Rugby Unions founded in 1885 (becoming the nation’s sixth provincial union) and 1920 respectively.
The Marlborough Rugby Sub-Union, founded in 1888 and known as the “Red Devils”, has a proud rugby heritage including holding the storied Ranfurly Shield for six defenses in 1973.
Our two venues are Lansdowne Park in Blenheim, which was completely revamped in early 2006 to meet NZRU standards, and Trafalgar Park in Nelson which underwent a major upgrade to secure the hosting of two matches in the 2011 RWC and which was largely completed in time for the 2010 NPC season, now known as the ITM Cup.
As a national provincial union, we are a feeder to the Crusaders Super Rugby franchise based in Christchurch. Since inception we have contributed numerous players to the Crusaders including current All Black Ben Franks and 2011 Makos Tom Marshall, Steve Alfeld, Joe Wheeler, Quentin McDonald and Jonathan Poff.
The 2011 Makos also feature New Zealand sevens representative Shane Christie, current NZ Under 20’s winger Mitchell Scott and 2010 NZ Schoolboys back James Lowe.
Our Badge of Courage .. The Mako
Our team is named after the Mako shark or ‘blue lightening’ as it is called because of its colour and speed. It is found throughout NZ, however the waters of Cook Strait, Marlborough and Tasman Bay are the most prevalent hunting grounds for these awesome predators.
Maori greatly admired the Mako due to its legendary tenacity and willingness to fight to the last. The Mako are also renowned for their speed, strength and agility – the same qualities that our rugby team has become renowned for.
We are proud to wear the Mako emblem on our jerseys.
Our Region – The Top of the South
Our region, colloquially known as the Top of the South , or Te Tau Ihu by Māori, encompasses Nelson and Abel Tasman, Marlborough and Kaikoura.
Māori occupation dates back some 800 years, while European settlement occurred in 1842. Six Iwi groups claim ancestral occupation rights, or rights of conquest over areas in this region.
The region is acknowledged as having the most sunshine hours of any region in the country. We are surrounded by awe inspiring coastal areas including idyllic Abel Tasman National Park, the pristine Golden and Nelson bays, stunning Marlborough Sounds and playful, eco-friendly Kaikoura.
Our Union’s Mission
We raise revenue so that we may administer and foster the sport of rugby on behalf of the region’s players, coaches. referees, administrators and fans. We do so in a fiscally responsible and transparent manner.
We provide talented players, coaches, referees and administrators with pathways to fulfill their aspirations and potential.
We bring enjoyment and excitement to our fans through a positive brand and match day experience. We make all people of the region feel good and proud when we play well.
Our Peoples Values
We value our fan and supporter base above all else. Without people attending matches, supporting or sponsoring our endeavours, we are nothing.
As a Union and a team, we value excellence in everything we do, on- and off the field. We put team ahead of self. Our actions speak louder than words.
Above all, we are all passionate about rugby – our fans, our sponsors and supporters, our community, our clubs, schools and representative teams, and the Makos. We all care deeply about our performance on and off the field.
OUR PASSION RUNS DEEP