The Beginning of Club Rugby in CanterburyIt appears that club rugby in Christchurch did not begin until 1885. Earlier, there had been what became known as ‘Cup’ matches. The club once known as East Christchurch (which had started as the Pilgrims Football Club) was perhaps the powerhouse of club rugby at this time. Records are somewhat hazy, although the first full records appear to have kept in 1883. During this season East Christchurch had their busiest programme, playing 15 matches and being only defeated once. While North Canterbury was the most successful team in the 1884 season, East Christchurch came back to dominate the 1885-87 seasons. In this period the club lost only two out of their 23 matches. In 1887 the side had its line crossed only once, which were the only points scored against it all season. Despite their earlier success, the East Christchurch club declined in the 1890s and it eventually folded in 1897. Many of their players, however, went and turned out for Linwood, the green and blacks continuing the fine tradition. The East Christchurch club produced a number of outstanding players, including George Forbes, a halfback who captained Canterbury and who went on to become Prime Minister of New Zealand. Locationhttp://www.canterburycommunityrugby.co.nz/main/index.cfm/1,607,2954,0,html Copyright © CRFU 2012 |
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