The Kirwee Rugby Football Club has a rich history that dates back over a century. Here's a brief overview of our journey:

  • Early Beginnings:
    • The Kirwee Rugby Football Club was established in 1906, making it one of the older rugby clubs in the region. Rugby has deep roots in New Zealand, particularly in Canterbury, which has produced some of the country's best players and teams. Kirwee, though small in size, became a key part of this wider rugby culture.
    • Kirwee Rugby Club played its first games against Darfield just before the Malvern Rugby Sub Union was formed in 1906.
  • Early Challenges: The club faced some rough matches, including one where players ended up without their shorts and jerseys! Despite these challenges, Kirwee continued to grow and develop its rugby culture. In 1907, Len Leslie drove two horses pulling a dray full of Kirwee players to Springfield. The beer began to flow before the team had even reached the ground, so it was not surprising that they were beaten by a comparatively sober Springfield. However, in the return game Kirwee got their revenge with a 30-point win. 
  • World War I Impact: Like many clubs, Kirwee's activities were disrupted during World War I, but the club rebounded in the late 1920s with a surge of new players and junior competition matches.
  • Memorable Moments: One of the club's most memorable moments was in 1950 when the senior team won every competition of the year. The club also had some colourful stories, like the time players rounded up sheep and got them into their coach's lounge!
  • Notable Club Members: Former All-Black Jules Le Lievre, and Canterbury player, Robin Cocks, coached Kirwee teams during the early 1960s. One of the best players the club had was Don Hayes who went on to captain the Canterbury team during the shield era in the 1980s. Gavin Hill, who also played in the 1980s, turned to league and went on to play for the Kiwis. We are also very proud that Lucy Jenkins, representing Canterbury Union, Matatū (NZ Womans Super rugby), and the Black Fern's, started her rugby at Kirwee.
  • Centennial Celebration: In 2006, Kirwee Rugby Club celebrated its 100th anniversary with more than 300 members attending and reflecting on its rich history and traditions.
  • Present Day:
    • Today, Kirwee Rugby Club continues to thrive, embodying the values of hard work, play, and community spirit. The club remains a vital part of the local rugby culture in rural New Zealand.
    • Over the years, the club has made investments in its facilities to help players and supporters. This includes the development of a modern clubhouse and training fields that serve as the central hub for the club's activities.
    • The Kirwee Rugby Football Club is very much a community-focused organization. It has been a key player in bringing together families and local residents. The club not only focuses on senior rugby but also on developing young talent through its junior teams, ensuring that the next generation has an opportunity to get involved in the sport.
    • In more recent times, the Kirwee Rugby Football Club has continued to be a staple of the local sporting scene. While it may not have the same high profile as some of the larger urban clubs, it remains a cherished institution for rugby fans in the area. The club still competes in regional competitions, and there’s a focus on growing the club's presence within the community.