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History of Temuka RugbyThe Temuka Rugby Club was established in 1875 and in 2000 was able to hold a very successful 125th Jubilee. A book entitled "All Black and White" was written in conjunction with this occasion and the information found on this page has generally been sourced from this excellent reference point. The Temuka RFC has a heritage and spirit stronger than most. This comes from the club's closely intertwined links with the town and its surrounding districts over more than a century and a quarter. Few who have lived in Temuka for more than a short time would not know someone who has not proudly run onto the historic and picturesque Domain Oval wearing black and white. 125 years of strong performances on the field have been matched by good sound administration off it. Since the South Canterbury RFU was formed in 1888, Temuka had been represented in all but 10 of the years. Of the 11 players to play more than 100 games for their province, Temuka has produced 5; Richard Sharpe, Peter Grant, Gerard Coughlan, Steve Tarrant and Stephen Todd. All Blacks & InternationalsFour Temuka players have worn the black jersey and silver fern, a record many larger clubs would be proud of. [Click the photos to enlarge]
The Temuka Rugby Club has also had three players who have worn the silver fern for the Maori All Blacks. They are;
Representative PlayersTemuka's five South Canterbury Centurians
Memorable MagpiesThe Temuka Rugby Club also has some more players who dedication to the club was appreciated by all those who played with them, and although not becoming South Canterbury centurions, they all represented Temuka proudly for the province.
Family TiesA major factor in the strength and spirit of the Temuka RFC is the powerful family influence within itself. Whether brothers or generations they are many, including Horgans, Scotts, Fishers, Spillanes, Gaffeneys, Grants, Coughlans and Tarrants to name a few. Five generations of Grants beginning in 1888 have been involved with the club in playing, coaching and administrative roles, with Lachlan achieving the pinnacle of representing his country. Many more of this family achieved representative honours for their province and the newest generations are still playing today. The Spillane family began their association with Temuka rugby in 1890 and it continues to today, with one member (Gus Spillane) achieving All Black status, but perhaps it was most fitting that Frank Spillane was the club president during the 125th Jubilee celebrations held during 2000. Frank, Tom and Mick Coughlan gave sterling service to Temuka and South Canterbury while Tom played for the All Blacks as well. In the same tradition, Frank's sons Tim and Gerard played 9 and 12 years respectively for the Temuka Seniors and Gerard represented his province more than 100 times. In the early years of the 20th century there were seven Horgans, sometimes with four of them in the same team, while in 1919-20 there were four Fishers in the senior team, descendents of which are still involved in the club today. The six boys in the Scott family of Winchester contributed greatly to the success of the club in the first decades of last century as players, coaches and four of the brothers also represented the South Island. The Tarrant family has also provided generations of players, coaches and administrators to the club with four of the family representing their province with Steve playing 129 times. Each year the Mary Tarrant Memorial Cup is awarded to the person contributing most to the Temuka RFC - be it player or administrator. It is not a coincidence that three of Temuka's four All Blacks came from just such backgrounds. Administrative HonoursDuring its long history Temuka has provided a number of representatives at various levels of the South Canterbury Rugby Union and the New Zealand Rugby Football Union. All have made strong and valued contributions not only for their club but for rugby in a wider sense. Temuka contributed to the development of the game in NZ with J T M Hayhurst the President of the NZRFU in 1902 while more recently Pat McKillop has been a member of the NZRFU JAB from 1983-97 and chairman of the NZRFU Southern Zone JAB 1988-200 and obviously having a large role in the development and fostering of our game at a junior level. Life MembersDedication and service has been a forte of many members of the Temuka RFC and it is fitting that many of these people have been awarded Life Membership of our Club.
Venues & Facilites Down the YearsIn the beginning hardy souls came by bicycle or "horsepower" to play, but as the game grew in popularity so too did the need for improved facilities. The first grandstand was built at the Temuka Domain soon after the turn of the century. A cold shower wasn't installed until 1929 when a current All Black joined the club. By the early 1960s huge fundraising efforts were made and contributed to the new facilities which were completed in 1965. These comprised of a lounge/hall, modern kitchen, six changing rooms on the upper level, with the shower block, toilets and storage on the basement level. During the 1980s after the grandstand was declared unsafe, the local councils agreed to plans that would eventually see the completion of a two stage development that would include changing rooms, toilets, gymnasium and sports storage facilities on the ground floor, plus toilets, kitchen, bar, announcer's room and lounge overlooking the Oval, and an open grandstand. These facilities are proudly used today.
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