Club Rugby History

Buller Club Rugby History

Buller is a Union with a colourful club history.

The Union has seen more than 30 clubs come and go during the course of its long history.

The Union has also had a number of Sub Unions during the course of its 129 year history.

Listed below are some of these past clubs and Sub Unions.

PAST SUB UNIONS OF BULLER

MURCHISON SUB UNION.

• The Murchison Sub Union, founded in 1910, joined Buller from Nelson in 1923.
• The Sub Union then transferred to the Golden Bay-Motueka Union in 1931.
• The Murchison Sub Union contained 3 clubs.
• They were MURCHISON RFC, BRAEBURN RFC and MARUIA RFC.
• The Murchison club still survives and has played within the Buller province on many occasions but currently play in the Nelson competitions.

KARAMEA SUB UNION.

• The Karamea Sub Union was founded by 3 clubs.
• They were KARAMEA RFC, UMERE RFC, and LITTLE WANGANUI RFC.
• In 1958 all three clubs placed their assets into one club, to form Karamea RFC

INANGAHUA SUB UNION.

• The Inangahua Sub Union was founded in 1907.
• It was originally affiliated to the West Coast Union but in 1932 joined the Buller Union.
• It only stayed with Buller for 3 years before joining back up with West Coast in 1935.
• Clubs in the Inangahua Sub Union included REEFTON RFC which is a current affiliate to the Buller Union.