Harbour Rugby Football Club was formed in 1992 by the amalgamation of the Port Chalmers and Ravensbourne Clubs. Each Club had already celebrated its centennial (1983 and 1984 respectively) and both had enjoyed senior status at various times during their existence.
However, due to a severe decline in work opportunites in the West Harbour and Port Chalmers areas in the late 1980s, neither Club could sustain participation in senior rankings without drawing on players from outside their traditional areas. In 1991 a steering committee drawn from members of both Clubs determined that to maintain senior rugby in both areas, the best chance of survival was to combine strengths. Special general meetings of both Clubs approved amalgamation. In the first year (1992) of the new Harbour RFC’s existence, four of our teams made the finals of the Otago RFU grade competitions, with our seniors attaining second place in the final against University A just after having played a strength-sapping semi against Pirates which went for 30 minutes extra time!
In ensuing years, our teams enjoyed great success with our premiers again being matched against University A in an extra time final. 2001 also saw us finishing in the top four. Recent years have seen us enter teams in the premier, senior, senior reserve, second grade, premier colts, junior colts and women’s grades. All teams play bright, open and enjoyable rugby.
We are fortunate to have two fine clubhouses with exceptional changing facilities. These are based at Watson Park in Port Chalmers and Moller Park in Ravensbourne. We endeavour to provide a lively and fun atmosphere for after-match functions and a warm welcome to all new members.
In the Club’s short existence, we have been proud to have two All Blacks and one Black Fern – Jeff Wilson, Tony Brown and Fiona King – as members. In addition, numerous Highlanders, Otago NPC , NZ Colts, U-19 and Otago representatives across the grades, including a considerable number of women, are members of our Club.
The Club’s colours are Red, White and Blue and playing strip is provided for all teams.
Come and join Harbour Rugby Football Club – the Harbour Hawks!
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