Richmond Rovers

The Richmond Rovers Rugby League Club is a rugby league club based in Grey Lynn, New Zealand. The premier team is called the Richmond Bulldogs and compete in Auckland Rugby League's Fox Memorial competition.

Richmond Rovers
Club information
Full nameRichmond Rovers Rugby League Club
Nickname(s)The Bulldogs
Founded1913
Websitehttps://www.richmondroversrugbyleague.com/
Current details
Ground(s)
  • Grey Lynn Park
CoachSteve Buckingham (rugby league) & Henri Nicholls
Records
Premierships1934, 1935, 1937, 1940, 1946, 1949, 1951, 1955, 1956, 1979, 1980
Minor premiership1947, 1948, 1949, 1951, 1955, 1956, 1980, 2000, 2001
Rangatira Shield1934
Roope Rooster1926, 1927, 1933, 1934, 1938, 1940, 1942, 1949, 1969, 1976, 1990, 2006
Stormont Shield1934, 1935, 1936, 1938, 1946, 1949, 1956, 1976, 1979, 1980, 2007, 2008
Sharman Cup1953, 1972, 1983, 2008, 2015

Early history

The club was formed in 1913 by employees at Mr. B. W. Davis' Boot Factory and Elliott's, following a scratch game in 1912. The club was originally affiliated with the Eden Ramblers club.[1]

In 1883 the land surrounding Grey Lynn Park was subdivided and the houses were built. The area that is now Grey Lynn Park was too steep to build houses on and so, in 1914, the area was drained and flattened so sport could be played. Flood lights were installed at the park in the 1950s.[1]

Richmond enjoyed considerable success in the middle decades of the 1900s. They were the first club to win the Fox Memorial, Roope Rooster, and Stormont Shield in 1934. They went on to win these trophies several more times in the following years. They also defeated 4 Australian club teams from 1934 to 1939 (including the Sydney champions - Western Suburbs 18–16, and 10–3 in 1934).[2][3] This saw them win the Rangatira Shield, played for between Sydney and Auckland clubs. They won the Fox Memorial in 1934, 1935, 1937, 1940, 1946, 1949, 1951, 1955 and 1956.

Bartercard Cup

The Richmond club were involved in the Bartercard Cup as a joint venture with the Marist Saints between 2000 and 2005. This team was called the Marist Richmond Brothers.

Notable players

48 Richmond Juniors have played for the New Zealand national rugby league team including Nigel Vagana, Fred Ah Kuoi, Steve Matai, David Solomona and Evarn Tuimavave. In addition 19 women have represented the New Zealand Women's team.[4]

Other Warriors such as Tevita Latu, Steve Matai, Sam Lousi, Sione Lousi, John Palavi, Wayne McDade, Daniel Vasau, Evarn Tuimavave, Faavae Kalolo, & Malo Solomona were also Richmond juniors.

American actor Geno Segers had a stint with the club.[5]

A team of the century was named in 2013, and consisted of: 1. Bert Cooke, 2. Nigel Vagana, 3. Tom Baxter, 4. Maurie Robertson, 5. Vern Bakalich, 6. Fred Ah Kuoi, 7. Shane Varley, 8. Joe Vagana, 9. John Lasher, 10. Cliff Johnson (c), 11. Jim Riddell, 12. Se'e Solomona and 13. Raymond Williams.[6][1]

See also

References
  1. "History". Richmond Rovers Rugby League. Retrieved 28 March 2019.
  2. "Thrilling League/Champion Club Teams/Richmond Takes Honours/Western Suburbs Beaten". The New Zealand Herald. LXXI (21919). 1 October 1934. p. 13. Retrieved 19 January 2020.
  3. "Sydney Team Defeated/Richmond's Second Success/Spectacular Low-Scoring Game". Auckland Star. LXV (238). 8 October 1934. p. 13. Retrieved 19 January 2020.
  4. "Roll of Honour". Richmond Rovers Rugby League. Retrieved 28 March 2019.
  5. Geno Seger's Bio at Disney XD Archived July 10, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  6. "Richmond Rovers Team of the Century". Richmond Rovers Rugby League. 4 June 2013. Retrieved 28 March 2019.


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