Northland Rugby Union

Early years

Rugby union was first played in Northland in late 1880, and the first union was set up in 1895, known as the Marsden Football Union.^[2]

They played their first ever match as a union on 3 August 1920, in an 11-0 victory over South Island Country. However, they did not play their first inter-union match until 27 July 1922, an 8-6 loss to Auckland. Their first inter-union win came in August 1923, when they beat King Country^[3]

The province became known as the North Auckland Rugby Union following the amalgamation of Whangārei, Northern Wairoa, Bay of Islands, and Otamatea in 1920. In 1925, the union expanded to include Mangonui, Kaipara, Hokianga, Whangaroa, and Rodney. Auckland and North Auckland became regular rivals after a tightly fought game in 1922, which Auckland won 8-6.

North Auckland won the Ranfurly Shield on four occasions:

• 1950 when they defeated South Canterbury
• 1960 when they defeated Auckland
• 1971 when they defeated Auckland
• 1978 when they defeated Manawatu.

In the 1971 challenge Northland won 17-12 in a narrow match played in front of 47,000 people at Eden Park, Auckland. The following season 40,000 spectators packed Whangārei Okara Park to watch the rematch. With the city's population only 34,000, this showcased the significance of both the shield and the rivalry with Auckland. However they lost 15-16.^[3]

There was some controversy after the 12-10 victory over Manawatu in 1978. North Auckland kicked a winning penalty well after the 80 minute mark as the referee, Bill Adlam of Wanganui, allowed a large amount of stoppage time.^[4][5] The Union subsequently refused to put the shield on the line for its final home matches of the season against Southland and Otago. However, despite the ill-feeling of many in the rugby community, no rules were broken.^[3]

In 1994, North Auckland changed its name to the Northland Rugby Football Union.

Professional era

Northland began their professional era playing in the inaugural Air New Zealand Cup competition. They are known as the Taniwha, a reference to the mascot adopted in the professional era. Along with Auckland and North Harbour, Northland is part of the Blues Super Rugby franchise.^[3]

Northland won the Ranfurly Shield in 2026 when they defeated Canterbury.

Club champions

Joe Morgan Memorial Trophy

• 2026 - Mid Northern 43 - 24 Western Sharks^[38]
• 2025 - Mid Northern 56 -12 Western Sharks
• 2024 - Kamo 26 - 20 Western Sharks
• 2023 - Mid Northern 26 - 12 Kamo^[39]
• 2022 - Mid Northern 53 - 19 Waipu

National Provincial Championship

The following is a summary of every season for the Northland Taniwha since 2006.