Tasman Rugby Union
The Union’s Charter is to provide an infrastructure and environment that fosters the perpetual development and enjoyment of rugby within the Tasman region. The game comes first, everything else comes second. The Union manages the delivery and administration of grass roots rugby for 220 teams at 33 affiliated schools and clubs in the region, a total of 6,100 players and 50 referees. Rugby is the region’s leading team sport. This is achieved by a small but dedicated team of employed managers, rugby development officers and administrators based in Nelson and Blenheim. The Union also facilitates pathways and development for participants to achieve higher honours including Marlborough, Nelson Bays & Tasman age grade and senior teams, Tasman Mako men & women teams, Super Rugby and NZ representation. In its short history the Union has locally developed ~ 7 All Blacks 11 Maori All Blacks 8 All Black Sevens 13 NZ Under 20’s 9 NZ Secondary Schools 3 Black Ferns Sevens This pathway and development was especially fulfilled in September 2018, when the Tasman Rugby Union and the City of Nelson hosted the First Ever All Blacks Test in Nelson at Trafalgar Park. The Test against Argentina was played in front of a Sold Out 'pop up' stadium of 21,404 all-seated fans. Two local Tasman players featured in the All Blacks 46-24 victory - Shannon Frizell who started at blindside breakaway, scored a try and was named man of the match, and loose head prop Tim Perry who came off the bench.