Notes (in photo above): E. U. Just, Line Umpire was a school master at Sydenham School. W. George was Treasurer in 1883. T. Beare was Secretary. H. Robinson called the formation meeting held in a shed on his property in Cadogan Street (now the Brougham Street motorway) on 16 March 1882. W. Allardyce held office as President, Club Captain and CRFU member. A. Iles was a CRFU member. G Mason was Secretary 1883-1884, President of the CRFU and NZRFU, and manager of the 1913 All Blacks trip to California.
The Sydenham Rugby Club, established 1882, has capitalised on the good work of earlier generations by once again emerging as a respected force in Canterbury rugby. With player numbers in excess of 500 incorporated within 30+ teams; this makes the Sydenham Rugby Club one of the largest playing memberships in the South Island.
The senior section includes Premiers (Div 1), Premier Reserve (Div 2), Premier Colts and a social team, the Saracens. Our Club has produced many representative players at national and provincial level, as well as to All Black level (view our Honours Board links).
The junior section of the club is strong and active providing Sydenham with a platform for further success over the coming years. Our enthusiastic coaches provide rugby for numerous young players who also have been consistent grade winners and achieved representative honors. However, Sydenham is more than just a rugby club; the vision is wider than that, we will continue to make a contribution to our community in the broadest sense.
The Club is based at Sydenham Park, utilising the Sydenham Bowling Club during the playing season. Members, along with families and friends, are always welcome. Facilities include a bar and function. The Club offers good
well-resourced practice facilities at four City Council grounds within close proximity. The Club's social calendar includes many organised functions throughout the rugby season. The Sydenham Rugby Club is well known as one of the most hospitable and friendly clubs around and we welcome new members.
Besides contributing three presidents to the Canterbury Rugby Union, the Club has had a major influence on the development of the game nationally, as well as having three past presidents of the New Zealand Rugby Union.
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