RUGBY FOOTBALL

Te Ao Hou, Winter 1952, Page 64

RUGBY FOOTBALL Of all the Pakeha sports indulged in by Maoris, Rugby Football is one that has created more interest among Maoris than any other. One of the first teams to travel overseas from New Zealand was a Maori Rugby team in 1888–89. This team created a wonderful impression in Great Britain as did another Maori team which toured France and Great Britain in 1926–27. Many Maori teams have visited Australia, and have always been popular. The tour in 1950 was a record one in many ways for all touring teams from New Zealand, Maori and Pakeha. Maoris have been key members of most All Black touring teams except to South Africa. Tribal games up to district annual matches are played with teams and supporters travelling in some instances on a round trip up to 1,000 miles to attend games. Some of the Rugby trophies competed for by Maori teams are enumerated hereunder, the principal ones being the Te Mori Rose Bowl played for since 1923, the Prince of Wales Cup since 1927, and associated with it since 1946, the Jack Ruru Memorial Cup. Horowhenua: Anzac Lewis Memorial Cup and Thomas Nolan Cup. Taranaki: The Benton Shield, Parihaka Shield and Rima Whakarua Memorial Shield. Bay of Plenty: Hurinui Apanui Shield, Ratana Cup, Ngahoe Challenge Shield and Omeka Cup. North Auckland: Hone Heke Cup and Ratana Challenge Cup. Wanganui: Tuera Shield (since 1896 between Taranaki and Wanganui), Makirikiri Shield, Saville Shield and Bamber Cup. South Island: Arepa Cup, between Provincial Maori Teams (1938).