The Poverty Bay Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union within the Gisborne district, in the area surrounding Poverty Bay on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand.

The men's representative team play from Rugby Park, Gisborne, and currently compete in the Heartland Championship.

In 1981, Rugby Park was the scene of clashes between pro-tour supporters and anti-tour protesters prior to a match against the touring South African side.

Other players include John Collins, Brian Fitzpatrick, Lawrie Knight, Mike Parkinson and Hika Elliot There have also been players such as Rico Gear, Hosea Gear and Charlie Ngatai who became All Blacks having started their careers with Poverty Bay.

Hosea Gear is the most notable player from the Poverty Bay region to have played for the side.