South Canterbury Rugby Football Union

Eight years later, in 1875, the South Canterbury Football Club was formed, founded by Alfred St. George Hamersley the former captain of the England national rugby union team and resident of Timaru.

Soon after, a representative match was played on 24 July 1888 against the New Zealand Native Team on the Athletic Grounds, Timaru.

South Canterbury has also had some notable victories over touring international sides including the 1961 French team.

South Canterbury has qualified and competed at a number of New Zealand National Rugby Sevens Tournament the last being in 2011.

In 2017 Timaru BHS made the Crusaders final but lost to Christchurch Boys' High School by 10-18.

[11] There have been 22 players selected for the All Blacks whilst playing their club rugby in South Canterbury.