Further, Manawatu and Hawke's Bay, two Hurricane provinces and prolific talent producers, had long been mired in the second half of the original National Provincial Championship, allowing Wellington to lure the better players of these provinces with ease (Christian Cullen from Manawatu for example).

Even with an All-Star backline in the late 1990s including Christian Cullen, Tana Umaga, Jonah Lomu and Alama Ieremia what was a superb team on paper never lived up to expectations and Wellington became known for its inconsistency.

In 2014 Wellington lost a record nine straight losses and were relegated to the Mitre10 Cup Championship 2015.

The Ranfurly Shield, colloquially known as the 'Log o' Wood', is perhaps the most prestigious trophy in New Zealand domestic rugby.

First played for in 1904, the Ranfurly Shield is based on a challenge system, rather than a league or knockout competition as with most football trophies.

This marked the longest time Wellington have held the shield successfully defending it for 15 matches until losing it again to Southland in 1920.

They beat Southland a year later to regain the shield before promptly losing to Hawkes Bay after only 2 matches.

Up until the 1980s Wellington had short stints defending the shield but after losing it to Canterbury in 1982 it was to prove elusive.

Wellington has played a number of times against touring international rugby teams.

The premier trophy in Wellington club rugby is the Jubilee Cup, which was won in 2012 by Marist St Pat's.