The Temuka Rugby Club was established in 1875 and in 2000 was able to hold a very successful 125th Jubilee. A book entitled “All Black and White” was written in conjunction with this occasion and the information found on this page has generally been sourced from this excellent reference point. The Temuka RFC has a heritage and spirit stronger than most. This comes from the club’s closely intertwined links with the town and its surrounding districts over more than a century and a quarter. Few who have lived in Temuka for more than a short time would not know someone who has not proudly run onto the historic and picturesque Domain Oval wearing black and white. 125 years of strong performances on the field have been matched by good sound administration off it. Since the South Canterbury RFU was formed in 1888, Temuka had been represented in all but 10 of the years. Of the 11 players to play more than 100 games for their province, Temuka has produced 5; Richard Sharpe, Peter Grant, Gerard Coughlan, Steve Tarrant and Stephen Todd.

All Blacks & Internationals Four Temuka players have worn the black jersey and silver fern, a record many larger clubs would be proud of.

Gus Spillane (1913)
– A fast and heady five-eighth from the great Temuka rugby family noted for their instinctive “rugby brain” played two tests against Australia as well as representing South Canterbury from 1908 to 1923 captaining them to victory over Auckland in 1922.

W.A. (Archie) Strang (1930)
– A five-eighth who slotted a magnificent drop goal to give the All Blacks a rare win over the Springboks in that country. He also captained South Canterbury against the 1930 British team.

Lachie (Goldie) Grant (1947, 1949, 1951)
- is justifiably regarded as the best rugby player Temuka ever produced. He was a loose forward with superb lineout skills who played four matches for the NZ Services team and nine for the 2nd NZEF (Kiwis) side, represented the South Island in 1947,1948 & 1951, captained the All Blacks once as well as captaining South Canterbury to its first Ranfurly Shield win in 1950.

Tom Coughlan (1958)
– A big, strong, fast flanker with a firm attitude who showed early promise earning an All Black trial at just 19 in 1953. He also played for the New Zealand XV in 1955, The Rest of New Zealand in 1960 and the South Island in 1955, 1957, 1958 and 1960. He represented South Canterbury 76 times between 1952 and 1960.

Tane Norton (1971-77)
- Although we cannot officially claim Tane Norton as a club All Black, we are justifiably proud of his former and ongoing close relationship with the club. He played in the middle of a strong front row in 1965, 66 and 67 during the ‘golden era’. He played 61 matches for NZ including 27 tests and became the oldest player ever to captain the All Blacks during his final season.

Brendan Laney Scotland (2001)
- a midfield and utility back was controversially rushed straight into the Scottish national team by the then national coach, Ian McGeechan just two days after he arrived from New Zealand. After the initial controversy died down, however, he became a popular figure with team-mates and fans, through his personality and leadership. Prior to leaving NZ he had represented the NZ U21 team in 1994, Temuka Seniors from 1992-94, South Canterbury, Otago, and the Otago Highlanders in Super 12 rugby. He played for Edinburgh from 2001 – 2005.