CLUB HISTORY
Forged in 1923. A century of strength & spirit.
THE FOUNDATION
Club Founded: 1923
Manukau Rovers traces its roots back to junior rugby in 1885, transitioning to rugby league around 1913. The club officially marks 1923 as its foundation year when it affiliated with the Auckland Rugby Union.
GALLAHER SHIELD
The Gallaher Shield is awarded to the winner of the Auckland Rugby Football Union senior premier competition, first presented in 1922 in honour of Dave Gallaher.
GALLAHER SHIELD
The Gallaher Shield is awarded to the winner of the Auckland Rugby Football Union senior premier competition, first presented in 1922 in honour of Dave Gallaher.
Manukau Rovers have lifted the shield four times:
1968
1973
2022
(club’s 100th anniversary)
2023
(100th Gallaher Shield match, back-to-back champions)
Manukau Rovers have lifted the shield four times:
1968
1973
2022
(club’s 100th anniversary)
2023
(100th Gallaher Shield match, back-to-back champions)
Manukau Rovers Senior Representative Players
Throughout its history, Manukau Rovers has produced players who have gone on to represent Aotearoa at the highest levels of the game.
All Blacks
Cyril Pepper
All Black Number: 413
17 matches (1935–1936)
Jack Dunn
All Black Number: 452
1 test (1946)
Mackie Herewini
All Black Number: 632
10 tests, 22 matches (1962–1967)
Barry Thomas
All Black Number: 633
4 tests, (1962–1964)
Frank Bunce
All Black Number: 915
55 tests, 14 matches (1992–1997)
(Although Frank did not make the All Blacks while at Manukau, he played all his club rugby with the Rovers)
Māori All Blacks
Alby Falwasser
1928
Bill Turei
1928
Baby Kahu
1929–1930
Teroi Tataurangi
1969
Mackie Herewini
1970 –1971
Mike Parkinson
1970
Teddy Davis
1973
Alby Hansen
1974
Super Rugby
Liaki Moli Auckland Blues
2012 – 2015
Sunwolves
2017 –present
Melani Nanai Auckland Blues
2015 –2020
Manukau Rovers Rugby Club
Manukau Rovers Rugby Club – There is historic evidence that there was Junior rugby played in 1885 and seceded to league about 1913. At a meeting in 1923 Manukau Rovers Rugby Club approved a resolution that it affiliates with the Auckland Rugby Union so the club officially recognise 1923 as the foundation year.
Official Opening (of the Clubrooms) – March 18th, 1972
Club : Manukau Rovers Rugby Club
Notes : Olympians XV v Bill Freeman’s XV
125 Years 1885 – 1912 1924 – 2021 – Souvenir Booklet
Club : Manukau Rovers Rugby Club
Notes :
FAMILY CLUB
Strong family ties are the backbone of Rovers. The Thomas family, led by Barry Thomas (life member, All Black, club manager, and current patron), epitomizes this legacy. Other families with long histories at the club include the Bunce, Stein, and Tukerangi families.
Mangere sporting legends like David Tua and Monty Betham also played at Rovers before excelling in their respective careers.