Rundle Cup
The Rundle Cup is a rugby trophy contested between the West Coast and Buller rugby unions. It replaced the Molloy Cup.[1] Of the 37 challenge trophies contested by two provinces in New Zealand rugby it is of the longest continuous existence,[2] it is also the second oldest provincial trophy after the Ranfurly Shield.
Origins[edit]
The Rundle Cup was donated to the West Coast provincial union during their Annual General Meeting at the Albion Hotel on 24 May 1911 by William Rundle as a trophy for Buller-West Coast matches.[3] Rundle was a local business man in the mining industry and former player for the Grey Football Club. He later perished on the frontline in France during World War One.[4] The first contest for the cup was held in 1911 in Westport and was won by Buller.
Former Holders[edit]
| Won | Union | Venue | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1911 | Buller | Westport | |
| 1999 | West Coast | Greymouth | 29-12 |
| 04-09-2004 | Buller | Greymouth | 24-12 |
| 03-09-2005 | Buller | Westport | 24-12 |
| 16-09-2006 | Buller | Greymouth | 17-16 |
| 20-09-2008 | Buller | Greymouth | 20-19 |
| 12-09-2009 | West Coast | Greymouth | 26-20 |
| 2020 | Not played due to the COVID-19 pandemic | N/A | N/A |
Current Holders[edit]
Buller are the current holders of the Rundle Cup after beating West Coast 36–32 at John Sturgeon Park, Greymouth on September 12, 2022.[5]
Next Match[edit]
The next fixture for the Rundle Cup is uncertain as, as both teams can be placed in different sides of the draw in the Heartland Championship