The Rugby
North Harbour Rugby encompasses a geographical area that takes in 12 rugby clubs from Mahurangi in the north through to the North Shore club based in Devonport, North Shore City, the southern sector of the union. The club rugby season runs annually from March through to the beginning of August.
There are also 16 secondary schools (with close to 100 teams) within the North Harbour Region, with 12 of these schools entering a side in the strong 1st XV competition. Due to the ratio of secondary schools to rugby clubs there is always a strong relationship between the two.
Representative teams from North Harbour take part in both national and regional competitions.The North Harbour Senior side plays in the prestigious National Provincial Championship (Air New Zealand Cup Championship) which is recognised as the world's strongest domestic rugby competition.
North Harbour is also one of three provinces involved in the 'Blues' Rugby Super 14 franchise which takes part in the annual Southern Hemisphere Rugby Super 14 competition. This is one of the most exciting events on the world rugby calendar featuring clashes between 14 teams which represent the cream of rugby talent from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
North Harbour Stadium — the home of the North Harbour Union — plays host to over 40 representative rugby fixtures during the season, including NPC matches, Rugby Super 14 fixtures and test matches featuring the All Blacks.
Facilities
“A world class integrated environment for the achievement of excellence in sports performance and in personal health, recreation and fitness.”
Completed in February 2002 the $32 million Millennium Institute of Sport & Health is owned by a charitable trust and has been established to help New Zealander’s excel in sport and to contribute to a healthier nation.
They cater for people of all ages and levels, from those wanting to become fitter and healthier, to children learning fundamental physical and sporting skills, through to competitive sport from entry to elite.
Their extensive facilities have been purpose built for the training and preparation of high performance athletes who have the support of on site sports medicine and science services to help them achieve international success.
They welcome visitors, including schools, businesses, sports teams and other organisations wanting to utilise the leading edge facilities and services, either on a day to day basis or for longer periods staying in Millennium Lodge, our on site accommodation.
