The Manawatu rugby union was formed in 1886, which makes it one of New Zealand's oldest unions.
This proud union, which at its best combines bullocking forwards from the country areas, with the speedy backs from the Varsity club, has produced several outstanding All Blacks and has achieved notable success on the national rugby stage.
The period from 1976 to 1983 saw Manawatu as a powerhouse in New Zealand rugby, achieving outstanding success. One of the great Ranfurly Shield reigns (1976 - 1978) was followed by an historic national provincial championship victory in 1980. Manawatu was also NPC Runner-up in the years 1976 and 1981. These lofty heights placed a heavy burden on Manawatu sides in the future, who failed to live up to this 'once in a generation' success of the Graham Hamer coached teams of 1976 to 1983.
In 1980, its championship winning season, Manawatu had no less than eight All Blacks, an impressive number even by todays standards.
They were Mark Donaldson, Mark 'Cowboy' Shaw (who earned his living at various meat works around the city), Geoff Old, Frank Oliver, Gary Knight, Doug Rollerson, Lachie Cameron and eighteen year old PNBHS schoolboy Craig Wickes .
Manawatu remained the most feared and one of the most powerful unions in the country until the 1984 season when standards slipped considerably.
In 1988 the union was relegated to the second division for the first time. They stayed in this second tier until 2006 when they were resurrected in the top flight of NZ rugby, as the Manawatu Turbo's, in the revamped Air NZ Cup Championship.
There are 13 club teams which play at Senior A level.
Manawatu are part of the Hurricanes Super 14 franchise and have contributed a number of players over the years.
Manawatu have a strong Rugby Sevens team, ranked 4th in 2007 and 5th in 2008 and are current, 2008, Hurricanes region Champions..
