Richmond History

The Richmond Rovers Rugby League Club is a rugby league club based in Grey Lynn, New Zealand. The premier team is called the Richmond Bulldogs and compete in Auckland Rugby League's Fox Memorial competition. Richmond Club was founded in 1913. The Richmond club were involved in the Bartercard Cup as a joint venture with the Marist Saints between 2000 and 2005. This team was called the Marist Richmond Brothers.

Over 50 Richmond Juniors have played for the New Zealand Kiwis. More recently including: Nigel Vagana, Joe Vagana, Steve Matai, David Solomona, Evarn Tuimavave, Brandon Smith and Jesse Bromwich. History shows Richmond developed a number of talented New Zealand Kiwi International players including: James Goulding, Fred Ah Koui, Ian Grey, Cliff Johnson, Bernie Lowther, Sam Panapa, James Pickering, Maurie Robertson & Se'e Solomona. In addition, 20+ women have represented the New Zealand Kiwi Ferns Ladies team. 

NZ Warriors NRL players include: Vae Kololo, Se'e Solomona, Tevita Latu, Wayne McDade, Daniel Vasau, Malo Solomona, Toleafoa Leaupepe, Sione Lousi, Sam Lousi, James Gavet, Pita Godinet and John Palavi who are all Richmond juniors.

Founded in: 1913

Fox Memorial Premierships: 1934, 1935, 1937, 1940, 1946, 1949, 1951, 1955, 1956, 1979, 1980, 2024

Sharman Cup Premierships: 1953, 1972, 1983, 2008, 2013, 2015

Fox Memorial Minor premiership: 1947, 1948, 1949, 1951, 1955, 1956, 1980, 2000, 2001, 2023

Roope Rooster: 1926, 1927, 1933, 1934, 1938, 1940, 1942, 1949, 1969, 1976, 1990, 2006, 2007 (3 successful defense wins, 9 June - 8 July)

Stormont Shield Winner: 1934, 1935, 1936, 1938, 1946, 1949, 1956, 1976, 1979, 1980, 2007, 2008

Click here for more information about the history of the Fox Memorial Shield.


Richmond Facts

  • Richmond Rovers is one of New Zealand’s oldest surviving rugby League Clubs. Formed in 1913, with the club 100th jubilee held in 2013

  • We hold the New Zealand record for producing the most Kiwi Representatives. The  latest being Jesse Bromwich, Brandon Smith, and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.
  • We also hold the New Zealand record for producing the most Kiwi Fern Representatives (ladies) totaling 23 (as of 2013).
  • Our membership comprises of 800 players from under 6’s to seniors and 200 social members. Numbers are continually growing every year.
  • We have a large female membership. Our ladies team winning 7 of the last 10 championship seasons.
  • Our facilities are used by 31 separate sports organisation. Our 10-year lease requires us to open for outside sports codes.
  • We function during the winter months March-September and during the Summer months November-February catering to American Grid-Iron, Touch Rugby, Niue Village Cricket, Niue Village Athletics, Samoa Village Cricket (Kilikiti) and Kiwi Tag/Flag.
  • The Richmond club room and facility is used by its very own Brass Band: Strangers in a Strange Band. The band is made up of local Grey Lynn community residents.
  • Prior to 17 March 2014 Richmond did not rely on alcohol sales for survival. Our licence hours did not allow it and our audited accounts support this.
  • We have no authority over members of the public who choose to bring alcohol onto the grounds from surrounding outlets. We make every effort to discourage the practice as it impacts directly on our members and is detrimental to our business.
  • Our membership is open to the general public and wider Grey Lynn community.
  • The club had been voted club of  the year by the Auckland rugby League two years running, 2000 and 2001.
  • Working Bees are held every February/March where volunteers provide free of charge service work to the repairs and maintenance of the Richmond club room.
  • Richmond encourages a no drinking culture in Grey Lynn Park facilities with strong promotional posters and messages to members, supporters, visitors.
  • The majority of our juniors are from surrounding schools including St Joseph's Primary, Grey Lynn Primary, Richmond Road Primary, St Paul's College, Mt Albert Grammar, St Peter's College, Western Springs College etc.