CLUB HISTORY 

Club Founded: 1923

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 approved a resolution that it affiliates with the Auckland Rugby Union so the club officially recognise 1923 as the foundation year. 

WILLIAMS PARK

An interesting note was that CJ Williams asked for his vote against the resolution to be recorded. 29 years later Mick Williams was made a life member.  The home ground in Mangere, “Williams Park” also carries his name. Rovers have been based at Williams Park since 1972.

GALLAHER SHIELD

The Gallaher Shield is awarded to the winner of the Auckland Rugby Football Union senior premier competition, and was first awarded in 1922. The shield is named in honour of Dave Gallaher, an early stalwart of Ponsonby, Auckland and New Zealand rugby. Manukau Rovers has won the Gallaher Shield on four occasions, 1968, 1973 and most recently in 2022 in it's 100th celebratory year and 2023 in the 100th Gallaher Shield match as back to back Champions.

FAMILY CLUB

The club is based on strong family ties that still exist today. The most well known being the Thomas family led by Barry (life member) who played through the ranks to All Black representation and was the club manager for many years and remains the club patron today. Other families with long history to the club are the Bunce, Stein and Tukerangi families.

Mangere sporting legends David Tua and Monty Betham also played rugby at Rovers before heading into their other sporting careers.