ABOUT MARIST NELSON

Marist Rugby Football Club (Nelson) was established in 1945, originally playing as Celtic. Founding members had strong Irish and Italian Catholic roots in the community.

Marist Nelson later affiliated and aligned with NZ Marist for stronger Marist name recognition to attract players coming in from outside the region.

The club currently provides rugby and netball for people of all backgrounds and ages, in a welcoming and egalitarian environment.

Given our roots we are less formal, less stuffy than some more traditional clubs. We are fortunate to have a strong number of youthful committee members and club drivers.

The club represents the Marist faithful – past, present & future - honest, hardworking, everyday people who want to make a positive difference in our community, people who put the greater good before themselves. Our members genuinely care about playing at or belonging to our Club.

We are a multi-cultural club that is inclusive, diverse, and accepting of people from all walks of life regardless of religious beliefs economic background, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.

Within the Tasman Rugby Union competitions, the club fields several junior rugby teams from ages 6 to 14, two senior men’s and one senior women’s team. Netball is played by five teams in the Nelson Netball competitions.

The senior rugby Division 1 team have won titles over the years in both the Nelson Bays and wider Tasman Trophy competitions. Many players have represented Nelson Bays and, since 2006, the Tasman Mako. We have also had players make NZ representative teams including All Blacks, Liam Squire, Kane Hames and Shannon Frizell.​​​​​​​

OUR PURPOSE

To inspire and connect people from all walks of life and of all ages to join Marist and enjoy a mutual love of sports.

OUR VALUES

To be Inclusive (A Game for All), Inspirational (Enjoyable for All) and Sustainable (A Future for All).​​​​​​​​​​​​​​