World first in Palmerston North

The city’s pride and joy, the New Zealand Rugby Museum, has something to appeal to everyone not just hardened rugby fans.

Who doesn’t love stories of hard-won battles, shame worn with dignity and little Kiwi relics that earned a place in world history? It’s all to be found in the world’s first museum dedicated entirely to rugby in little old Palmerston North.

Museum Director Stephen Berg says the museum with its interactive displays, treasures and exhibitions has appeal for the whole family.

“We average around 10,000 visitors a year with more than 80% of those coming from overseas. Since borders closed it’s dropped to 5,000 – and we’re actually pleasantly surprised at that.”

The entire Black Ferns squad turned up for the opening in April last year. “It was very emotional. We were embarrassed by the lack of material to be found when we set about getting the exhibition together. We had to start from scratch but we’re proud of what we achieved,” Stephen says.

Did you know the first recorded game of women’s rugby was a match between Wellington Girls College and the Salvation Army in 1888?

Rugby heads, kids and even grandparents all seem keen to push on the scrum machine, try the tackle bags and kick goals. “Kids and overgrown kids. They all love it,” Stephen says.

The chronological history of rugby is set out in a walk around the outer edges of the Museum and there are several other popular displays including one containing 15 rare objects.

The Museum Director’s favourites are the whistle and coin used in the 1925 All Blacks vs England match. That same coin used in the toss and ref’s whistle were then used for the opening match of every World Rugby Cup from 1987 until 2011.

Cyril was the first All Black to be ordered off the field in an international match against England in 1924. Apparently very much a disgrace back then.

It was 40 years later in 1967 that Colin Meads became the second.

So many stories and treasures relating to a sport that’s shaped our culture and identity. Palmerston North’s Rugby Museum seems very worthy of a visit. For visiting hours and information www.rugbymuseum.co.nz