New Zealand were two times runners-up in 1988 and 2000, and look to have a formidable team for RLWC08. They are commonly known as the Kiwis, after the native bird of that name.

Rugby League started in New Zealand in 1907 when Albert Baskerville organised a breakaway group from Rugby Union to travel to the north of England, via Australia.

En route, Baskerville picked up Dally Messenger to baptise him to the professional game. The NZRL was formed in 1910.

The growth and popularity of Rugby League in New Zealand has been hampered by the seemingly unending popularity of Rugby Union.

Rugby League is played predominantly by Maori and Pacific Islanders so the game’s distribution in heavily concentrated in Auckland, Waikati, Wellington and Canterbury. Half of New Zealand’s playing strength is concentrated in Auckland.

Over the years Rugby League has experienced a number of “boom and bust” cycles with the most recent peak in the mid-late nineties following the inclusion of the Warriors into the Australian competition. The game’s playing numbers peaked at 40,000 but are now around 22,000 registered players competing in sanctioned competitions.

There are 15 district Leagues operating their own club competitions. The season runs between April and September. Each district has a choice of several first class arenas.

Junior strength is growing with over 11,000 registered for competition but schools prefer Rugby as their first choice of football.

New Zealand will play Australia in an Australian Centenary match at the Sydney Cricket Ground on 9th May 2008.

The “gun” players for that Test and the 2008 World Cup are sure to be captain Roy Asotasi, Sonny Bill Williams, Benji Marshall and Krisnan Inu.

The goals are simple. To strengthen the base of the game by growing participation and improving quality of delivery at ever level while increasing the pool of world class talent.

The standard of coaching is based on the Australian model. New Zealand is committed to achieving mandatory accreditation at ever level by 2009.

New Zealand Rugby League
Rugby League House
7 Beasley Ave
Penrose, Auckland NZ

Telephone: +649 525 5592 Fax: +649 525 5596 Email: staff@nzrl.co.nz Web: http://www.nzrl.co.nz/

Foundation Year: 1907 Affiliated Since: 1942 RLIF Status: Test Nation