Manawatu Rugby Football Union
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| Founded | 1886 |
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| Region | Hurricanes |
| Ground(s) | Central Energy Trust Arena (Capacity: 15,000) |
| League(s) | Mitre 10 Cup |
| 2015 | 7th (Premiership) |
| Official website | |
| www |
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| Union | Manawatu Rugby Union |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2006 |
| Location | Manawatu-Wanganui |
| Region | Manawatu, New Zealand |
| Ground(s) | Central Energy Trust Arena (Capacity: 18,000) |
| Coach(es) | Jeremy Cotter |
| Captain(s) | Callum Gibbins |
| League(s) | Mitre 10 Cup Championship. |
| 2015 | 7th, Relegated to Championship |
| Official website | |
| www |
|
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| Union | Manawatu Rugby Union |
|---|---|
| Location | Manawatu-Wanganui |
| Ground(s) | Central Energy Trust Arena (Capacity: 18,000) |
| Coach(es) |
John Kendal Stu Ross |
| Captain(s) | Sarah Goss |
| League(s) | Women's Provincial Championship |
| 2012 | 5th |
| Official website | |
| www |
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Manawatu Rugby Football Union (MRU) is the governing body of the sport of Rugby union in the Manawatu province. The Union is based in the city of Palmerston North though its catchment area includes players and clubs from nearby towns in the province, including Ashhurst, Feilding, Rongotea, Linton, Bulls, Pahiatua, Woodville and Dannevirke.
Founded in 1886, Manawatu is one of New Zealand's oldest rugby unions. In 1892, the MRU, amongst other Rugby Unions, was instrumental in the founding of the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU).
The Manawatu Rugby Union has over 5,000 players, making it the tenth largest union in New Zealand in terms of player numbers. In 2011, the union celebrated its 125th Jubilee.
Manawatu have traditionally played in a distinctive green and white tramline jersey, (although in 1996, a jersey including red was worn).
In 1997–98 Manawatu entered into an amalgamation with Hawke's Bay, as the Central Vikings, and wore orange and blue. See History.
The Union's home ground is Central Energy Trust Arena. It was host to two matches of the Rugby World Cup 2011.
On a wider note, Palmerston North is the home of the New Zealand Rugby Museum and also the Massey University Sport and Rugby Institute.
The Manawatu Turbos are the premier men's team in the Manawatu rugby province. In 2005, Manawatu were invited (with four other unions, reduced to 3 after an amalgamation) to play in the first division of a restructured National Provincial Championship, initially called (for sponsorship purposes) the Air New Zealand Cup (now known as the Mitre 10 Cup). As well as propelling Manawatu into professional rugby, it was also the first time since 1988 the top grade competition would feature a team from the province.
Manawatu have a reputation for fielding young, local talent. This has served mixed results however this approach has also uncovered new exciting players who have made Super Rugby level and also the All Blacks.
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Wikipedia