Ponsonby Rugby Club

Ponsonby Championships - Men

Ponsonby has won the Auckland championship more often than any other club. Since the club is the oldest in Auckland one would expect a healthy number of titles but the 2019 success was the 50th, including four in pre-Union days. There was a flurry in the 1880s, which eventually led to the District Scheme being implemented, then a truly formidable side developed in the late 1900s which meant the scheme had to be dismantled - there was no other way of combatting the club's power with residential rules still in place. The Gallaher Shield was won for the first time in 1924 - it was awarded in 1922 - and since then it has filled its special cabinet on the wall after 35 seasons. The club holds the record with eight consecutive titles, in 2004-11; Ponsonby is also the only club to have had as many as four (1924-27). University, the nearest rival, has won 17 titles - a good haul, but one which only serves to underline Ponsonby's dominance.

Only Otago University, which won its 53rd Dunedin championship in 2019, has won more titles in New Zealand club rugby.

Click on the links for a brief resume of each title-winning season.

1891 (Club programme)