Blair Ryall
Toyota Verblitz, JapanFrom junior and intermediate rugby at Rolleston RFC to 2023 Southland Stags Player of the Year. Now playing professionally for Toyota Verblitz in Japan’s League One.
About Us
About Us
Built on community spirit and local pride since 1999. Rolleston RFC is where players, families, and supporters come together through a shared love of the game.
Who We Are
OUR MISSION
A family friendly focused rugby club that fosters a sense of belonging and development for all to achieve their full potential both on and off the field.
Looking Ahead
OUR VISION
To be the heartbeat of rugby in Selwyn — a club where every player, volunteer, and family feels they belong, and where grassroots rugby thrives from the youngest Rippa player to the Senior XV.
Community. Rugby. Together.
What Drives Us
Our Values
Four values that guide everything we do — on and off the field.
01Whanau & Community
United through rugby, embracing community, and supporting each other on and off the field.
02Connection & Belonging
Bringing together teammates, supporters, and the community through trust, camaraderie, and a shared passion for the game.
03Respect
Promoting fair play, good sportsmanship, and integrity among players, coaches, officials, and fans.
04Positivity
The club environment thrives through supportive teams, resilient attitudes, inclusive committee & leadership, and a growth-focused environment both on and off the field.
Our Journey
From the 1970s to South Island's Fastest Growing Club.
The story of Rolleston RFC is a story of community, determination, and a deep love of the game. From humble beginnings to over 30 teams — here's how we got here.
The 1970s
Where It Began
The very first Rolleston rugby team was formed back in the 1970s, playing at what is now the site of the Selwyn District Council office buildings. Rugby had arrived in Rolleston.
Late 1980s
The Spring Rolls
In the late 80s, Rolleston RFC combined with Springston RFC. The merged club became known as the “Spring Rolls” — and competed together throughout the 80s and 90s within Ellesmere rugby.
1999
Rolleston RFC Reborn
Tiny Hill and Russell Lilly decided to re-establish Rolleston RFC as a standalone club. Their vision, determination, and love of the game laid the foundation for everything the club has become. Starting with just 5 junior teams, Rolleston RFC was back.
Growth
Year on Year
From those 5 junior teams, the club grew steadily. New grades were added, more families joined, and a full rugby pathway began to take shape — from under 7s right through to senior competition.
2012
First Senior Team
Rolleston RFC entered its first senior team into the Ellesmere competition, marking a significant step in the club’s development from a junior-only club to a full community rugby club.
2017
32 Teams, 400+ Players
By 2017, the club had grown to 32 teams with over 400 registered players across every grade from under 7s to senior men’s. The growth was outpacing the facilities.
2020
A New Home at Foster Park
To make way for the rapid growth and redevelopment in Rolleston, the club relocated its clubrooms and home grounds to Foster Park on Dynes Road. The new facilities reflected the club’s growing role as a community hub.
Today
The Largest in Ellesmere
Rolleston RFC is now the largest club in the Ellesmere sub-union and the second largest in Canterbury. With 30+ teams, 274 member families, and a passionate volunteer committee, the club continues to grow alongside one of New Zealand’s fastest growing towns.
Built on community spirit and local pride, Rolleston Rugby Football Club looks forward to continuing its journey as Rolleston itself continues to grow.
In Memoriam
Stanley “Tiny” Hill MBE
All Black · 19 Caps · Captain 1955–59
All Black Era
1955 – 1959
A tough All Black who served in Japan after World War II and in Vietnam. Lock and flanker for Canterbury and Counties, earning 19 caps and captaining the national side.
One of the driving forces behind re-establishing Rolleston RFC in 1999. A dedicated club member and regular presence at the grounds until his passing at age 92.
“His legacy is woven into the fabric of this club.”
Club Legend
1930 – 2022
Our Pathway
From Our Club to the World Stage.
Rolleston RFC isn't just developing players — we're producing them. Several of our juniors have gone on to represent at the highest levels.
Shaun Kempton
Highlanders U20sA product of Rolleston’s junior and intermediate pathway. NZ Schools selection in 2023, Highlanders U20s squad for 2025.
Liam Jack
NZ U20sCanterbury U19 Player of the Year 2023. Toured with the Crusaders and selected for the NZ U20s.
Our People
The 2026 Executive Committee
This passionate group of leaders is ready to drive the club forward, support our players and members, and continue building a strong, connected Rolleston RFC community both on and off the field.
Nicola Ruki
President
presidentrrfc@gmail.comCJ
Chelsea Jones & Alicia Kirby
Vice President
vicepresrrfc@gmail.comAJ
Angela Jones
Secretary
secretaryrrfc@gmail.comJB
Jo Baird
Treasurer
rollestonrfctreasurer@gmail.comLG
Lachlan Gilbert
Senior Club Captain
rrfcsnrclubcaptain@gmail.comCD
Cody Davis
Intermediate Club Captain
intermediateclubcaptain.rrfc@gmail.comMH
Matt Hanrahan & Liz Tayler
Junior Club Captains
rrfcjnrclubcaptain@gmail.comClub Honours
Life Members & Patron
Life Members
- Russell Lilley
- David Egan
- Karen Faithful
- Eric Hume
- Angela Jones
Patron
Russell Lilley
Past Presidents
Coming soon — awaiting content from the club.
Est. 1999
Beyond Match Day
More Than a Rugby Club.
Looking for the perfect venue for your next celebration? Hold your next function, birthday, business meeting, or party at our Rugby Clubrooms! Spacious, welcoming, and fully equipped — the perfect spot to celebrate, connect, and create memories.
Great LocationLicensed BarSound SystemTV ScreenPlenty of SeatingCovered Outdoor Area
Enquire About Venue HireContact Jo Baird — bookingsrrfc@gmail.com
Resources
Club Documents
Key club documents will be available here for download.