Rundle Cup
The Rundle Cup is a rugby trophy contested between the West Coast and Buller rugby unions. It replaced the Molloy Cup.[1] Of the 37 challenge trophies contested by two provinces in New Zealand rugby it is of the longest continuous existence,[2] it is also the second oldest provincial trophy after the Ranfurly Shield.
Origins
The Rundle Cup was donated to the West Coast provincial union during their Annual General Meeting at the Albion Hotel on the 24th of May 1911 by William Rundle as a trophy for Buller-West Coast matches.[3] Rundle was a local business man in the mining industry and former player for the Grey Football Club. He later perished on the frontline in France during World War One.[4] The first contest for the cup was held in 1911 in Westport and was won by Buller.
Former Holders
| Won | Union | Venue | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1911 | Buller | Westport | |
| 1999 | West Coast | Greymouth | 29-12 |
| 04-09-2004 | Buller | Greymouth | 24-12 |
| 03-09-2005 | Buller | Westport | 24-12 |
| 16-09-2006 | Buller | Greymouth | 17-16 |
| 20-09-2008 | Buller | Greymouth | 20-19 |
| 12-09-2009 | West Coast | Greymouth | 26-20 |
Current Holders
West Coast currently hold the trophy after they beat Buller 23-17 in Greymouth in 2013
Next Match
The next fixture for the Rundle Cup is uncertain as, as both teams can be placed in different sides of the draw in the Heartland Championship