HISTORY

Aorangi Park – Maori for 'Cloud in the sky'

London New Zealand Rugby Football Club (LNZRFC) was first established in 1926 with Colonel (later Lord) Freyburg as Chairman. The Depression and World War 2 intervened and the club was re-established in 1962. We have been in continuous existence since then. The club moved to Aorangi Park (Wimbledon) in 1966 where it leased 12 Acres from the All England Tennis club until 1981.

The Wimbledon New Zealand Club arose from the desire of the LNZRFC to find a home where it’s members could play rugby in pleasant surroundings, return the hospitality they had enjoyed from so many English Clubs and provide a place where young Kiwis could get to know Englishmen in a friendly environment.

In September 1967, after a number or working bees and generous gifts from supporters, the clubrooms were opened by Olympic bronze medallist Sir Arthur Porritt. The club was then 700 members strong. 5 rugby teams, 2 rugby fields, tennis and cricket clubs and a bowling green representing some 35 nationalities.

The mid to late 70s were the real heydays. Instead of heading to the usual antipodean drinking establishments it wasn’t uncommon for 100s, even up to 2000, to flock to the Aorangi Club rooms for social functions, hangis, discos and BBQs. In 1978 the club even had the All Blacks visit. They also had a handful of former and future All Blacks representing the club, with Doug Rollerson, Terry Morrison and Paul Sapsford making appearances while Earle Kirton and Chris Laidlaw were Vice-Presidents.

1970s Social Club.
1970s Social Club Calendar of events.

In 1977 the club signed a 21 year lease to stay on at Wimbledon but sadly, in 1981, as the All England Tennis Club expanded and they asked LNZRFC to move on. Today at Wimbledon, the new No.1 court and surrounding courts fill what was once Aorangi Park. All that remains of the New Zealand connection are the names – Aorangi Picnic Terrace, Aorangi Food Court and Aorangi Café.

After the Wimbledon departure the club led a fairly nomadic lifestyle, moving around various West London Grounds from Osterley to Greenford.

In 2005 the club move once again, from Greenford to the Acton Sports Club, Park Place, Acton W3. The club held annual Hangis which were attended by well over 500 people and its annual ANZAC rugby match attracted 4000 people in 2007.

In 2008 LNZRFC moved to Twyford Avenue Sports Ground, which is the home of Wasps FC.

2010-11 season sees the club begin another successful year at Twyford Avenue.

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Aorangi Park aerial photograph 1970s.	Aorangi Park clubrooms 1970s.
Greenford 2000-2005.	LNZRFC logo in the 1970s.
*Click on the above photos to view a larger image.