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Marlborough Rugby Union

Marlborough Rugby Union was a New Zealand rugby union team that played from 1888 until 2005 when they merged with the neighbouring Nelson Bays Rugby Union to become the Tasman Rugby Union.

Marlborough was founded in 1888 and played at Lansdowne Park in Blenheim.

Championships

Marlborough won three New Zealand Championships during the old NPC, consecutive South Island Division with two titles in 1978 and 1979, and Division 3 in 1997.

Ranfurly Shield

1973/74 Ranfurly Shield reign

Marlborough won the Ranfurly Shield in 1973, taking it from Canterbury. They managed six defences before losing to South Canterbury, in the second challenge of 1974.

Other Ranfurly Shield challenges

Marlborough's last Ranfurly Shield challenge was in the 2005 season, however Marlborough could not match Canterbury's strength this time and lost heavily, 3–67.

Hong Kong Sevens

Marlborough reached the final of the 1977 Hong Kong Sevens, finishing runner-up, losing 18–28 to Fiji.

Merger

Marlborough and Nelson Bays Rugby Union commenced playing as a merged team in the Tasman Rugby Union in the 2006 Air New Zealand Cup.

References