1913-1923

In the formative years of rugby league in New Zealand, Richmond emerged as a strong club. We were first combined with other clubs and then became independent as a junior club. Read the reports below for more on the history of Richmond Rovers Rugby League Inc.

1912 - 1913.

The employees at Mr. B. W. Davis' Boot Factory and Elliott's had been attracted to the novelty of the new game (The league code was in it's fourth season in New Zealand), and although unable to field full sides of thirteen, were so eager to embark under the new banner that a scratch game was played between the two factories with teams of seven a side.

The seed was well sown, for in the following year (1913) these enthusiasts resolved to form a Club and affiliate with the Auckland Rugby League, and the Richmond Rovers Football Club was born.

The first team fielded was a junior one, and the Club affiliated with the Eden Ramblers. The first Vice President was Mr. B.W Davis. Mr. Davis, founder of the Club, and now passed away, maintained an eager interest in the club and affairs at Richmond, particularly in the juior spheres of the game.

The first Richmond team didn't win a match. Youth and keenness, however, made the games most enjoyable. The club had as secretary that first season Mr. G. Edlin and the balance sheet at the end of 1913 was 18/11.

The first team to take the field was: B.W Davis, G. Edlin, E. Maguire, F. Harvey, G. Ness, C. Thompson, W. Kirk, R. Greer, G. Tait, J. Thompson, R. Bowles, S. Wilkinson, J.B. Bovaird and F. Corbett.