Throughout the 63 years of its history, Lindisfarne College’s rugby teams have consistently punched above their weight. A proud rugby tradition has evolved and the college has now produced five All Blacks: Mick Duncan (1971, two tests), John Timu (1989-94, 50 matches 26 tests, nine tests as a Kiwi League rep), Taine Randell (61 matches, 51 tests, 22 as Captain), Campbell Johnstone (2005, three tests) and Israel Dagg (2010, 61 tests to date).
Lindisfarne College has produced several NZ Schools’ players and many more at various national age grade levels. Three NZ Maori, four NZ Universities and numorous Super Rugby players are testimony to the processes in place at Lindisfarne College that allow its rugby players to progress to a higher level in the game. At present, we turn out six teams from the school roll of around 500 students and all teams are coached and managed by staff members.
Traditional matches are played against Rathkeale College, Scots College and Wanganui Collegiate. Annual fixtures are played against local rivals Hastings Boys’ High School and Napier Boys’ High School and a pre-season games against Palmerston North and Gisborne Boys’ High School.
The season begins with the Presbyterian Quadrangular Tournament established in 1989, involving Scots College (Wellington), St Andrew’s College (Christchurch) and St Kentigern College (Auckland) . The Lindisfarne College 1st XV won the inaugural CNI Rugby competition in 2012, were forth last year in 2013 and beaten semifinalist in 2014 and 2015.