Nelson Rugby Union

Nelson Rugby Union was founded in New Zealand in 1885 and played provincial rugby till 1967 when it merged with the Golden Bay-Motueka Rugby Union to create Nelson-Bays.

Nelson in Ranfurly Shield
In the history of the Nelson Rugby Union, Nelson has contested the Ranfurly Shield twice:
 * 1924: vs Hawkes Bay 3-35, Hastings
 * 1959: vs Taranaki 14–31, New Plymouth