Linwood celebrating 50 years to the day at Kearneys Road

Linwood Rugby Football Club are celebrating 50 years to the day since the clubrooms were opened at Kearneys Road on the 12th of May in 1973.

Following an extensive search to move away from their St Asaph St base that began in June 1966, the Kearneys Road site of six acres was selected.

The site was originally a dump, earmarked as a potential school spot, but thanks to a numerous fundraising ventures and the hard work for the Rugby Club’s building committee, the club were able to open their Clubrooms.

The Club President of the time Jack Story was quoted as saying ‘The 12th of May, 1973 will be remembered by all Linwood Rugby Club members as the day of the official opening of the new clubrooms at Kearneys Road.’

1973 was an incredibly successful year for the club, winning the senior competition with a formidable lineup of Canterbury and All Black representatives, such as Fergie McCormick, Tane Norton and Terry Mitchell.

However, the club would not play home games there until 1978, when Linfield Park was opened for Rugby, with games played at a range of grounds before Linfield’s opening.

The occasion will be celebrated with a special Anniversary Dinner at the club, with Canterbury halfback Willi Heinz guest speaking, with today’s facilities at Kearneys Road a great example of the vision and foresight of those over 50 years ago.

Thanks to Linwood RFC Business Manager Paul Kench for his support and knowledge in putting this article together.