Selwyn RFC celebrates 50th anniversary

Selwyn RFC have kicked off their season in the best way possible, celebrating 50 years of the club based in Glentunnel. 

Servicing Glentunnel, Hororata, Coalgate and right up to the Rakaia Gorge, Selwyn caters for 76 participants across the junior grades, as well as being the home of the Golden Oldies side, the Hororata Black Diamonds.  

The 50th anniversary celebrations provided an opportunity for old mates to reconnect, and allow new ones, like Club President Kyle Hughes, learn more about the rich history of the club.  

“It was a good weekend of celebrations” said Hughes, “We started with a casual catch up night on the Friday, opening up the club rooms and having everyone come down for a drink and a conversation.” 

“Then on Saturday, we had the Hororata Black Diamonds playing a game against West Melton, while we also had a bouncy castle and other kids activities going, with the afternoon followed up by the Anniversary Dinner.” 

Over the weekend, Selwyn also took the opportunity to nominate and elect two new life members, Pete McAndrew and Tim Rhind, a further celebration of the efforts members of the community put into their local club. 

“I’ve only been with the club 5 years, so the weekend provided me with a great opportunity to meet all of the old boys and learn more about the club.” 

“For example, the Black Diamonds are 136 years old, and played an important part in the formation of the club 50 years ago.” 

Today, Selwyn continue to play an important role, alongside other Malvern clubs like Sheffield, Darfield and Kirwee, in getting rural children into rugby.  

“Our goal is to get kids playing, so being able to work together and help our communities into the game is really rewarding.” said Hughes.