Rugby Park History

Southlanders have a long and passionate love of the game of rugby, and Rugby Park has been the heart of it since it opened in April 1908. Purpose-built for the sport, it is now the home ground of the SIT Zero Fees Stags and the offices of Rugby Southland.

The current facility replaced the original Homestead Stadium, built with backing from ILT and Community Trust South.

The main stand was fully rebuilt in 2002, providing improved player facilities and corporate boxes. Floodlighting towers to full broadcast TV standards were also installed, along with a purpose-built media tower on the terrace side ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

The venue has a capacity of 17,000, though in its earlier years it accommodated crowds of up to 30,000.