Founded in 1881 the Lincoln University Rugby Club has a long and proud tradition. Playing in the Ellesmere Sun Union competition until 1965, the team managed to produce several notable All Blacks and as a student roll numbers ballooned in the late 1960’s, the Club transferred to the Christchurch City competition where it had been a consistent performer ever since. The club had the fortunate position of attracting a large number of enthusiastic students but is also an open club readily accepting membership from non-campus sports people. A key attraction of club life is the ability to train during daylight hours on fields which have been superbly maintained by NZ Cricket.  A further essential component in the club life is the LU Gym/Whare Hakinakina involving a very well equipped gymnasium, including a weights room, squash courts, basketball court, fitness classes and a highly qualified staff allowing individual consultation to achieve a wide range of performance targets.

Results in recent seasons have been excellent with both Premier Men, Premier Reserve Men and Premier Colt’s sides being regulars in the top 8 and finals. At the same time the Club also caters for woman’s rugby, the Ewes team has had many Black Ferns, Aupiki Super rugby, and FPC players as part of the club.   In 2024 the CRFU have introduced a U85kg grade in the Metropolitan competition and it has attached many players who are keen to be part of teams against players of there own size.   The Club continues to strive for excellence in coaching, strength and conditioning and management.  The Club is proud of the performance of our recent All Blacks and Black Ferns including Sam Whitelock, Scott and Jordie Barrett, and Fletcher Newell and Black Ferns Alana and Chelsea Bremner, Amy Rule, Georgia Ponsonby, Grace Steinmetz and our Hannah King.  We have numerous players currently turning out for Canterbury, Crusaders and Matatu.  In recent years the Club has also had players selected for the NZ under 20’s team and also the NZ University teams. The Club forms an essential part of the University community and along with the other sports we form LU Sport - One Club, One Team!