Regional rugby

The Thames Valley Rugby Football Union was established in 1921 when the South Auckland Rugby Union was split into three parts. (Waikato and King Country were formed at the same time.) The Thames Rugby Union (centred on the town of Thames) stuck with Auckland and did not join Thames Valley for good until 1951. The Swamp Foxes, as they are nicknamed, currently compete in the semi-professional Heartland Championship. Along with Counties Manukau, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, King Country and Taranaki, Thames Valley is part of the Chiefs Super Rugby franchise .

High points in Thames Valley rugby

Thames Valley played in a match unique in New Zealand rugby history in 1961. Lined up against them for Waikato that day were the five famous Clarke brothers: Brian, Don, Doug, Graeme and Ian.

Since its first challenge for the Ranfurly Shield in 1951, a 19–6 loss to North Auckland, Thames Valley has endured 14 further defeats in this quest. In 1980 the Swamp Foxes provided Waikato with a stiff challenge before going down 16–7 in the 400th Ranfurly Shield match. This remains their closest shield challenge. In 1986 the union suffered its heaviest ever defeat, a 97–0 mauling at the hands of Auckland.