May 8–10, 2026 | Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand
High School Old Boys'
125th Anniversary
High School Old Boys' Rugby Club celebrates an incredible milestone — our 125th anniversary (or for the Latin lovers, our quasquicentennial).
The celebrations are locked in for the weekend of May 8–10, 2026 and planning is well underway to honour the rich history of our great club.
Building the future. Honouring the past.
On Wednesday August 8th in 1901 a meeting took place at Christchurch Boys' High School. The school, having then been open for 19 years, had growing stocks of former pupils making their marks at community, sporting and political levels. 70 such men were present at the meeting – the large number evidence a proposed new alliance was well supported.
Dr Henry Thacker took the chair. The big man, said to weigh 18 stone, commanded the attention of the gathered crowd. His passion and oratory skill would later lead him to work as a respected physician, parliamentary member, mayor of Christchurch and renowned Cantabrian.
On that day however his speech went straight to the point, explaining the objective of forming a new club. The proposal was moved by Bob Speight and seconded by Tom Reese. Their words, neatly handwritten in the old minute book, record the first meeting of the Christchurch High School Old Boys' Rugby Club.
It was a simple beginning for a club that has gone on to play an incredibly significant role in New Zealand's national sport. From the vision of its founders to the present day Christchurch High School Old Boys' has grown in size and reputation. It continues to lead the way in Christchurch with how rugby is developed, supported and played.
The club, now widely known as the 'Old Boys' or 'Polar Bears', maintains ties with several rugby-proud Christchurch schools. We understand the importance of guiding and supporting the next generation of Old Boys'.
125 years on: Building the future. Honouring the past.
12 months ago the 125 HSOB committee was formed and the first decision made was that the celebration aims to include as many past and present
club members of all ages. It is an opportunity to bring many past members of the club back to the new HSOB club environment and reconnect. It is also an opportunity for our current members to take a glimpse into the past and rub shoulders with many of those that have contributed to the legacy of HSOB rugby.
The Strategic Vision
To reconnect our club at all levels adding to a sense of belonging from our Juniors through to our older members.
The Mission
To cultivate an environment that empowers our HSOB community to build and reconnect through the relationships and opportunities provided by the 125th Celebrations
Mission Objectives
Connect, strengthen and grow our HSOB Community: Our people are our foundation, they are the ones who inspire our story so first we must tap into our own capital to guide this mission. Then, we use this event to grow our own sense of belonging and purpose, make sure our people
know about this event and we are creating opportunities for them to participate and contribute.
Brand Awareness: Use our 125 Celebrations to promote our profile - identify and recruit sponsors, players, new members and our sporting heroes. Promote, support and run our event and to increase awareness of HSOB Rugby.
Fundraising: Use this event to subtly raise funds for projects at HSOB that will benefit the whole club.
Celebration: Ensure that the day/s are enjoyed by all, from the moment that our members arrive at the Club to the moment that they drive out of the gate at the end of the day/night. Positive atmosphere, good feel factor, well organised and run events, people getting good value for money that provokes further generosity and a belonging to HSOB.
