08/04/2026
Central Vikings Rugby Union, Est: 1996
The Central Vikings Rugby Union was a short-lived New Zealand provincial side created as a joint venture between Hawkes Bay and Manawatu. It was founded in December 1996 and played in the NPC second division for only two seasons 1997 and 1998. The idea was to pool talent and resources so the two unions could build a stronger team capable of reaching the top provincial tier.Â
On the field, the team was strong almost immediately. In 1997 the Vikings finished runner-up in the Second Division after losing the final to Northland. In 1998 they improved again and won the division, beating Bay of Plenty in the final to finish first. Their squad featured notable players from the era, including Christian Cullen and Bull Allen, and they were coached by former All Black Frank Oliver.
Despite the on-field success, the union did not last. There was internal tension over the merger, including debate within Hawkeâs Bay clubs about whether to stay in the arrangement, and after the 1998 season the venture ran into financial trouble. Instead of moving forward as a promoted side, the partnership was dissolved and the provinces reverted to separate teams for 1999.Â
So the Central Vikings are remembered less as a long-standing province and more as an ambitious, almost-successful experiment in New Zealand rugby: a team that existed briefly, performed very well, but disappeared before it could establish itself in the top division.
