Manawatu Rugby Football Union (MRU) is the governing body of the sport of Rugby union in the Manawatu province. The Union is based in the city of Palmerston North though its catchment area includes players and clubs from nearby towns in the province, including Ashhurst, Feilding, Rongotea, Linton, Bulls, Pahiatua, Woodville and Dannevirke. Founded in 1886, Manawatu is one of New Zealand's oldest rugby unions. In 1892, the MRU, amongst other Rugby Unions, was instrumental in the founding of the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU). The Manawatu Rugby Union has over 5,000 players, making it the tenth largest union in New Zealand in terms of player numbers. In 2011, the union celebrated its 125th Jubilee. The Manawatu Turbos are the premier men's team in the Manawatu rugby province. In 2005, Manawatu were invited to play in the first division of a restructured National Provincial Championship, initially called (for sponsorship purposes) the Air New Zealand Cup (now known as the Mitre 10 Cup). As well as propelling Manawatu into professional rugby, it was also the first time since 1988 the top grade competition would feature a team from the province.
