The first mention of Te Rapa Rugby Club was in 1899 when flax cutters working in the local area decided to create a rugby club in which they named Te Ra Pa. In 1900 due to the relocation of their flax cutting the club was briefly stopped until their return in 1901 in which they played under the Te Rapa banner.

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It wasn't until 1960 when a collection of local parents whose children participated in the Te Rapa Athletic Club decided that it would be a great idea to form a local rugby club for the children. Led by Russ Moroney, Ron Patterson, Joe Mitchell and Duncan Murray, the club was formed and the

Te Rapa Combined Club started rugby in 1961.

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Originally based at Te Rapa Primary School which at the time was located on the corner of State Highway 1 and Te Kowhai Road (The northern end of The Base Shopping Centre.) The club began to grow as adult members started looking for a game. From this Te Rapa Rugby affiliated with members of the RNZAF which were stationed on land which is now known as The Base Shopping Centre. 

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