 Rugby union – almost universally referred to as rugby in New Zealand – was introduced to New Zealand by Charles Monro in 1870 ; Monro discovered the sport while completing his studies at Christ 's College , Finchley , England . The first recorded game in New Zealand took place in May 1870 in Nelson between the Nelson club and Nelson College . The first provincial union , the Canterbury Rugby Football Union , was formed in 1879 , and in 1882 New Zealand 's first internationals were played when New South Wales ( NSW ) toured the country . NSW did not face a New Zealand representative team but played seven provincial sides – the tourists won four games and lost three . Two years later the first New Zealand team to travel overseas toured New South Wales ; where New Zealand won all eight of their games . 
