The Bledisloe Cup | Part I
The Untamed Years: Pre-Cup Battles and the Origins of a Trans-Tasman Rivalry (1903-1929)
Since 1931, the Bledisloe Cup has stood as the ultimate prize in one of world rugby’s fiercest contests — Australia’s Wallabies against New Zealand’s All Blacks. More than just a trophy, the Cup embodies decades of trans-Tasman rivalry, sporting excellence, and shared cultural identity.
This four part exhibition series traces the history of the Bledisloe Cup through rare collection items, photographs, and ephemera from the Rugby Australia Archive, uncovering stories of triumph, heartbreak, and the enduring spirit of competition that continues to unite and divide two proud rugby nations.
Australia v New Zealand, Sydney Cricket Ground (1903) by Sydney MailRugby Australia
August 15, 1903
The first-ever rugby union test between Australia and New Zealand was played in Sydney at the Sydney Cricket Ground on 15 August 1903.
Newsprint - Record of the Australian Tour of New Zealand (1903)Rugby Australia
Before 30,000 spectators, the All Blacks dominated 22–3, launching a trans-Tasman rivalry that would become one of rugby’s greatest traditions.
Harold Judd's Australian Honour Cap, 1903
Harold Judd made his debut for Australia in 1903 v New Zealand. He played five tests for Australia between 1903-1905, with his final test v New Zealand in 1905.
Official Souvenir of the New Zealand Rugby Football players in Australia Official Souvenir of the New Zealand Rugby Football players in Australia (1903) by N.S.W. Bookstall Co. A.C. Rolandson - Sole ProprietorRugby Australia
This foundational tour significantly boosted rugby's popularity in Australia, leading to increased attendance at grade matches in Sydney and Brisbane.
First Australian Representative Team, touring New Zealand (1905) by Jones and Coleman, AucklandRugby Australia
1905 | Australia's First Tour to New Zealand
Australia undertook its first overseas tour in 1905, travelling to New Zealand for a seven-match series. The Wallabies wore blue and maroon jerseys with a kangaroo emblem, winning three games but losing the sole test 14–3 in Dunedin.
William Hirschberg's Australian Honour Cap, 1905
This cap was presented to William Adolphus Hirschberg on the occasion of his debut Test match for Australia against New Zealand during the 1905 tour.
Newsprint - How New Zealand pressed the attack (1907) by Sydney MailRugby Australia
1907 | New Zealand Secures Series Victory in Australia
New Zealand toured Australia in 1907, further cementing the growing rivalry across the Tasman. These early encounters helped shape the competitive tradition that would later find its formal expression in the Bledisloe Cup.
Australia v All Blacks, Sydney Cricket Ground (1907) by Exchange Studios, SydneyRugby Australia
This series included a 5–5 draw at the Sydney Cricket Ground on August 10, following two earlier New Zealand victories.
1907 | New Zealand Jersey Badge
This badge features a hand-sewn kiwi and silver fern motif with the initials NZNT above, set on a black-brown pocket.
Australian Rugby Football Union - Australian Team Tour to New Zealand (Reproduction) (1913) by Zak, Wellington. New ZealandRugby Australia
1913 | Australia's Second Tour To New Zealand
Australia embarked on their second full tour of New Zealand in 1913, playing nine matches including three tests. The Wallabies lost the series 2–1, but secured a famous 16–5 victory in the third test at Christchurch — their first-ever win over the All Blacks on New Zealand soil.
Australian Team v New Zealand (Reproduction) (1914)Rugby Australia
1914 | Cessation of Australian Rugby due to World War I
A New Zealand team toured Australia and played three test matches against Australia. This was the final Test match before rugby union competitions ceased in Australia due to the outbreak of WWI, with many players enlisting.
Team Photograph - New Zealand All Blacks (1924)Rugby Australia
1924 | New Zealand tour of New South Wales
The 1924 tour was New Zealand’s 11th to Australia. Rugby, paused during WWI, later resuming in New South Wales. Matches from 1920–1928 helped build momentum for the formal Australia–New Zealand rugby rivalry that emerged a few years later.
1929 | Wallabies Significant Milestone
The Wallabies secured victories in all three tests of the series, winning 9-8, 17-9, and 15-13, and claiming the series 3-0.
Australia and New Zealand Teams, Brisbane Australia and New Zealand Teams, Brisbane (1929)Rugby Australia
By the end of the 1920s, trans-Tasman rugby had become a fixture of the international calendar. The 1929 matches reflected the deepening competitive spirit and laid the groundwork for the Bledisloe Cup’s creation.
Story created by Museum, Archives and Art Services for Rugby Australia.
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