History of Quad
Written by Alan Turley (1951-55)
The year 2026, will see the enactment of the 100th Inter-Collegiate Quadrangular Tournament – the oldest Rugby tournament of its kind in the world. First held in 1925, it will be hosted by Whanganui Collegiate, New Zealand’s second oldest secondary school, with four schools participating.
Thirty-six years before, in 1889, the captain of the Wellington College 1st XV, J. M. Thompson conceived the idea of a four-way rugby tournament between four of the oldest secondary schools in New Zealand. With his headmasters support he sent out invitations to Christ’s College, Whanganui Collegiate and Nelson College to take part.
A historic photo of Nelson Collegians (1876)
Largely because of its isolation, Nelson College was struggling academically and financially. By 1829 it’s school roll had dropped to 89 and it was unable to commit to regular participation in the tournament. It became a triangular tournament in 1890 with Nelson College and Otago Boys High School being invited guest teams on an occasional basis.
Transportation was a major problem. Almost entirely dependant on coastal shipping, it was slow, costly and very tiring. It affected rugby generally and the triangular tournament was an ongoing struggle. However, by 1925, things had begun to improve, particularly as Sir Julius Vogels Public Works Act began to take effect.
Wellington College XV (1925)
In 1925 the three triangular tournament colleges; Wellington, Christ’s and Whanganui issued an invitation to Nelson College to join them. Nelson College accepted and the Inter-Collegiate Quadrangular Tournament was born. It continues to the present day in its original format with each college hosting the tournament on a rotational four yearly basis.
Quad, as it is affectionately known, has been held every year since with a notable exception. During World War two there was considerable public apprehension and fear over possible enemy submarine activity in New Zealand coastal waters. As a result, the 1942 and 1943 tournaments were cancelled.
The crowd of school boys watch on with excitement (1940)
After the war, it was confirmed that two Japanese and a German submarine had been active in New Zealand waters. However, acting under strict orders, they had refrained from expending valuable ammunition against minor targets and restricted themselves to reconnaissance activity. Although the submarine scare came to nothing it is the reason why it took 102 years to hold 100 quad tournaments.
Quad has gone from strength to strength over this period. Games have been characterised by considerable barracking and performance particularly from host supporters – at times vociferous and over-enthusiastic. The victors laurels have been well shared by each of the four schools. Sub-traditions have risen within the tournament. For example, the wearing of heavy black woollen trench coats by the four headmasters. Hospitality events are also very much the order of the day.
The crowd of school boys watch on with excitement (1940)
Quad is a joint celebration by the four schools. It is their annual pilgrimage. Over the 100 tournaments, it is estimated that over 7,500 boys have taken part. It is a time of reunion and fellowship. It is a time of rugby festivity. Quad not only survives, Quad thrives.