To celebrate the occasion, Upper Clutha — the current holders of the handsome trophy, as well as Central Otago’s reigning champions — have major celebrations planned.
Traditionally, the trophy is at stake exclusively in the holders’ home contests.
But on April 11 next season, Upper Clutha, who won the cup from Wakatipu this year before defending it against Maniototo, Matakanui Combined and Wakatipu, are effectively taking the cup on tour.
The White Horse Cup is compared with the Ranfurly Shield in that it is only defended in home fixtures.
However, the exclusive aspect of the cup — which was donated to the Vincent sub-union that administered Central Otago rugby at the time by White Horse Distillers through Dunedin agent R. Wilson and Co in 1926 — is that only the club in possession of the trophy at season’s end get their name inscribed on it.
That means that in the 95 years for which it has been played — there were war years when it lay idle — just 95 names are etched on the trophy.
"To mark the centenary, we’re organising a super round of matches at the Queenstown Events Centre on April 11," Upper Clutha event organiser Nathan Simon said.
All seven clubs will be involved, and not until the draw is made closer to the event will it be known who Upper Clutha will be defending the trophy against.
Queenstown has been chosen as the most convenient venue for everyone, and the team drawing the bye will play an invitation team comprising golden oldies, colts and spare players from the other clubs.
"We can’t have one club missing out, so all seven teams will play that day across two fields.
"We’re wanting to create a festive atmosphere and following the matches there will be an auction dinner at the Events Centre, which we’re expecting will involve upwards of 400 people."
Special jerseys are being designed with a distinctive centenary logo, while Gilbert are producing special White Horse Cup rugby balls.
It will probably come as a surprise to many to learn that the club name featuring the most on the trophy is that of current wooden spooners Matakanui Combined.
As Matakanui, they held the cup for five of the first six years from 1926 and dominated again in the 1980s and 1990s.
They have had their name inscribed on the cup 33 times, triple that of any other club, but have not won it since 1998.
Next best are Wakatipu (11 times) followed by Alexandra (nine), Maniototo (eight), Cromwell (six) and Upper Clutha (five).
Upper Clutha, created in 1970 when the Wānaka and Tarras clubs joined forces, proudly held the White Horse Cup in 1971 and 1972 but would have to wait more than 50 years before having their name etched on the famous trophy again.
They reclaimed it in the opening challenge of 2022, against the powerhouse team of the time, Cromwell Goats, thanks to a magnificent last-minute, wide-angled penalty goal kicked by Brady Kingan, who was Central Otago’s standout goalkicker before relocating to Australia.
Upper Clutha have since rounded out the 2023 and 2025 seasons in possession of the cup.
By Bob Howitt
