North Shore Albions

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The North Shore Albions were a rugby league club from Auckland’s North Shore, based in Devonport before moving to Bayswater. They were formed in 1909 and folded in 2005 because there weren’t enough players to keep the club going.

Name changes and location
- In 1920 they joined with Sunnyside to become Devonport United. There was talk of keeping the North Shore Albions name, but the new name Devonport United was chosen.
- In 1937, at their annual meeting, they officially reverted to the North Shore Albions, a name they had long been known by.
- The club played mainly on the North Shore, with Devonport Domain and Bayswater Park among its grounds. Their colours were associated with black (and at times green as a North Shore tradition).

Early and notable success
- North Shore Albions were one of the early clubs in Auckland Rugby League, playing the first ever match for two Auckland clubs and winning 44–22.
- They won the top Auckland championship (the Monteith/early Fox Memorial era) in 1913, 1914, 1928, 1932, 1933 and again in 1941.
- They also enjoyed other strong moments, including a 1924 final against Marist Old Boys, and notable matches such as a 1931 game against Eastern Suburbs (Sydney), and a subsequent North Shore–Marist victory over the same opponents.

Decline and legacy
- As Auckland grew, the club declined and eventually closed in 2005 due to dwindling playing numbers.
- The North Shore Albions’ legacy survives through the Northern Brothers, a club at Ngataringa Bay Sports Field. Its senior team combines players from East Coast Bays Barracudas and Glenfield Greyhounds and covers much of the Albions’ traditional North Shore area.
- The Albions’ place in North Shore rugby league history is marked by their early successes and their long-standing presence on the North Shore community.