In the late 19th century the elite secondary schools were important in promoting amateur sports such as rugby and cricket in New Zealand. At private boarding schools such as Christ's College (in Christchurch) and Wanganui Collegiate the pupils could be easily organised to play games, and these schools were modelled on English public schools, which had already been instrumental in codifying games. The pupils who went to state secondary schools in New Zealand in the late 19th century often came from a wealthy background, so they had the funds and leisure to play games both at school and once they had left.

The team is (standing, from left) John Charles Nattle Grigg, Harry Joseph Beswick, John William Townsend Boys, Herbert Brown, Arthur Truman Chapman, Herbert William Williams (captain), Collet Barker Dobson, Robert Luke Higgins, George Arthur Smith, Charles William Rattray, George Macpherson Cox, Hugh Tolmie, (seated, from left) Henry Herbert Lee, Harry Robert Webster, Hugh Frederick Hewlings.