What you didn't know about the Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy

Gordon Hunter was the inaugural coach of the Highlanders in 1996 when Super Rugby began and also coached the Blues in 2000 before passing from cancer in 2002. He was an All Black Selector and Coach between 1996 and 2000 and had a long history of coaching in the Otago region at club and provincial level.

1 - The Blues have won it 8 times while the Highlanders and current holders have won it 10 times.

2 - Prior to 2013 the trophy was contested at each meeting but since then the decision was made that the trophy would only be contested in matches hosted by the holders.

3 - The Highlanders have held the trophy since 2012. This 7 game winning streak broke the Blues 6 game winning streak which started in 2007.

4- The highest points scored by one team is 50 when the Blues beat the Highlanders 50-22 in 2004. This is also the biggest winning margin between the two sides.

5- The Highlanders were the first team to lift the trophy in 2002 with a 20-13 win.

6- Gordon Hunter had a huge passion for rugby but was a detective by profession.