Firefighters have extinguished a blaze that destroyed a historic Auckland sports club overnight.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) crews were called to Murray Halberg Park in Mount Albert at 3:30am on Thursday morning, where the Marist Rugby League Club was destroyed in the blaze.
A police spokesperson said the blaze is being treated as "unexplained" and a scene examination will be carried out later on Thursday.
The spokesperson also confirmed no injuries were reported.
The club has over 100 years of history after being founded in 1919 and moved to the park in the 1970s. It was home to junior playing days of the likes of former All Black Sonny Bill Williams and former New Zealand Rugby League player Francis Meli. The club has produced 46 New Zealand international rugby league players in its history.
The chief executive of Auckland Rugby League Rebecca Russell said she was gutted by the blaze.
"Marist-Saints has a long history so this is devastating for our community. We are working with Fire and Emergency New Zealand as they investigate what may have caused the fire and are unable to comment further at this time," she said in a statement.
Auckland Council Area Operations Manager Jody Morley also said he was saddened by the damage caused to the club by the blaze.
"We are saddened by the fire that’s extensively damaged the Marist Rugby League clubrooms at Murray Halberg Park in Mt Albert," Morley said.
"The building is not owned by Auckland Council but is situated on land controlled by the council. Council contractors will install temporary fencing around the site. Fire and Emergency New Zealand are investigating the fire."
A FENZ spokesperson said an investigator is due on the scene to look into the cause of the blaze, while Police urged anyone with information to come forward and speak to them.
"Anyone with footage or information that may assist is asked to contact Police via our 105 phone service. Please reference job number P056740658. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111," the police spokesperson said.
