As well as the rugby talk, drinking and socialising, there's also a big game planned against local rivals Southern to kick off proceedings.

The birthday bash begins with registration and a few beers on Friday night, followed by rugby matches the following day.

Saturday night's birthday party will be held at the Ashburton Racecourse, where a large contingent from the Celtic rugby fraternity is expected to attend in all their finery.

The green brigade will enjoy a rugby-themed venue, spit roast and popular Irish music performed by Geraldine band The Corks.

A few sore heads are likely to be amongst those attending a Jubilee Mass the following day, which will be followed by a JAB skills session and barbecue.

“We had a big reunion for our 75 year Jubilee and a number of club affiliates were keen to hold another before we reached our centenary year,” says current club captain Gary Casey, who's father Mick was the club captain 15 years ago.

Family loyalty at is a big thing at Celtic.

Surnames like Hurley, Prendergast, Dwyer, Bradley, Hill, O'Grady, Summerfield and Cunneen are commonplace in the club's archives and have regularly supplied players and administrators over many years.

And, in some cases, over four generations.

The club continues to flourish 90 years on and has a strong contingent of JAB players and teams ranging from the under 7s through to the seniors.

It still has a close affiliation to Marist rugby and club links with local squash and netball clubs.

Loyalty and commitment had always been strong at the club, whether it's top players returning to help with coaching, or people giving up their time freely to maintain the ground, or attend committee meetings, said Gary Casey.

“We're expecting at least 200 for the birthday celebrations, including people from outside of the district and the North Island. We've used our database from 15 years ago to track people down and encouraged people linked to the club to spread the word, he said.

Registrations are still open and more information can be obtained from Kevin Hurley at hohurls@hotmail.com.

Like their fathers and grandfathers before them Zane Coburn (9), Thomas Schmack (9) and Archie Schluter (8) are keen members of Ashburton Celtic rugby clubs.