The Waikato Rugby Union was established in 1921 and boasts a proud history of international and domestic success. The province has produced players, coaches, referees and administrators of the highest standard. Based in Hamilton they play out of Rugby Park, and are the major province in the Chiefs Super XV franchise, the side which claimed its first ever Super Rugby title this season.
Colours and Logo
Waikato play their home games in strip of red, yellow and black shirts with white shorts and red, yellow and black socks. The shirt has been donned by a multitude of top names including Keith Robinson, Richard Kahui, Byron Kelleher, Brendan Leonard, Sione Lauaki, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Liam Messam, Stephen Donald, and and 100-test All Black Mils Muliaina.
Honours
Waikato won the National Provincial Championship/Air New Zealand Cup in 1992 and 2006, and were runners-up in 1998 and 2002. They have held the Ranfurly Shield during 1951, 1952, 1966, 1980, 1993, 1996, 1997 and 2007. They also have a proud history of beating visiting touring teams with memorable victories being; South Africa 1956, France 1961, Australia 1972, Wales 1988, British Isles 1993, Scotland 1996 and Italy in 2003.
ITM Cup 2012 Preview
Waikato will play the 2012 in the Premiership, the top flight of the ITM Cup. While they will lose several key players to All Blacks duty coach Chris Gibbes is still confident his side can go one better than they have for the last two seasons, having lost consecutive finals to Canterbury in ’10 and ’11. With a number of personnel from the Super XV-winning Chiefs side the squad has depth and experience, with the likes of Ben May, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Trent Renata, and Jackson Willison integral to their success. Former All Black Marty Holah’s experience will be a huge boost in the absence of Liam Messam, while captain Alex Bradley adds further weight to an impressive forward pack. Definite title contenders.