Waikato Rugby Union
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| Nickname(s) | Mooloos |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1921 |
| Region | Chiefs |
| Ground(s) | FMG Stadium Waikato (Capacity: 25,800) |
| Chairman | Colin Groves |
| Coach(es) | Sean Botherway |
| League(s) |
Mitre 10 Cup Farah Palmer Cup |
| 2015 | 6th in Premiership |
| Official website | |
| www |
|
The Waikato Rugby Union (WRU) is the official governing body of rugby union in the Waikato area in the North Island of New Zealand. Its senior representative team competes in the Mitre 10 Cup (formerly known as the ITM Cup and Air New Zealand Cup), and won the inaugural Air New Zealand Cup in 2006.
Waikato Rugby Union was founded in 1921. The senior representative team plays its home fixtures at the Waikato Stadium in Hamilton. The union's colours are red, yellow and black.
Waikato Rugby Union was founded in 1921. The inaugural representative match played ended in a 15-all draw against Taranaki. Waikato had its first win by their third fixture when they defeated Manawatu 6–0. The first home match was played against New South Wales from Australia at the Claudelands Showground, losing 11 to 28. In 1925 the Rugby Park was opened, and in 1928 Waikato adopted their now famous colours of red, yellow and black.
In 1932 Waikato challenged Canterbury for the Ranfurly Shield. The challenge was unsuccessful. Waikato made another unsuccessful challenge for the shield in 1949 against Otago. In 1951 Waikato successfully challenged for the Ranfurly Shield, defeating North Auckland 6 points to 3. They defeated Auckland the following season, also 6–3 to win back the shield. In 1966 Waikato defeated Auckland again to regain the Ranfurly Shield. In 1980 Waikato won the Ranfurly Shield for the first time since 1966, defeating Auckland 7 points to 3.
In 1954 Waikato had 11 wins and one draw from 14 matches and were tabbed the champions. The draw was in a remarkable Ranfurly Shield challenge where they drew 14 all. The country had never seen anything like this before, Christchurch was invaded by thousands of Mooloo supporters who were led by the president at the time, Horace 'Cal' Calcott. The Mooloo express captured the imagination of fans nationwide. These images were vividly remembered by many who attended.
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Wikipedia