University of Waikato Rugby Club

Club History

The University of Waikato Rugby Club was formed in 1963, same year as the actual University was opened although some older members can remember games played as early as 1961 but may have not been part of the Waikato Rugby Union club setup. Their home and clubrooms are on the University Campus. They celebrated their 50 years in 2011. They have fielded a senior A & B every year with some of the lower XVs like colts, Under 85’s often struggling numbers wise. They have played 2 Waikato Brewery Shield finals in 2002 and 2015 but have finished runners up on both occasions. With lifestyle changes they do not have the same numbers that they used to have, with school holidays seeing struggles to field junior XV’s. The club has had its fair share of All Blacks, George Skudder, Greg Kane, Mark Ranby, David Hill, Stephen Donald, Michael Delaney, and Royce Willis. In recent times Atu Moli and Anton Lienert-Brown. Some great provincial players such as Peter Eggleton, Deacon Manu, Scott Couch and Whetu Douglas figured often, with Douglas going on to an outstanding career with Canterbury Rugby union and the Crusaders. Like many clubs, University has had strong administrators, such as Chris Mackey and Kevin Bradley. The club continues nowadays with strong ties and as other Waikato clubs have learnt not to take the University of Waikato rugby club lightly. University of Waikato Rugby Club published a history to commemorate 60 years in 2024

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Freedom To Run

Club:

Year published:

Author:

Page count:

Notes:

University of Waikato Rugby Club

2024

Des Williams

438 pages

Magnificent 438-page history commemorating 60 years of rugby at the University of Waikato Rugby Club. Contact Des at shearingmag@xtra.co.nz if you would like a copy of the book.

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE

Freedom To Run

Club:

University of Waikato Rugby Club

Year:

2024

Author:

Des Williams

Pages:

438 pages

Notes:

Magnificent 438-page history commemorating 60 years of rugby at the University of Waikato Rugby Club. Contact Des at shearingmag@xtra.co.nz if you would like a copy of the book.

Club History