Waipu Football Club: The Waipu Rugby Squash Club is the third oldest rugby club in New Zealand. Rugby in Waipu began in the early 1870’s, with the boys using bullock bladders as rugby balls! Way back then rules and team numbers were decided by the captains, with up to 18 a side being common. Interest in rugby grew when a young person returned from a trip to Auckland, bringing a ball and new information about rugby rules. In 1875 Waipu started playing 15 a side and in 1876 Waipu was one of 56 clubs in New Zealand.