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Club History
The Beginning
The Waiuku Club was first formed in the 1890s and in 1906, took the name of City. The three original Clubs of the Waiuku Rugby Union formed in 1921, were City, Waipipi and Otaua (1907). Aka Aka became a forth member Club in 1923. Other Clubs to play in the union at various times, were, Glenbrook, Peninsular, Tahuna, and Athletic, "a shortlived Club" based mainly on Otaua Athletic Club members, "and at a later stage, Patumahoe and Puni." These two clubs remained until the formation of the Counties Union. The Waiuku District Rugby Football Club was created on March 5th 1956, by the transfer of Waiuku Rugby Union interest and assets, to the newly formed W.D.R.F.C. This was an amalgamation of two of the oldest established clubs of the W.R.U. the strong Cty Ramblers Club, and the Otaua Club, the latter of whom had been in recess for a short period. The purpose was to place rugby on a firmer basis in the Waiuku District by creating a district-wide enthusiasm from both the public and players alike. With club assuming ownership of Rugby Park, enthusiasm was guaranteed to grow.
The Colours
The Waiuku Colours...... Even though the City club had worn the black colours for 50 years, a new club regulated in new colours. Mr F.D. Harvey said he thought the change was long overdue. With the view to participate in the 1956 competition, the Otaua club had ordered jerseys and socks in the red and green. But with the formation of the new Waiuku club, Otaua was at a loss as to what to do with the uniforms.The suggestion was that the new Waiuku club should take over the colours, especially since other clubs in the Counties competition had taken over the Waiuku Colours. (Notes from actual minutes dated 05/03/1956) On the motion of F.D>Harvey, seconded by H.Wiklund," that the club's uniform to consist of a cherry red and light green narrow hooped jersey, red and green stockings and white shorts was passed.
The Future
Since 2000 the club has become one of the powerhouses of Counties rugby winning the Premiership in 2000, 2003, and 2010. The team has been runner- up in 2004 and 2009. A number of players have moved on to higher honours; most noticeably Jim Coe, Alan Dawson Roy Craig and most recently the Club’s first locally bred All Black, Stephen Donald. In the 1950s both Kevin Skinner and Pat Walsh represented the club. Waiuku Rugby Club is more than just a sports club - we are like a family. If you want to join our family get in touch!
In celebrating this jubilee we can only look back and see the wonderful things the Waiuku District Rugby Football Club has achieved. The club has produced top players and won championships. But what of the future? Where do we go from here? Our premier side is in rebuilding phase and this takes time. How do we retain players in our club? RAYD (rugby and youth development) was set up by members of the club to assist players stay at the club and assist them in their rugby careers. Also set up is the Waiuku Rugby Academy which identifies players who want to go on to higher rugby honours. This programme will assist them in fitness, rugby education, nutrition and skills. This will help keep Waiuku rugby players and the club at the forefront of Counties rugby. This programme is not a short term programme. There is a three year time frame for this. These structures can only help Waiuku rugby. I see a very positive future for the club in the years to come. Waiuku Rugby has always been strong and will continue to be.
