Waikato Rugby Union - 2000-2009

2000 - 2009

2000

  • Record tenure for Waikato Ranfurly Shield defences comes to an end at 21.
  • Construction of Waikato Stadium begins.


2001

  • Former Waikato captain John Mitchell is named All Blacks coach.
  • Waikato season is played at Seddon Park (cricket ground) while the new Waikato Stadium is constructed.

2002

  • Waikato Stadium is opened.
  • Waikato hosts the NPC final but loses to Auckland 40-28.

2003

  • Waikato beats Italy 23-3.


2006

  • Waikato are crowned national champions for a second time - beating Wellington 37-31 in the final of the inaugural Air New Zealand Cup at Waikato Stadium.

2007

  • Waikato takes the Ranfurly Shield off North Harbour in emphatic fashion, winning by a record score of 52-7.