Waikato (often known as the Waikato Mooloos) are a New Zealand professional rugby union team based in Hamilton, New Zealand. The union was originally established in 1921, with the National Provincial Championship established in 1976. They now play in the reformed National Provincial Championship competition. They play their home games at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton in the Waikato region. The team is affiliated with the Chiefs Super Rugby franchise. Their home playing colours are red, yellow and black.
Contents
Current squad
The Waikato Mooloos squad for the 2026 Hilux NPC season is:
Honours
Waikato have been overall Champions on three occasions, winning the titles in 1992, 2006 and 2021. Their full list of honours include:
National Provincial Championship Second Division North Island
Winners: 1980
National Provincial Championship Second Division
Winners: 1986
National Provincial Championship First Division
Winners: 1992
Air New Zealand Cup
Winners: 2006
Mitre 10 Cup Championship Division
Winners: 2018
Bunnings NPC Premiership Division
Winners: 2021
Current Super Rugby players
Players named in the 2025 Waikato Mooloos squad, who also earned contracts or were named in a squad for any side participating in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.