Waikato Rugby Union - 1950-1959

1950 - 1959

1951

  • Waikato wins the Ranfurly Shield for the first time - defeating North Auckland 6-3. The team are given a grand welcome on their return home and 'shield fever' strikes the region.
  • The Mooloo mascot emerges during Waikato's first shield reign
Waikato captain Hugh McLaren after the successful Ranfurly Shield challenge in 1951
The 1951 Ranfurly Shield-winning Waikato team
The first ever Mooloo (1951)

1952

  • Waikato loses the Ranfurly Shield to Auckland, but soon regains it off them when a 'Mooloo Invasion' of Auckland leads to a 6-3 win.
  • Mooloo parades are held on the morning of challenge matches.
  • Has Catley plays his 100th game for the province to becomes Waikato's first centurion.
Mooloo fans at a 1950s Mooloo Parade
A packed Rugby Park during the 1950s for a Waikato vs Auckland match

1954

  • Waikato is labelled as 'New Zealand's champion province'.
Waikato scores vs Auckland during one of their many classic battles in the 1950s

1956

  • Waikato secures a famous 14-10 victory over the Springboks after a massive Mooloo parade.
Waikato halfback Ponty Reid kicks during Waikato's famous win over South Africa
1956 Waikato team that downed the Springboks at Rugby Park

1957

  • Dick Everest becomes All Blacks coach.
Legendary Waikato coach Dick Everest with the Springbok head in 1956

1959

  • New stand at Rugby Park is opened.
An aerial view of Rugby Park before the new stand was erected in the late 1950s