Pirongia forward Ethan Kiernan runs the ball towards a Leamington defender. Photo: Julie Gibson
Leamington and Pirongia will kick off their Waikato Club Rugby division one seasons with a magic round at FMG Stadium Waikato this weekend.
Ōhaupō starts the season with a bye week.
It’s a dream start to the season for Pirongia as they celebrate 150 years.
“Our A and B squads have been training together and they’re having really good numbers, 40 to 50 at training,” life member Ross Denize said.
“We’ve got some new recruits. Some premier players have joined from other clubs, nearly all of last year’s players are back with a few from a couple of years ago returning just to play in the 150. We have five senior teams again – senior A, senior B, Colts, women’s and presidents.”
The senior squad have had a strong pre-season beating Taumarunui Eels and Districts as well as Leamington on Friday.
Leamington and Pirongia will both feature at FMG Stadium Waikato this weekend. Photo: Julie Gibson
“Most players from last year have come back and some premier players have joined from other clubs,” Denize said.
The Pirongia B team went unbeaten in 2025 and their goal is to retain their title.
“The Colts had good preseason at the 10-a-side tournament at Te Awamutu Sports,” Denize said.
The 150-year celebrations are ready to go for Kings Birthday Weekend.
“We’ve got an invitational team for the Sunday including lots of ex-Waikato and Thames Valley players, as well as lots of cool events throughout the whole weekend.”
Returning Leamington head coach Wayne Bootten said they have a relatively young team with a couple of good old heads coming back.
“Having this super round at the stadium is fantastic. It just opens up people’s eyes to be a little bit different.
For some of these boys, it’ll be their first time to ever run on that stadium and that’s a beautiful place to play rugby.
“As far as club rugby goes, our numbers are looking good, this year. It’ll be an interesting year,” Bootten said
Ōhaupō have a round one bye. Photo: Jesse Wood
Ōhaupō had a close pre-season game with Clive from Hawke’s Bay on Saturday, following a tough trip to Taumarunui the previous weekend.
Numbers wise, they’re looking to have solid season with a senior A and B squad eager to go for March 28.
Hautapu and Te Awamutu Sports kick off their premier seasons on Easter weekend.
Te Awamutu Marist’s presidents, Kihikihi women and Kihikihi presidents still have a few weeks to go.
