The history of the Waikato Rugby Union’s formation in 1921 has all the key elements of a political thriller, the likes of which Michael Dobbs or Richard Condon would take great pride in; details too vast to be expressed in totality on a single page.
The game of rugby was introduced to the Waikato region in 1874 and proved popular. However, forming a body to run the sport was exceedingly difficult. There were three failed attempts, each undone through a range of continual disputes and acrimony.
At the conclusion of World War I, the government stressed the need for the returning service men to get back into the New Zealand way of recreational life as soon as possible and rugby was to play an important part in the transition to normality.
Arthur Stone’s breakaway try to take the Shield off Auckland
Old clubs were established, new clubs came into being and talk immediately began of reforming the old South Auckland union. But allegiances were divided. Most in favour of reforming South Auckland were from outside of Hamilton, while the majority of administrators wanted to stay under the stewardship of the powerful Auckland union.
But not the players. They wanted to go it alone.
The NZ Herald would report that after much gentlemanly debate at yet another meeting, Hamilton administrator “Whamp” Fraser said, “the message from all the players present was simple … a union, with direct afflation to the NZRFU, centred on Hamilton just had to be formed, so let’s do it!”.
Yet there was still nothing tangible in place come 1921 as fighting and politicking continued to undermine the best efforts of many good rugby people. NZRFU president Geo Slade would visit Hamilton in March that year and delivered a blunt message to all involved – “The bickering must end and a new union formed”.
That ultimatum saw matters speed up but not without an increased in drama and passionate debate. Calmness finally came at a meeting on 16 May 1921, where Bertie Chapman delivered a plea for unity.
Recounted in The Might of Mooloo, Mr Chapman “in a stirring address, spoke of the need for players spectators and administrators to know where they were going”.
Following more debate, some concessions and further discussion, the notice of motions for the next meeting would include the following:
A. That the name of the union be changed to Waikato
Smiles.
Handshakes.
Tears.
Relief.
The Waikato Rugby Union had been born.
By Nigel Yalden
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