For nearly 150 years, Pirongia Rugby Sports Club has been more than just a place to play – it’s been the beating heart of its community with a proud history, thriving teams, and a commitment to youth and tradition. Journalist Jesse Wood discovers the secret to the club’s success.
Pirongia B players and coaching staff celebrate with supporters after winning the Division 1B title. Back row: Eparama Nadru, Sani Ramuwai, Zack Radaveta, Finley Pitts Brown, Jake Pitcon, Sam Kirkbride, Dean Hall, Lachlan Tims, Daniel Belk, Michel Ennis. Tony Peake, James Finch Front Row: Kayden Moorfield, Tom Kirkbride, Te Oti Kaihe, Regan Chetwin, Sam Hunter, Mike Naylor. Photo: Julie Gibson
Pirongia Rugby Sports Club – where members are dubbed mountain men and women – has been a pillar of the community for 149 years.
It’s a rare feat for any club to endure that long. Pirongia – which started with the name Alexandra in 1876 – is likely the oldest club in Waikato, and among the longest standing in New Zealand.
As the club approaches its 150th jubilee, it has already celebrated major milestones: named Club of the Year at the 2025 Waikato Rugby Awards and winner of the Field of Dreams competition, winning a game changing turf upgrade worth up to $20,000.
On the field, success has been just as impressive. The sevens team collected multiple trophies this season, while the senior B squad went unbeaten to claim their first club rugby title in 19 years.
Pirongia Rugby Sports Club
Life member, former president and senior B coach Te Oti Kaihe has a theory on why Pirongia has kept strong for so long.
“It’s a country club and we’ve always had very good people, good leaders that attract others. We treat people as people, not as numbers,” he says.
Te Oti Kaihe
The club does not have the numbers living in Pirongia to sustain the club which now has five senior rugby teams, 240 junior rugby players as well as countless other sports including cricket, touch, volleyball and netball.
“We’ve got people coming from Kāwhia, Hamilton, Te Awamutu. We need that.
“Winning club of the year just shows what the club is all about. It’s about getting the people into the club. Everything we do is for the youth and the experience of playing rugby and sport at the club,” says Kaihe.
“Having five senior teams, just shows that people are attracted to the club. They can play their rugby and enjoy themselves.
“It’s strong every year. In the juniors, we always have more and more of them.”
Kaihe says one of the special things is having so many living life members.
“They’re there for newcomers and the young ones to look up to. I think there’s about 13 of us that are alive, well, and still involved with the club,” he says.
“That’s a bonus, those guys have done a lot of hours at the club voluntarily. They know how the place is run, everyone knows them and they’re still regularly involved.
“People see them up on the board and they go chat to them.”
Cameron Coombes
Club president Cameron Coombes says the facility is a place for “young men and women to make their own memories and mates for life”.
“We’re nothing without those people. We’re really about the rugby and the other sports as a means to creating a better community in my opinion.”
The growth in senior rugby is particularly impressive – from two senior teams a decade ago, to five now.
Sport is the focal point at the club, a place that has the community at heart.
The recent closure of the Five Stags pub in the village had not brought in more club members. It was rugby that pulled the crowd, not the bar.
“You get a winning team like we had with our B team this year and it pulled punters in from all over the place. It was tough rugby not to lose a game. Going through the season unbeaten and the final we had was just amazing,” says Kaihe.
“The crowd we had there was huge. Winning that Div 1B competition was great for the club.
“Our supporters support our teams no matter who they are. They’re always well supported,” he says.
As they look towards their big celebrations next year, Kaihe is pleased the club is looking vibrant and healthy.
“To win club of the year was really great because we didn’t think we’d be in with a chance.
“It’s the second time we’ve won it. The first one was about 14 years ago. That was probably when we’d just started to get things rolling.
“All the hard work that’s been done to get ready for our 150th is paying off. The two committees – senior and junior – all working together, shows the progress of the club,” says Kaihe.
Daniel Belk on the burst at the Waikato Club Sevens in Cambridge. Photo: Julie Gibson
Pirongia presidents against Waikato Presidents at Pirongia Domain. Photo: Julie Gibson
“There’s always a heap of people down there doing something as a community, with the club as a focal point.”
As the jubilee year approaches, Pirongia Rugby Sports Club is not just reflecting on its past but embracing its future.
The blend of history, community spirit, and sporting success has created a club that continues to inspire new generations. With the mountain at its back and the community at its side, Pirongia is ready to mark 150 years not only as a celebration of endurance, but as a promise that the next chapter will be just as strong.
Pirongia presidents players and club stalwarts Tim Bird, left, and Gavin Brownrigg. Photo: Julie Gibson
