Waikato Rugby League is the local sporting body responsible for the administration of rugby league in the Waikato region of New Zealand. The WRL are represented by the Waikato rugby league team. They are currently part of the Upper Central Zone along with Coastline Rugby League and Bay of Plenty Rugby League. Senior games are played across several venues; Hamilton - Resthills Park, Raahui Pookeka Huntly - Davies Park, and Albert Park - Te Awamutu. Womens/Waahine games take place at Albert Park - Te Awamutu. Junior Games take place at Ngaaruawahia High School, Resthills Park, and Hopuhopu Sports Grounds.

History

The league was constituted as the South Auckland Rugby League on 28 April 1921.

Current Teams

Premier Division clubs 2024

Championship Clubs for 2024

Womens Premiership Clubs for 2024

Womens Championship Clubs for 2024

Dormant clubs

Past winners Premier grades

Waikato club championship winners since 1986: Between 2002 - 2007 Waikato aligned itself with Coastlines and the Bay of Plenty to create the Waicoa Bay Championship: The Waikato club championship resumed in 2009 WaiCoa Bays Championship resumed in 2011: Bay of Plenty Clubs break away from the competition, Leaving it as The "WaiCoa Championship" The Waikato club championship resumed in 2015: WaiCoa Bays Championship resumed in 2016: The Waikato club championship resumed in 2017:

National competitions

The Waikato rugby league team has competed in New Zealand Rugby League competitions, notably the Lion Red Cup as The Waikato Cougars and Bartercard Premiership. They were represented in the Bartercard Cup by the Waicoa Bay Stallions a team that represented Waikato, Coastlines and Bay of Plenty.

Players of note

West Tigers u/20s 2014/2015 Penrith Panthers 2016