Chiefs Super Rugby History

The Waikato Chiefs (popular name), or the Chiefs (official name), are a New Zealand Rugby Union team based in Hamilton, New Zealand, and representing the Counties Manukau, Waikato, Thames Valley, King Country and Bay of Plenty unions.

They compete in the Super Rugby competition (Super 12 until 2005 and then Super 14 through to 2010 and Super 15 between 2011 and 2015).

In the early years of Super Rugby the Chiefs were the least successful of the competition’s five New Zealand sides, from the inaugural competition in 1996 through to 2003 the Chiefs were the only New Zealand side to not qualify for the Super 12 semifinals.

In 2004, the Chiefs finally earned their first semifinal berth, although they bowed out in 4th place, defeated 37-20 in the semifinal by the ACT Brumbies.

The Chiefs best ever year was 2012 where they hosted the final and beat the Sharks 37-6. The Chiefs won their second Super Rugby title in 2013.

Super 15 postions

2015..  5th Lost qualifying final 24-14 to Highlanders
2014 .. 5th Lost qualifying final 32-30 to Brumbies
2013 .. 1st (Champions also won NZ Conference)
2012 .. 1st (Champions also won NZ Conference)
2011 .. 10th

Super 14 positions

2010 .. 11th
2009 .. 2nd.. (lost final to Bulls)
2008 .. 7th
2007 .. 6th
2006 .. 7th

Super 12 positions

2005 .. 6th
2004 .. 4th .. (lost semi-final to ACT Brumbies)
2003 .. 10th
2002 .. 8th
2001 .. 6th
2000 .. 10th
1999 .. 6th
1998 .. 7th
1997 .. 11th
1996 .. 7th