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 14 competition (Super 12 until 2005), in which it has been 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 2009 where they hosted a Semi-final but then lost to the Bulls in the final.

Super 14 positions

2009 .. 2nd (lost to Bulls in final)
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