2026 Hilux NPC

2026 Hilux NPC
CountriesNew Zealand New Zealand
Date30 July – 24 October 2026
Matches played35
Tries scored323
(average 9.2 per match)
Top point scorerRivez Reihana (Northland)
64 points
Top try scorerKyren Taumoefolau (Tasman)
10 tries
Official website
www.provincial.rugby

The 2026 Hilux NPC is the twenty-first season of New Zealand's provincial rugby union competition, the National Provincial Championship, since it turned professional in 2006. The 2026 NPC season also marks 50 years of provincial rugby in New Zealand since the competition's inception in 1976. The competition involves the top fourteen provincial rugby unions of New Zealand. The regular season began on 30 July 2026, when Waikato hosted Bay of Plenty. The Final is scheduled for 24 October 2026.

Format

Under the current competition format, which is largely a continuation of that of 2023, the 14 provincial unions participating in the National Provincial Championship (NPC) are grouped in one single division, ranked on one single competition table and play for one NPC title.[1][2]

All provincial teams play ten games during the regular season (round robin): five games are played at the provincial union's home ground and five games are away games. The seven teams that finished the previous season in 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th and 13th place will play each other as well as four cross-over matches against the teams that finished 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th and 14th. Likewise, the teams that finished 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th and 14th will also play each other as well as four cross-over games against the provinces that were ranked 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th or 13th at the end of the previous season.[1][2] The ten round robin games in 2026 are played over a period of ten weeks (starting on 30 July 2026).[3][4]

The regular season is followed by quarter-finals to be played by the eight highest ranked teams on the competition table. The finals rankings are determined by the number of competition points earned during the regular season. Competition points can be gained in the following way: four points are awarded to the winning team, two points to each team for a draw, and no points for a loss. Teams can also receive a bonus point if they score four or more tries in a match, or lose by seven points or less.[5]

If two or more provincial teams finish with an equal number of competition points, the following tiebreaker rules apply. If two unions are tied, the union which has defeated the other in a head-to-head is placed higher. In case of a draw between them, the side with the biggest points difference is ranked higher. If three or more unions are tied and they have all played each other, the team with most competition points in that year against the other tied unions is ranked higher; if they have not all played each other, the team with the biggest points difference in the round robin is ranked higher. In all cases, if these unions are still tied, the ranking is decided by the highest number of tries scored, the most points scored, or a coin toss.[1]

The quarter-finals are played as follows, with the highest ranked team hosting:

QF 1: 1 v 8;
QF 2: 2 v 7;
QF 3: 3 v 6; and
QF 4: 4 v 5.

In the semi-finals, the highest-ranked quarter-final winner hosts the lowest-ranked quarter-final winner and the second highest-ranked quarter-final winner hosts the third highest-ranked quarter-final winner.

The NPC Final will be played between the two semi-final winners, again at the home venue of the team with the higher finals ranking.[1][2]

The rules governing the Ranfurly Shield state that every home game during the regular season played by the union that holds the Ranfurly Shield is a mandatory challenge match. No challenge matches will be played after the regular season has ended (i.e., during the finals). A holder who competes in the NPC must also accept at least two challenges from unions competing in the Heartland Championship, including a challenge lodged by the winner of the Meads Cup at the end of the previous season. These non-mandatory challenge matches must be played before the start of the NPC season.[1]

Standings

The current standings for the 2026 National Provincial Championship are:

Pos Team Pld W D L PF PA PD TF TA TB LB Pts Qualification
1 Hawke's Bay 5 5 0 0 241 121 +120 37 19 5 0 25 NPC quarter-finals
2 Northland (RS) 5 4 0 1 169 70 +99 24 10 4 1 21
3 Otago 5 4 0 1 189 120 +69 29 16 4 1 21
4 North Harbour 5 3 0 2 202 119 +83 30 16 5 2 19
5 Waikato 5 3 0 2 190 145 +45 28 21 5 2 19
6 Bay of Plenty 5 3 0 2 138 145 −7 20 22 4 1 17
7 Tasman 5 3 0 2 156 151 +5 24 22 3 0 15
8 Canterbury 5 3 0 2 128 150 −22 20 21 3 0 15
9 Taranaki 5 2 0 3 116 139 −23 18 21 3 2 13
10 Manawatu 5 2 0 3 137 203 −66 18 31 2 1 11
11 Auckland 5 1 0 4 134 162 −28 21 24 3 2 9
12 Southland 5 1 0 4 119 190 −71 17 32 2 1 7
13 Counties Manukau 5 1 0 4 117 209 −92 18 31 2 0 6
14 Wellington 5 0 0 5 128 240 −112 19 37 3 1 4
Updated to match(es) played on 30 August 2026. Source: National Provincial Championship
Rules for classification: Regular season tiebreakers
(RS) Ranfurly Shield holders

Standings progression

Each team's cumulative points total is shown for every week of the regular season with the overall log position in brackets.

Team W1 W2 W3 W4 W5 W6 W7 W8 W9 W10 QF SF Final
Auckland 2
(9th)		 7
(6th)		 8
(9th)		 8
(9th)		 9
(11th)
Bay of Plenty 1
(10th)		 6
(9th)		 8
(8th)		 13
(8th)		 17
(6th)
Canterbury 5
(5th)		 9
(3rd)		 14
(2nd)		 14
(7th)		 15
(8th)
Counties Manukau 0
(12th)		 0
(14th)		 1
(14th)		 1
(14th)		 6
(13th)
Hawke's Bay 5
(3rd)		 10
(1st)		 15
(1st)		 20
(1st)		 25
(1st)
Manawatu 0
(13th)		 5
(10th)		 6
(11th)		 6
(12th)		 11
(10th)
North Harbour 2
(8th)		 7
(4th)		 12
(3rd)		 17
(3rd)		 19
(4th)
Northland 5
(2nd)		 7
(5th)		 12
(4th)		 17
(2nd)		 21
(2nd)
Otago 5
(1st)		 6
(7th)		 11
(6th)		 16
(5th)		 21
(3rd)
Southland 0
(14th)		 2
(13th)		 7
(10th)		 7
(11th)		 7
(12th)
Taranaki 4
(7th)		 6
(8th)		 6
(12th)		 8
(10th)		 13
(9th)
Tasman 5
(6th)		 5
(11th)		 10
(7th)		 15
(6th)		 15
(7th)
Waikato 5
(4th)		 10
(2nd)		 12
(5th)		 17
(4th)		 19
(5th)
Wellington 1
(11th)		 3
(12th)		 3
(13th)		 3
(13th)		 4
(14th)
Key: Win Draw Loss No game DNQ = did not qualify

Regular season

During the regular season of the 2026 National Provincial Championship, each team plays 10 games over a period of ten weeks. The competition started on 30 July 2026, when Waikato hosted Bay of Plenty. The first Ranfurly Shield defence of the season takes place on 9 August 2026, when Otago hosts Canterbury.[4][3]

Week 1

30 July 2026
19:10 NZST
Waikato38–26Bay of Plenty
Try: Nathan Stephens 2'
Waisake Salabiau 13'
Daniel Sinkinson 22'
Taha Kemara 26'
Oli Mathis 39'
Con: Taha Kemara (5/5) 3', 14', 23', 27', 40'
Pen: Austin Anderson (1/1) 73'		ReportTry: Cole Forbes 55'
Riley Hohepa 57'
Veveni Lasaqa (2) 78', 80+2'
Con: Riley Hohepa (1/2) 56'
Jason Robertson (2/2) 78', 80+3'
FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Referee: Todd Petrie
31 July 2026
19:10 NZST
Tasman31–29North Harbour
Try: Leo Marfell 11'
Kyren Taumoefolau (3) 36', 40+3', 62'
Cooper Roberts 47'
Con: William Havili (3/5) 12', 40+4', 64'		ReportTry: Tom Barham (2) 4', 65'
Bryn Gordon 20'
Leo Gordon 49'
Con: Cameron Howell (2/3) 21', 50'
Coby Miln (1/1) 66'
Pen: Cameron Howell (1/1) 29'
Trafalgar Park, Nelson
Referee: Maggie Cogger-Orr
1 August 2026
14:05 NZST
Counties Manukau5–20Taranaki
Try: Jimmy Tupou 46'
Con: AJ Alatimu (0/1)		ReportTry: Vereniki Tikoisolomone 15'
Adam Lennox 26'
Sam Clarke 57'
Con: Sam Clarke (1/3) 58'
Pen: Sam Clarke (1/1) 66'
Cards: Marika Parker Yellow card 34'
Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe
Referee: Marcus Playle
1 August 2026
17:05 NZST
Southland14–41Otago
Try: Clem Halaholo 33'
Jack Taylor 56'
Con: Jimmy Taylor (2/2) 34', 57'		ReportTry: Jae Broomfield 8'
Riley Lucas 14'
Josh Timu 17'
Lucas Casey (2) 23', 48'
Christian Lio-Willie (2) 37', 52'
Con: Cam Millar (3/7) 15', 24', 54'
Rugby Park, Invercargill
Referee: Angus Mabey
2 August 2026
14:05 NZST
Northland40–14Manawatu
Try: Nathan Salmon (2) 12', 59'
Heremaia Murray 32'
Rivez Reihana 38'
Brady Rush (2) 43', 77'
Con: Rivez Reihana (5/6) 13', 33', 39', 44', 78'		ReportTry: Rory Woods 8'
James Tofa 35'
Con: Reece MacDonald (2/2) 9', 36'
Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei
Referee: Ben O'Keeffe
2 August 2026
17:05 NZST
Wellington33–52Hawke's Bay
Try: Logan Henry 28'
Divad Palu 34'
Du'Plessis Kirifi 67'
Reo Matsushita 74'
Cameron Burgess 80+1'
Con: Callum Harkin (4/5) 29', 35', 68', 74'		ReportTry: Folau Fakatava 2'
Hunter Morrison 8'
Neria Fomai 15'
Will Cole 20'
Tyrone Thompson 38'
Clément Castets 44'
Jonah Lowe 70'
Kade Manuel 75'
Con: Harry Godfrey (6/8) 3', 9', 16', 45', 71', 76'
Cards: Neria Fomai Yellow card 33'
Hnry Stadium, Wellington
Referee: Fraser Hannon

Week 2

6 August 2026
19:10 NZST
North Harbour59–19Counties Manukau
Try: Bryn Gordon 2'
Jed Melvin 17'
Motikai Murray (2) 23', 46'
Leka Tuʻungafasi 30'
Tom Barham (2) 35', 79'
Rory Taylor 40+1'
George Reeves 74'
Con: Cameron Howell (5/7) 3', 18', 24', 31', 47'
Coby Miln (2/2) 75', 80'		ReportTry: Josh Gray 13'
Ioane Moananu 51'
Cam Church 62'
Con: AJ Alatimu (2/3) 52', 63'
Cards: AJ Alatimu Yellow card 26'
North Harbour Stadium, Albany
Referee: Angus Mabey
7 August 2026
19:10 NZST
Taranaki32–38Waikato
Try: Vereniki Tikoisolomone 4'
Jesse Parete (2) 25', 49'
Sage Walters-Hansen 68'
Meihana Grindlay 75'
Con: Sam Clarke (2/4) 27', 68'
Rocky Olsen (0/1)
Pen: Rocky Olsen (1/1) 80+1'		ReportTry: Waisake Salabiau (2) 22', 37'
Michael Naitokani (2) 29', 60'
Austin Anderson 34'
Mason Tupaea 44'
Con: Taha Kemara (4/6) 30', 35', 38', 60'
Cards: Austin Anderson Yellow card 78'
Stadium Taranaki, New Plymouth
Referee: Stuart Curran
8 August 2026
14:05 NZST
Auckland34–31Wellington
Try: Issak Fines-Leleiwasa 16'
Josh Beehre 30'
Rico Simpson (2) 36', 58'
Ben Ake 65'
Pita Ahki 77'
Con: Stephen Perofeta (2/6) 31', 65'		ReportTry: Isi Saumaki 12'
Reo Matsushita 24'
Penieli Poasa 33'
Dominic Ropeti 45'
James O'Reilly 67'
Con: Callum Harkin (3/5) 25', 34', 46'
Cards: Callum Harkin Yellow card 75'
Western Springs Stadium, Auckland
Referee: Todd Petrie
8 August 2026
17:05 NZST
Bay of Plenty34–31Northland
Try: Jason Robertson 6'
Nikora Broughton (2) 12', 36'
Tevita Mafileo 30'
Regan Ware 50'
Con: Jason Robertson (3/5) 13', 37', 51'
Pen: Jason Robertson (1/1) 77'
Cards: Tamiro Armstrong Yellow card 68'		ReportTry: Grady Forbes 17'
Hudson Creighton 40+3'
Terrell Peita (2) 44', 68'
Rob Rush 57'
Con: Rivez Reihana (3/5) 40+4', 58', 69'
Cards: Hudson Creighton Yellow card 47'
Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua
Referee: Marcus Playle
8 August 2026
19:10 NZST
Hawke's Bay50–19Tasman
Try: Hunter Morrison 5'
Lukas Ripley 7'
Tyrone Thompson 16'
Bailyn Sullivan 27'
Sam Smith 36'
Kade Manuel 64'
Kianu Kereru-Symes 74'
Neria Fomai 80'
Con: Harry Godfrey (5/8) 6', 8', 28', 37', 65'		ReportTry: Eli Oudenryn 23'
Dylan Irvine 58'
Maloni Kunawave 78'
Con: William Havili (2/3) 59', 78'
McLean Park, Napier
Referee: Mike Winter
9 August 2026
14:05 NZST
Otago15–19Canterbury – RS
Try: Lucas Casey 55'
Ben Lopas 74'
Con: Cam Millar (1/2) 74'
Pen: Cam Millar (1/1) 26'		ReportTry: Brodie McAlister (2) 16', 66'
Jamie Hannah 40+2'
Con: Richie Mo'unga (2/3) 17', 67'
Cards: Manumaua Letiu Yellow card 54'
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Referee: Ben O'Keeffe
9 August 2026
17:05 NZST
Manawatu36–35Southland
Try: Reece MacDonald (2) 28', 71'
Jordi Viljoen 51'
Kyle Brown 53'
Alani Fakava 76'
Brayden Iose 80+2'
Con: Reece MacDonald (3/4) 29', 51', 71'
George Worboys (0/2)		ReportTry: Jimmy Taylor (2) 16', 32'
Jay Reihana 40+2'
Hayata Taniyama 44'
Michael Manson 64'
Con: Jimmy Taylor (5/5) 17', 33', 40+3',45', 64'
Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North
Referee: Ben Woolerton

Week 3

13 August 2026
19:10 NZST
Wellington7–47North Harbour
Try: Callum Harkin 29'
Con: Callum Harkin (1/1) 30'
Cards: Penieli Poasa Yellow card 52'		ReportTry: Israel Leota (2) 7', 52'
Cameron Howell 19'
George Reeves 58'
Coby Miln (2) 65', 77'
Jed Melvin 73'
Con: Cameron Howell (2/3) 20', 52'
Coby Miln (4/4) 59', 66', 74', 78'
Cards: Tony Tafa Yellow card 79'
Hnry Stadium, Wellington
Referee: Mike Winter
14 August 2026
19:10 NZST
Northland42–0Taranaki
Try: Lachlan Hooper (3) 1', 15', 24'
James Mullan 58'
Rivez Reihana 65'
Grady Forbes 78'
Con: Rivez Reihana (6/6) 2', 16', 24', 58', 66', 79'		ReportCards: Bradley Tocker Yellow card 71'
Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei
Referee: Maggie Cogger-Orr
15 August 2026
14:05 NZST
RS – Canterbury33–28Bay of Plenty
Try: Dallas McLeod (2) 8', 38'
Jone Rova 12'
Ngane Punivai 44'
Toby Bell 71'
Con: Andrew Knewstubb (4/5) 9', 13', 39', 45'
Cards: Johnny McNicholl Yellow card 25'		ReportTry: Benet Kumeroa (2) 40+6', 56'
Lucas Cashmore 50'
Reon Paul 61'
Con: Jason Robertson (4/4) 40+7', 51', 57', 62'
One NZ Stadium, Christchurch
Referee: James Doleman
15 August 2026
17:05 NZST
Auckland31–44Hawke's Bay
Try: Xavi Taele (2) 24', 37'
Harlyn Saunoa 30'
Stephen Perofeta (2) 47', 56’
Con: Rico Simpson (1/3) 31'
Stephen Perofeta (2/2) 48', 56’
Pen: Stephen Perofeta (0/1)
Cards: Josh Beehre Red card 4'
Randall Baker Yellow card 40'		ReportTry: Zarn Sullivan (2) 5', 72'
Cooper Flanders (2) 17', 53'
Kianu Kereru-Symes 28'
Harry Godfrey 58’
Con: Harry Godfrey (4/6) 6', 54', 59’, 73'
Pen: Harry Godfrey (2/2) 65', 80+1'
Eden Park, Auckland
Referee: Ben O'Keeffe
15 August 2026
19:10 NZST
Manawatu27–29Otago
Try: George Worboys 12'
John Tapueluelu 32'
Taniela Filimone 44'
Con: George Worboys (3/3) 13', 33', 45'
Pen: George Worboys (2/2) 40', 63'
Cards: James Tofa Yellow card 20'		ReportTry: Sam Nemec-Vial (2) 24', 79'
Henry Bell 55'
Kieran McClea 70'
Lucas Casey 76'
Con: Cam Millar (1/2) 25'
Patrick Pellegrini (1/3) 71'
Cards: Jona Nareki Yellow card 31'
Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North
Referee: Warwick Lahmert
16 August 2026
14:05 NZST
Southland32–31Waikato
Try: Mitchell Dunshea 36'
Paula Latu (2) 51', 65'
Aukusitino Salanoa 80+1'
Con: Jimmy Taylor (3/4) 52', 66', 80+2'
Pen: Jimmy Taylor (2/2) 32', 72'		ReportTry: Austin Anderson 14'
Waisake Salabiau 47'
Sean Ralph 61'
Jahrome Brown 68'
Oli Mathis 78'
Con: Taha Kemara (3/5) 48', 62', 69'
Rugby Park, Invercargill
Referee: Fraser Hannon
16 August 2026
17:05 NZST
Counties Manukau35–50Tasman
Try: Cam Church 17'
Tuna Tuitama 38'
Ioane Moananu 55'
Josh Gray 64'
Adam Morrison 67'
Con: Jackson Rainsford (1/1) 18'
Tevita Ofa (1/1) 39'
AJ Alatimu (3/3) 56', 64', 68'
Pen: Jackson Rainsford (0/1)		ReportTry: Kyren Taumoefolau (5) 19', 24', 32', 45', 50'
Richie Asiata 43'
Timi Sauira 59'
Con: William Havili (6/7) 20', 25', 44', 46', 51', 60'
Pen: William Havili (1/1) 78'
Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe
Referee: Nick Hogan

Week 4

20 August 2026
19:10 NZST
Canterbury12–36Northland – RS
Try: Tahlor Cahill 12'
Jone Rova 16'
Con: Andrew Knewstubb (1/2) 17'		ReportTry: James Mullan 6'
Marcel Renata 30'
Sam Nock 34'
Rob Rush (2) 44', 80'
Con: Rivez Reihana (4/4) 7', 31', 35', 45'
Rob Rush (0/1)
Pen: Rivez Reihana (1/1) 56'
One NZ Stadium, Christchurch
Referee: Jackson Henshaw
21 August 2026
19:10 NZST
Hawke's Bay59–17Manawatu
Try: Kianu Kereru-Symes 10'
Hunter Morrison (2) 37', 44’
Nic Benn 40+3'
Darby Lancaster 59'
Joe Apikotoa 64'
Hadlee Hay-Horton 66'
Valentino Taito 72'
Anaru Paenga-Morgan 78'
Con: Harry Godfrey (7/9) 11', 45', 61', 65', 67', 73', 79'		ReportTry: Rory Woods 4'
Taniela Filimone 20'
Hunter Kennedy 76'
Con: George Worboys (1/3) 20'
Cards: TK Howden Yellow card 57'
McLean Park, Napier
Attendance: 6,800[6]
Referee: Todd Petrie
22 August 2026
13:05 NZST
Tasman46–17Southland
Try: Johnny Lee 19'
Kyren Taumoefolau (2) 34', 81+2’
Wil Thornalley 53'
Lopeti Faifua 59'
Maloni Kunawave 64'
David Havili 67'
Taine Robinson 71'
Con: Taine Robinson (1/1) 20'
William Havili (2/7) 60', 68'		ReportTry: Nic Shearer 6'
Sam Fischli 22'
Fletcher Morgan 57'
Con: Mika Muliaina (1/3) 6'
Trafalgar Park, Nelson
Referee: Ben O'Keeffe
22 August 2026
17:35 NZST
North Harbour27–19Auckland
Try: Israel Leota (2) 2', 38'
Kade Banks 20'
Rory Taylor 34'
Con: Cameron Howell (2/4) 3', 35'
Pen: Cameron Howell (1/1) 64'		ReportTry: Siale Pahulu 6'
Xavi Taele 32'
Harlyn Saunoa 43'
Con: Stephen Perofeta (1/1) 7'
Xavi Taele (1/2) 33'
North Harbour Stadium, Albany
Referee: James Doleman
22 August 2026
19:35 NZST
Bay of Plenty28–24Taranaki
Try: Tamiro Armstrong 12'
Naitoa Ah Kuoi 25'
Reon Paul 34'
Nikora Broughton 61'
Con: Jason Robertson (4/4) 13', 26', 35', 62'
Cards: Nikora Broughton Yellow card 19'
Lucas Cashmore Yellow card 55'		ReportTry: Seta Tamanivalu 4'
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens 48'
Kini Naholo 56'
Vereniki Tikoisolomone 76'
Con: Sam Clarke (2/3) 5', 49'
Jamie Viljoen (0/1)
Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua
Referee: Angus Mabey
23 August 2026
14:05 NZST
Waikato45–12Counties Manukau
Try: Senita Lauaki 7'
Taha Kemara 22'
Tepaea Cook-Savage 36'
D'Angelo Leuila 56'
Oli Mathis (2) 64', 67'
Daniel Sinkinson 80'
Con: Taha Kemara (4/6) 8', 57', 65', 68'
Tepaea Cook-Savage (1/1) 80+1'
Drop: Taha Kemara (0/1)
Cards: James Tucker Yellow card 9'		ReportTry: Josh Gray 11'
Atu Moli 28'
Con: AJ Alatimu (1/2) 28'
Cards: Ian West-Stevens Yellow card 42'
Adam Morrison Yellow card 55'
FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Referee: Paul Williams
23 August 2026
17:05 NZST
Otago61–22Wellington
Try: Jona Nareki 4'
Lucas Casey 17'
Jae Broomfield 26'
Kieran McClea 32'
Sam Nemec-Vial (2) 50', 63'
Harry Irving 56'
Josh Whaanga 71'
Slade McDowall 77'
Con: Cam Millar (8/9) 18', 28', 33', 51', 57', 64', 72', 78'
Cards: Jae Broomfield Yellow card 67'		ReportTry: Reo Matsushita 13'
Dominic Ropeti 48'
Caleb Delany 67'
Con: Cameron Burgess (2/3) 49', 68'
Pen: Cameron Burgess (1/1) 22'
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Referee: Marcus Playle

Week 5

27 August 2026
19:10 NZST
Southland21–36Hawke's Bay
Try: Scott Gregory 46'
Jack Barrett 63'
Sean Withy 75'
Con: Mika Muliaina (3/3) 48', 65', 75'		Try: Frank Lochore (2) 5', 38'
Folau Fakatava (2) 13', 29'
Will Cole 24'
Hunter Morrison 54'
Con: Will Cole (3/6) 14', 25', 30'
Cards: Frank Lochore Yellow card 79'
Rugby Park, Invercargill
Referee: Fraser Hannon
28 August 2026
19:10 NZST
Auckland19–22Bay of Plenty
Try: Tevita Latu 29'
Titi Nofoagatotoa 45'
Payton Spencer 53'
Con: Alex Harford (2/3) 46', 54'		Try: Nikora Broughton 5'
Cole Forbes 16'
Richard Judd 70'
Con: Lucas Cashmore (1/2) 5'
Riley Hohepa (1/1) 70'
Pen: Riley Hohepa (1/1) 75'
Eden Park, Auckland
Referee: Stuart Curran
29 August 2026
14:05 NZST
Taranaki40–26Canterbury
Try: Kaylum Boshier (2) 2', 42'
Sam Clarke 28'
Josefa Namosimalua 33'
Zach Landon-Lane 67'
Willem Ratu 79'
Con: Sam Clarke (5/5) 3', 29', 34', 43', 68'
Jamie Viljoen (0/1)		Try: Manumaua Letiu 7'
Johnny McNicholl 56'
Louie Chapman 76'
Nick Hyde 80+2'
Con: Andrew Knewstubb (3/4) 8', 57', 80+3'
Cards: Dominic Gardiner Yellow card 32'
Stadium Taranaki, New Plymouth
Referee: Mike Winter
29 August 2026
17:05 NZST
Otago43–38Waikato
Try: Jona Nareki 5'
Henry Bell (2) 19', 24'
Lucas Casey 32'
Ben Lopas 44'
Sam Nemec-Vial 64'
Con: Cam Millar (5/6) 6', 20', 25', 45', 65'
Pen: Cam Millar (1/1) 72'		Try: Nathan Stephens 10'
Rui Farrant 14'
Tepaea Cook-Savage 30'
Oli Mathis 37'
Daniel Sinkinson 50'
Con: Tepaea Cook-Savage (5/5) 11', 14', 30', 39', 51'
Pen: Austin Anderson (1/1) 79'
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Referee: Jackson Henshaw
29 August 2026
19:10 NZST
Manawatu43–40North Harbour
Try: Reece MacDonald 9'
Mosese Bason 16'
Taine Roiri 23'
Kyle Brown 57'
Con: George Worboys (4/4) 10', 17', 24', 58'
Pen: George Worboys (5/5) 7', 31', 42', 47', 49'		Try: George Reeves (2) 11', 39'
Jack Lee 34'
Oscar Koller 55'
Coby Miln (2) 67', 70'
Con: Coby Miln (5/6) 12', 35', 40', 56', 67'
Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North
Referee: Paul Williams
30 August 2026
14:05 NZST
Wellington35–46Counties Manukau
Try: Alex Hewitt 13'
Reo Matsushita 24'
Hugo Plummer 29'
Divad Palu 59'
Riley Williams 62'
Con: Cameron Burgess (5/5) 14', 25', 30', 60', 63'		Try: Sione Molia (2) 3', 34'
Ian West-Stevens (2) 21', 40+1'
Jimmy Tupou 43'
AJ Alatimu 48'
Cam Church 53'
Con: AJ Alatimu (4/7) 3', 35', 40+2', 44'
Pen: Gibson Popoali'i (1/2) 80+1'
Cards: Leo Ngatai-Tafau Yellow card 28'
Hnry Stadium, Wellington
Referee: Maggie Cogger-Orr
30 August 2026
17:05 NZST
RS – Northland20–10Tasman
Try: Jordan Trainor 25'
Rivez Reihana 76'
Con: Rivez Reihana (2/2) 26', 77'
Pen: Rivez Reihana (2/2) 5', 70'		Try: Eli Oudenryn 17'
Con: William Havili (1/1) 18'
Pen: William Havili (1/1) 29'
Cards: Ryan Coxon Yellow card 74'
Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei
Referee: Todd Petrie

Week 6

4 September 2026
19:10 NZST
Hawke's BayvOtago
McLean Park, Napier

Week 7

12 September 2026
17:05 NZST
RS – NorthlandvWaikato
Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei

Week 8

Week 9

25 September 2026
19:10 NZST
AucklandvManawatu
Eden Park, Auckland

Week 10

Play-offs

Quarter-finals Semi-finals Final
         
1  
8  
 
 
4  
5  
 
 
2  
7  
 
 
3  
6  

Quarter-finals

9 October 2026
NZDT
TBDvTBD
10 October 2026
NZDT
TBDvTBD
10 October 2026
NZDT
TBDvTBD
11 October 2026
NZDT
TBDvTBD

Semi-finals

16 October 2026
NZDT
TBDvTBD
17 October 2026
NZDT
TBDvTBD

Final

24 October 2026
NZDT
TBDvTBD

Statistics

Leading point scorers

No.PlayerTeamPointsAverageDetails
1Rivez ReihanaNorthland6412.803 T, 20 C, 3 P, 0 D
2Harry GodfreyHawke's Bay5513.751 T, 22 C, 2 P, 0 D
3Kyren TaumoefolauTasman5010.0010 T, 0 C, 0 P, 0 D
4Coby MilnNorth Harbour448.804 T, 12 C, 0 P, 0 D
5Taha KemaraWaikato428.402 T, 16 C, 0 P, 0 D
Cam MillarOtago428.400 T, 18 C, 2 P, 0 D
George WorboysManawatu4210.501 T, 8 C, 7 P, 0 D
8Stephen PerofetaAuckland369.003 T, 9 C, 1 P, 0 D
Jimmy TaylorSouthland3612.002 T, 10 C, 2 P, 0 D
10William HaviliTasman346.800 T, 14 C, 2 P, 0 D
Jason RobertsonBay of Plenty348.501 T, 13 C, 1 P, 0 D

Source: The weekly reviews of the matches published on provincial.rugby (see "Report" in the individual match scoring stats).

Leading try scorers

No.PlayerTeamTriesAverage
1Kyren TaumoefolauTasman102.00
2Lucas CaseyOtago61.20
3Oli MathisWaikato51.00
Hunter MorrisonHawke's Bay51.00
Sam Nemec-VialOtago51.00
6Tom BarhamNorth Harbour40.80
Nikora BroughtonBay of Plenty40.80
Israel LeotaNorth Harbour41.33
Reo MatsushitaWellington40.80
Coby MilnNorth Harbour40.80
George ReevesNorth Harbour40.80
Waisake SalabiauWaikato40.80

Source: The weekly reviews of the matches published on provincial.rugby (see "Report" in the individual match scoring stats).

Points by game

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Total Average
Auckland 31 38 34 31 31 44 19 27 19 22 134 162 26.80 32.40
Bay of Plenty 26 38 34 31 28 33 28 24 22 19 138 145 27.60 29.00
Canterbury 38 31 19 15 33 28 12 36 26 40 128 150 25.60 30.00
Counties Manukau 5 20 19 59 35 50 12 45 46 35 117 209 23.40 41.80
Hawke's Bay 52 33 50 19 44 31 59 17 36 21 241 121 48.20 24.20
Manawatu 14 40 36 35 27 29 17 59 43 40 137 203 27.40 40.60
North Harbour 29 31 59 19 47 7 27 19 40 43 202 119 40.40 23.80
Northland 40 14 31 34 42 0 36 12 20 10 169 70 33.80 14.00
Otago 41 14 15 19 29 27 61 22 43 38 189 120 37.80 24.00
Southland 14 41 35 36 32 31 17 46 21 36 119 190 23.80 38.00
Taranaki 20 5 32 38 0 42 24 28 40 26 116 139 23.20 27.80
Tasman 31 29 19 50 50 35 46 17 10 20 156 151 31.20 30.20
Waikato 38 26 38 32 31 32 45 12 38 43 190 145 38.00 29.00
Wellington 33 52 31 34 7 47 22 61 35 46 128 240 25.60 48.00

Source: National Provincial Championship fixtures & results[4]

Tries by game

Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Total Average
Auckland 4 6 6 5 5 6 3 4 3 3 21 24 4.20 4.80
Bay of Plenty 4 5 5 5 4 5 4 4 3 3 20 22 4.00 4.40
Canterbury 6 4 3 2 5 4 2 5 4 6 20 21 4.00 4.20
Counties Manukau 1 3 3 9 5 7 2 7 7 5 18 31 3.60 6.20
Hawke's Bay 8 5 8 3 6 5 9 3 6 3 37 19 7.40 3.80
Manawatu 2 6 6 5 3 5 3 9 4 6 18 31 3.60 6.20
North Harbour 4 5 9 3 7 1 4 3 6 4 30 16 6.00 3.20
Northland 6 2 5 5 6 0 5 2 2 1 24 10 4.80 2.00
Otago 7 2 2 3 5 3 9 3 6 5 29 16 5.80 3.20
Southland 2 7 5 6 4 5 3 8 3 6 17 32 3.40 6.40
Taranaki 3 1 5 6 0 6 4 4 6 4 18 21 3.60 4.20
Tasman 5 4 3 8 7 5 8 3 1 2 24 22 4.80 4.40
Waikato 5 4 6 5 5 4 7 2 5 6 28 21 5.60 4.20
Wellington 5 8 5 6 1 7 3 9 5 7 19 37 3.80 7.40
For Against

Source: The weekly reviews of the matches published on provincial.rugby (see "Report" in the individual match scoring stats).

Discipline

Player Team Red Yellow Sent off match(es)
Josh Beehre Auckland10 Week 3 (vs. Hawke's Bay)
AJ Alatimu Counties Manukau01 Week 2 (vs. North Harbour)
Austin Anderson Waikato01 Week 2 (vs. Taranaki)
Tamiro Armstrong Bay of Plenty01 Week 2 (vs. Northland)
Randall Baker Auckland01 Week 3 (vs. Hawke's Bay)
Jae Broomfield Otago01 Week 4 (vs. Wellington)
Nikora Broughton Bay of Plenty01 Week 4 (vs. Taranaki)
Lucas Cashmore Bay of Plenty01 Week 4 (vs. Taranaki)
Ryan Coxon Tasman01 Week 5 (vs. Northland)
Hudson Creighton Northland01 Week 2 (vs. Bay of Plenty)
Neria Fomai Hawke's Bay01 Week 1 (vs. Wellington)
Dominic Gardiner Canterbury01 Week 5 (vs. Taranaki)
Callum Harkin Wellington01 Week 2 (vs. Auckland)
TK Howden Manawatu01 Week 4 (vs. Hawke's Bay)
Manumaua Letiu Canterbury01 Week 2 (vs. Otago)
Frank Lochore Hawke's Bay01 Week 5 (vs. Southland)
Johnny McNicholl Canterbury01 Week 3 (vs. Bay of Plenty)
Adam Morrison Counties Manukau01 Week 4 (vs. Waikato)
Jona Nareki Otago01 Week 3 (vs. Manawatu)
Leo Ngatai-Tafau Counties Manukau01 Week 5 (vs. Wellington)
Marika Parker Taranaki01 Week 1 (vs. Counties Manukau)
Penieli Poasa Wellington01 Week 3 (vs. North Harbour)
Tony Tafa North Harbour01 Week 3 (vs. Wellington)
Bradley Tocker Taranaki01 Week 3 (vs. Northland)
James Tofa Manawatu01 Week 3 (vs. Otago)
James Tucker Waikato01 Week 4 (vs. Counties Manukau)
Ian West-Stevens Counties Manukau01 Week 4 (vs. Waikato)

Ranfurly Shield

Pre-season challenges

On 9 March 2026, Otago Rugby announced that North Otago and 2025 Meads Cup winners Mid Canterbury were the Heartland Championship teams to challenge Otago for the Ranfurly Shield in 2026.[7][8]

Otago Rugby confirmed on 18 May 2026 that the game against North Otago would be played on Tuesday 16 June 2026 at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, while the game against Mid Canterbury was scheduled for Friday 24 July 2026 at Molyneux Park in Alexandra.[9]

16 June 2026
18:30 NZST
Otago46–14North Otago
Try: Josh Whaanga (2) 4', 47'
Toni Taufa (2) 18', 24'
Harry Irving 29'
Liam Coltman 37'
Riley Lucas 40+1'
Jake Te Hiwi 71'
Con: Rique Miln (1/5) 19'
Mackenzie Palmer (2/3) 40+2', 48'
Cards: Ben Lopas Yellow card 56'		ReportTry: Kelepi Funaki 57'
Ratu Logavatu 80+4'
Con: Ben McCarthy (1/1) 57'
Isaac Clunie (1/1) 80+5'
Pen: Ben McCarthy (0/1)
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Attendance: 2,138[10]
Referee: Jackson Henshaw
24 July 2026
14:30 NZST
Otago78–14Mid Canterbury
Try: Finn Hurley 1'
Kieran McClea (2) 6', 53'
Charles Elton 11'
Ben Lopas 14'
Cam Millar 19'
Lucas Casey 25'
Sam Nemec-Vial (3) 37', 57', 80+1'
Jona Nareki 49'
Harry Irving 68'
Con: Cam Millar (7/10) 12', 20', 26’, 38', 50', 54', 58'
Mackenzie Palmer (2/2) 69', 80+2'
Cards: Jona Nareki Yellow card 33'
Marley Pearce Yellow card 70'		ReportTry: Manasa Samo 46'
Jordy Gray 61'
Con: Ben Innes (2/2) 47', 62'
Molyneux Park, Alexandra
Referee: Fraser Hannon


References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Competitions Regulations Handbook 2026" (PDF). New Zealand Rugby Union. 2026. Retrieved 4 June 2026.
  2. 1 2 3 "About the National Provincial Championship". provincial.rugby. 2026. Retrieved 4 June 2026.
  3. 1 2 "NZR releases an exciting schedule marking 50 years of NPC". New Zealand Rugby (Press release). 25 March 2026. Retrieved 4 June 2026.
  4. 1 2 3 "National Provincial Championship Fixtures & Results". provincial.rugby. 2026. Retrieved 4 June 2026.
  5. ↑ "Adjustment to Mitre 10 Heartland Championship bonus points system". RugbyHeartland.co.nz. 2 September 2016. Retrieved 4 June 2026.
  6. ↑ "Nine tries as Magpies hit record in NPC games against Manawatū". Hawke's Bay Today. 22 August 2026. Retrieved 22 August 2026.
  7. ↑ @otagorugbyteam; (9 March 2026). "Pre-season just got serious! The Otago NPC team are gearing up to defend the Ranfurly Shield in TWO huge challenge matches as part of our 2026 pre season campaign!". Retrieved 4 June 2026 – via Instagram.
  8. ↑ "Two Heartland teams to get crack at prized Ranfurly Shield". Otago Daily Times. 10 March 2026. Retrieved 4 June 2026.
  9. ↑ "Otago Rugby and Halter partner for pre-season Ranfurly Shield campaign". Otago Rugby (Press release). 18 May 2026. Retrieved 4 June 2026.
  10. ↑ "Otago retain Shield against northern neighbours". Otago Daily Times. 16 June 2026. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
This page is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.