Rugby 2026

INSIDE SEASON PREVIEW, ALL BLACKS PLAYER PROFILES AND 2026 FIXTURES BLACK FERNS SEASON PREVIEW AND 2026 FIXTURES HILUX NPC TEAM PROFILES HILUX NPC, HEARTLAND CHAMPIONSHIP AND FARAH PALMER CUP DRAWS WWW.OLIVERLEE.CO.NZ

RUGBY2026

CONTENTS PREVIEW 04 2026 We lookSEASON back at the opening

MANAGING EDITOR: Oliver Lee EDITOR: Peter White COVER DESIGN: Wylde Creative DESIGN & LAYOUT: Mervyn Hurley PHOTOGRAPHY: New Zealand Rugby Official Photography Library Source: SmartFrame PRINTING: Webstar Auckland PUBLISHER:

T: +64 274 599 503

E: oliver@oliverlee.co.nz W: oliverlee.co.nz

three matches for the All Blacks in the Nations Championship and preview the Bledisloe Cup and Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry with the four-match series against the Springboks in South Africa.

It is a big year ahead for the Black Ferns, including WXV Global Series test matches, and the three major domestic competitions.

BLACKS 07 ALL PLAYER PROFILES We profile the All Blacks selected for the recent Nations Championship tests against France, Italy and Ireland.

13 BLACK PREVIEWFERNS AND FIXTURES The Black Ferns are scheduled to play 11 tests in 2026, including four at home – the most the team has ever played in a calendar year.

CANTERBURY players celebrate after winning the 2025 NPC title.

16 2026 This year’sNPCNPCFIXTURES 23 TASMAN

celebrates 50 years since the competition began in 24 AUCKLAND

1976, when Bay of Plenty won the inaugural title. The top eight 25 TARANAKI

teams from the round-robin games will progress to the 26 COUNTIES and BAY OFMANUKAU play-offs.

PLENTY 2026 NPC TEAM PREVIEWS Here is your preview of all 14 teams, their hopes and aspirations, ahead of the new season.

18 14 20 CANTERBURY

Here is the draw of all the games WAIKATO in this year’s Farah Palmer Cup, 21 which is set to be another thrilling competition.

22 WELLINGTON

FARAH PALMER CUP FIXTURES

NORTH HARBOUR and NORTHLAND

BAY and 28 HAWKE’S MANAWATŪ

29 OTAGO and SOUTHLAND 30 HEARTLAND CHAMPIONSHIP Twelve teams will kick-off the Heartland Championship ahead of the Meads Cup and Lochore Cup playoffs.

COVER IMAGES: Will Jordan scored three tries against Italy and one against Ireland to increase his tally to 51 test tries – and become New Zealand’s leading Test try-scorer. As pictured, clockwise: All Blacks Cam Roigard, Will Jordan and Ruben Love; Mataitini Feke (North Otago), Ayesha Leti-I’iga (Black Ferns), Chay Fihaki (Canterbury) and Keelah Bodle (Waikato).

ISSN 2463-7041 (Print) ISSN 2463-705X (Online)

NOTE: The TAB odds quoted on the NPC team profiles throughout the magazine were correct on 20 July 2026. For the latest odds visit tab.co.nz COPYRIGHT: Reproduction in whole or in part by any means is prohibited. DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Although all material is checked for accuracy, no liability is assumed by the publisher for any loss due to use of material in this magazine.

ALL BLACKS FACE A HUGE CHALLENGE AND 50 YEARS OF THE NPC TO CELEBRATE

The coaching reign of Dave Rennie is underway with some new players set to make their mark. – By PETER WHITE Optimism is the buzz word used by the All Blacks so far in 2026. That positive attitude will be needed in the four-test series ahead in South Africa.

The All Blacks began the Rennie reign with three wins at home against France, Italy and Ireland in the Nations Championship. Several new players took the opportunity to showcase their skills in what was an inconsistent start to the gruelling 2026 campaign.

The inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series between the All Blacks and Springboks is the season highlight. The All Blacks tour South Africa in August/September, playing seven games including three test matches, with a fourth test in Baltimore, USA.

ALL BLACKS FIXTURES 2026 2026 NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP DATE

MATCH

VENUE

04 JULY

All Blacks 32 – 30 France

One NZ Stadium, Christchurch

Bledisloe Cup tests against the Wallabies in Auckland and Sydney follow, before the away leg of the Rugby Championship with the All Blacks taking on Scotland, Wales and England to end a bumper year.

11 JULY

All Blacks 42 – 17 Italy

Hnry Stadium, Wellington

18 JULY

All Blacks 40 – 21 Ireland

Eden Park, Auckland

This year looms as the busiest ever for the Black Ferns, who will play 11 tests in all. They defended their Pacific Four title in April, with home games to come against a Black Ferns XV, Australia and South Africa, before six matches in the WXV Global Series.

DATE

MATCH

VENUE

08 AUGUST 12 AUGUST

Stormers v All Blacks Sharks v All Blacks

Cape Town.................................. 5.00am Durban........................................... 5.00am

ALL BLACKS V SOUTH AFRICA SERIES 2026 KICK-OFF NZ LOCAL TIME

16 AUGUST

Bulls v All Blacks

Pretoria.......................................... 5.00am

The Black Ferns travel to the Northern Hemisphere in September to take on France, Scotland and England before hosting France in three home tests in October.

23 AUGUST

South Africa v All Blacks

Johannesburg.......................... 3.00am

26 AUGUST

Lions v All Blacks

Johannesburg.......................... 5.00am

30 AUGUST

South Africa v All Blacks

Cape Town.................................. 3.00am

The men’s NPC and Heartland Championship, plus the women’s Farah Palmer Cup – all presented by Hilux – showcase provincial rugby at its very best. Last year, Canterbury defeated Otago in a memorable NPC final and will defend their title – in the 50th year of the NPC – based at the magnificent One NZ Stadium. Otago are the Ranfurly Shield holders with their next challenge on August 9 from Canterbury.

06 SEPTEMBER South Africa v All Blacks

Johannesburg.......................... 3.00am

13 SEPTEMBER South Africa v All Blacks

Baltimore, USA........................ 9.00am

The Farah Palmer Cup showcases the depth of talent in women’s rugby.

Last year’s final was a repeat of the 2024 final with Waikato Women beating Canterbury Women by 19 –13 in a strong showing.

The ever-popular Heartland Championship kicks off on August 15. The teams ranked 1– 4 at the end of round robin compete for the Meads Cup, while the teams ranked 5–6 play for the Lochore Cup. We hope you enjoy reading Rugby 2026.

2026 BLEDISLOE CUP DATE

MATCH

VENUE

10 OCTOBER

All Blacks v Australia

Eden Park, Auckland ........ 7.10pm

17 OCTOBER

Australia v All Blacks

Accor Stadium, Sydney... 6.00pm

NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP NORTHERN SERIES – NOVEMBER DATE

MATCH

VENUE

KICK-OFF NZ LOCAL TIME

08 NOVEMBER Scotland v All Blacks

Edinburgh .................................. 3.10am

15 NOVEMBER Wales v All Blacks

Cardiff ............................................ 3.10am

22 NOVEMBER England v All Blacks

Twickenham, London ...... 3.10am

FOR ALL UP TO DATE INFORMATION ON THE ALL BLACKS, VISIT WWW.ALLBLACKS.COM

WALLACE SITITI in action against France during the Nations Championship test played at One NZ Stadium, Christchurch, on July 4.

4 | RUGBY 2026

KICK-OFF NZ LOCAL TIME

WWW.ALLBLACKS.COM

ALL BLACKS PLAYER PROFILES

The All Blacks under new head coach Dave Rennie will play 13 tests this year and the season has started well with home victories over France, Italy and Ireland in the Nations Championship.

ARDIE SAVEA CAPTAIN

#1147

PLACE OF BIRTH: WELLINGTON DATE OF BIRTH: 14 OCTOBER 1993 AGE: 32 HEIGHT: 1.90m WEIGHT: 99kg POSITION: LOOSE FORWARD PROVINCIAL TEAM: WELLINGTON JAPAN: KOBE STEELERS TEST DEBUT: v WALES IN AUCKLAND, 11 JUNE 2016 ALL BLACK TESTS: 109 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 160

#1214

#1223

#1154

PLACE OF BIRTH: INVERCARGILL DATE OF BIRTH: 20 APRIL 1995 AGE: 31 HEIGHT: 1.77m WEIGHT: 78kg POSITION: FIRST FIVE-EIGHTH PROVINCIAL TEAM: WAIKATO SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CHIEFS TEST DEBUT: v ARGENTINA IN BUENOS AIRES, 1 OCTOBER 2016 ALL BLACK TESTS: 77 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 385

QUINN TUPAEA

KYLE PRESTON

#1231

BEAUDEN BARRETT

#1115

PLACE OF BIRTH: NEW PLYMOUTH DATE OF BIRTH: 27 MAY 1991 AGE: 35 HEIGHT: 1.87m WEIGHT: 91kg POSITION: FIRST FIVE-EIGHTH PROVINCIAL TEAM: TARANAKI SUPER RUGBY TEAM: BLUES TEST DEBUT: v IRELAND IN HAMILTON, 23 JUNE 2012 ALL BLACK TESTS: 144 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 834

PLACE OF BIRTH: WELLINGTON DATE OF BIRTH: 28 APRIL 2001 AGE: 25 HEIGHT: 1.83m WEIGHT: 90kg POSITION: OUTSIDE BACK PROVINCIAL TEAM: WELLINGTON SUPER RUGBY TEAM: HURRICANES TEST DEBUT: v JAPAN IN YOKOHAMA, 26 OCTOBER 2024 ALL BLACK TESTS: 8 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 46

DAMIAN McKENZIE

#1210

PLACE OF BIRTH: WELLINGTON DATE OF BIRTH: 13 SEPTEMBER 1999 AGE: 26 HEIGHT: 1.77m WEIGHT: 79kg POSITION: HALFBACK PROVINCIAL TEAM: WELLINGTON SUPER RUGBY TEAM: HURRICANES TEST DEBUT: v SOUTH AFRICA IN EDEN PARK, 6 SEPTEMBER 2025 ALL BLACK TESTS: 1 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 0

PLACE OF BIRTH: PIO PIO, KING COUNTRY DATE OF BIRTH: 21 MARCH 2001 AGE: 25 HEIGHT: 1.79m WEIGHT: 87kg POSITION: HALFBACK PROVINCIAL TEAM: WAIKATO SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CHIEFS TEST DEBUT: v ENGLAND IN AUCKLAND, 13 JULY 2024 ALL BLACK TESTS: 24 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 10

RUBEN LOVE

CAMERON ROIGARD PLACE OF BIRTH: CAMBRIDGE DATE OF BIRTH: 16 NOVEMBER 2000 AGE: 25 HEIGHT: 1.83m WEIGHT: 88kg POSITION: HALFBACK PROVINCIAL TEAM: COUNTIES MANUKAU SUPER RUGBY TEAM: HURRICANES TEST DEBUT: v AUSTRALIA IN MELBOURNE, 29 JULY 2023 ALL BLACK TESTS: 20 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 75

#1193

PLACE OF BIRTH: HAMILTON DATE OF BIRTH: 10 MAY 1999 AGE: 27 HEIGHT: 1.86m WEIGHT: 97kg POSITION: MIDFIELD BACK PROVINCIAL TEAM: WAIKATO SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CHIEFS TEST DEBUT: v TONGA IN EDEN PARK, 3 JULY 2021 ALL BLACK TESTS: 26 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 25

JORDIE BARRETT

BILLY PROCTOR PLACE OF BIRTH: WELLINGTON DATE OF BIRTH: 14 MAY 1999 AGE: 27 HEIGHT: 1.87m WEIGHT: 96kg POSITION: CENTRE PROVINCIAL TEAM: WELLINGTON SUPER RUGBY TEAM: HURRICANES TEST DEBUT: v FIJI IN SAN DIEGO, 19 JULY 2024 ALL BLACK TESTS: 13 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 15

WWW.ALLBLACKS.COM

#1159

PLACE OF BIRTH: NEW PLYMOUTH DATE OF BIRTH: 17 FEBRUARY 1997 AGE: 29 HEIGHT: 1.96m WEIGHT: 95kg POSITION: OUTSIDE BACK PROVINCIAL TEAM: TARANAKI SUPER RUGBY TEAM: HURRICANES TEST DEBUT: v SAMOA IN AUCKLAND, 16 JUNE 2017 ALL BLACK TESTS: 81 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 306

#1215

PLAYER PROFILES CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

CORTEZ RATIMA

BACKS

photos: NEW ZEALAND RUGBY OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHY LIBRARY

The upcoming four-match test series against South Africa will be a big test for the All Blacks, followed by two Bledisloe Cup tests against the Wallabies and four further Nations Championship tests away to Scotland, Wales, England and a final playoff game in Twickenham over the weekend of 27–29 November 2026.

We profile the 34 All Blacks who were selected to play in the Nations Championship home tests in July against France, Italy and Ireland.

All statistics were correct on 20 July 2026. For all up-to-date information on the All Blacks visit: www.allblacks.com

RUGBY 2026 | 7# 7

CALEB CLARKE PLACE OF BIRTH: AUCKLAND DATE OF BIRTH: 29 MARCH 1999 AGE: 27 HEIGHT: 1.84m WEIGHT: 107kg POSITION: WING PROVINCIAL TEAM: AUCKLAND SUPER RUGBY TEAM: BLUES TEST DEBUT: v AUSTRALIA IN WELLINGTON, 11 OCTOBER 2020 ALL BLACK TESTS: 35 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 80

FEHI FINEANGANOFO

#1234

PLACE OF BIRTH: AUCKLAND DATE OF BIRTH: 31 AUGUST 2002 AGE: 23 HEIGHT: 1.8m WEIGHT: 100kg POSITION: LEFT WING PROVINCIAL TEAM: BAY OF PLENTY SUPER RUGBY TEAM: HURRICANES TEST DEBUT: v FRANCE IN CHRISTCHURCH, 4 JULY 2026 ALL BLACK TESTS: 1 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 0

JOSH MOORBY

FORWARDS

#1232

PLACE OF BIRTH: TAURANGA DATE OF BIRTH: 24 FEBRUARY 1999 AGE: 27 HEIGHT: 1.76m WEIGHT: 86kg POSITION: RIGHT WING PROVINCIAL TEAM: BAY OF PLENTY SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CHIEFS TEST DEBUT: v ARGENTINA IN MENDOZA, 8 JULY 2023 ALL BLACK TESTS: 7 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 15

#1236

PLACE OF BIRTH: TE AWAMUTU DATE OF BIRTH: 11 JULY 1998 AGE: 28 HEIGHT: 1.88m WEIGHT: 99kg POSITION: WING/FULLBACK PROVINCIAL TEAM: WAIKATO SUPER RUGBY TEAM: HURRICANES TEST DEBUT: v ITALY IN WELLINGTON, 11 JULY 2026 ALL BLACK TESTS: 2 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 0

WILL JORDAN

#1191

PLACE OF BIRTH: CHRISTCHURCH DATE OF BIRTH: 24 FEBRUARY 1998 AGE: 28 HEIGHT: 1.88m WEIGHT: 94kg POSITION: FULLBACK PROVINCIAL TEAM: TASMAN SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CRUSADERS TEST DEBUT: v AUSTRALIA IN BRISBANE, 7 NOVEMBER 2020 ALL BLACK TESTS: 57 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 255

ASAFO AUMUA

#1163

CODIE TAYLOR

#1143

PLACE OF BIRTH: LEVIN DATE OF BIRTH: 31 MARCH 1991 AGE: 35 HEIGHT: 1.83m WEIGHT: 108kg POSITION: HOOKER PROVINCIAL TEAM: CANTERBURY SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CRUSADERS TEST DEBUT: v ARGENTINA IN CHRISTCHURCH, 17 JULY 2015 ALL BLACK TESTS: 109 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 115

PLACE OF BIRTH: WELLINGTON DATE OF BIRTH: 5 MAY 1997 AGE: 29 HEIGHT: 1.77m WEIGHT: 108kg POSITION: HOOKER PROVINCIAL TEAM: WELLINGTON SUPER RUGBY TEAM: HURRICANES TEST DEBUT: v BARBARIANS IN LONDON, 5 NOVEMBER 2017 ALL BLACK TESTS: 22 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 15

SAMISONI TAUKEI’AHO

#1198

ETHAN DE GROOT

#1197

PLACE OF BIRTH: SOUTHPORT, AUSTRALIA DATE OF BIRTH: 22 JULY 1998 AGE: 28 HEIGHT: 1.90m WEIGHT: 122kg POSITION: PROP PROVINCIAL TEAM: SOUTHLAND SUPER RUGBY TEAM: HIGHLANDERS TEST DEBUT: v FIJI IN DUNEDIN, 10 JULY 2021 ALL BLACK TESTS: 43 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 25

PLACE OF BIRTH: TONGATAPU, TONGA DATE OF BIRTH: 8 AUGUST 1997 AGE: 28 HEIGHT: 1.83m WEIGHT: 115kg POSITION: HOOKER PROVINCIAL TEAM: WAIKATO SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CHIEFS TEST DEBUT: v FIJI IN HAMILTON, 17 JULY 2021 ALL BLACK TESTS: 44 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 65

GEORGE BOWER

#1194

PLACE OF BIRTH: WELLINGTON DATE OF BIRTH: 29 JANUARY 2002 AGE: 34 HEIGHT: 1.83m WEIGHT: 115kg POSITION: PROP PROVINCIAL TEAM: OTAGO SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CRUSADERS TEST DEBUT: v TONGA IN AUCKLAND, 3 JULY 2021 ALL BLACK TESTS: 26 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 5

8 | RUGBY 2026

LEROY CARTER

#1187

WWW.ALLBLACKS.COM

XAVIER NUMIA

#1233

PLACE OF BIRTH: WELLINGTON DATE OF BIRTH: 29 NOVEMBER 1998 AGE: 27 HEIGHT: 1.89m WEIGHT: 111kg POSITION: PROP PROVINCIAL TEAM: WELLINGTON SUPER RUGBY TEAM: HURRICANES TEST DEBUT: v FRANCE IN CHRISTCHURCH, 4 JULY 2026 ALL BLACK TESTS: 2 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 0

PLAYER PROFILES CONTINUED PAGE 11

PLAYER PROFILES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

ANTON LIENERT-BROWN #1153 PLACE OF BIRTH: CHRISTCHURCH DATE OF BIRTH: 15 APRIL 1995 AGE: 31 HEIGHT: 1.85m WEIGHT: 96kg POSITION: CENTRE PROVINCIAL TEAM: WAIKATO SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CHIEFS TEST DEBUT: v AUSTRALIA IN WELLINGTON, 27 AUGUST 2016 ALL BLACK TESTS: 90 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 85

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PLAYER PROFILES CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

TYREL LOMAX

#1180

PLACE OF BIRTH: CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA DATE OF BIRTH: 16 MARCH 1996 AGE: 29 HEIGHT: 1.92m WEIGHT: 127kg POSITION: PROP PROVINCIAL TEAM: TASMAN SUPER RUGBY TEAM: HIGHLANDERS TEST DEBUT: v JAPAN IN TOKYO, 3 NOVEMBER 2018 ALL BLACK TESTS: 51 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 0

PASILIO TOSI

#1219

PLACE OF BIRTH: LEVIN DATE OF BIRTH: 18 JULY 1998 AGE: 27 HEIGHT: 1.93m WEIGHT: 140kg POSITION: PROP PROVINCIAL TEAM: BAY OF PLENTY SUPER RUGBY TEAM: HURRICANES TEST DEBUT: v FIJI IN SAN DIEGO, 19 JULY 2024 ALL BLACK TESTS: 17 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 5

PATRICK TUIPULOTU

#1133

#1220

#1188

JOSH LORD

#1199

PETER LAKAI

#1222

PLACE OF BIRTH: WELLINGTON DATE OF BIRTH: 4 MARCH 2003 AGE: 23 HEIGHT: 1.86m WEIGHT: 108kg POSITION: LOOSE FORWARD PROVINCIAL TEAM: WELLINGTON SUPER RUGBY TEAM: HURRICANES TEST DEBUT: v JAPAN IN YOKOHAMA, 26 OCTOBER 2024 ALL BLACK TESTS: 10 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 10

#1230

PLACE OF BIRTH: MANGAWHAI DATE OF BIRTH: 6 MAY 2000 AGE: 26 HEIGHT: 1.97m WEIGHT: 117kg POSITION: NUMBER 8 PROVINCIAL TEAM: NORTHLAND SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CHIEFS TEST DEBUT: v ARGENTINA IN BUENOS AIRES, 23 AUGUST 2025 ALL BLACK TESTS: 8 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 0

LUKE JACOBSON

TUPOU VAA’I

PLACE OF BIRTH: AUCKLAND DATE OF BIRTH: 17 JANUARY 2001 AGE: 25 HEIGHT: 2.03m WEIGHT: 112kg POSITION: LOCK PROVINCIAL TEAM: TARANAKI SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CHIEFS TEST DEBUT: v USA IN WASHINGTON, 23 OCTOBER 2021 ALL BLACK TESTS: 15 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 0

PLACE OF BIRTH: DUNEDIN DATE OF BIRTH: 18 JULY 2000 AGE: 26 HEIGHT: 2.03m WEIGHT: 110kg POSITION: LOCK PROVINCIAL TEAM: CANTERBURY SUPER RUGBY TEAM: BLUES TEST DEBUT: v FIJI IN SAN DIEGO, 19 JULY 2024 ALL BLACK TESTS: 10 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 10

SIMON PARKER

#1205

PLACE OF BIRTH: AUCKLAND DATE OF BIRTH: 27 JANUARY 2000 AGE: 26 HEIGHT: 1.98m WEIGHT: 118kg POSITION: LOCK PROVINCIAL TEAM: TARANAKI SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CHIEFS TEST DEBUT: v AUSTRALIA IN WELLINGTON, 11 OCTOBER 2020 ALL BLACK TESTS: 47 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 30

PLACE OF BIRTH: CHRISTCHURCH DATE OF BIRTH: 23 JANUARY 1993 AGE: 33 HEIGHT: 1.98m WEIGHT: 120kg POSITION: LOCK PROVINCIAL TEAM: AUCKLAND SUPER RUGBY TEAM: BLUES TEST DEBUT: v ENGLAND IN DUNEDIN, 14 JULY 2014 ALL BLACK TESTS: 57 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 45

SAM DARRY

FLETCHER NEWELL

PLACE OF BIRTH: RANGIORA DATE OF BIRTH: 1 MARCH 2000 AGE: 26 HEIGHT: 1.86m WEIGHT: 121kg POSITION: PROP PROVINCIAL TEAM: CANTERBURY SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CRUSADERS TEST DEBUT: v SOUTH AFRICA IN JOHANNESBURG, 13 AUGUST 2022 ALL BLACK TESTS: 37 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 10

#1183

PLACE OF BIRTH: CAMBRIDGE DATE OF BIRTH: 20 APRIL 1997 AGE: 29 HEIGHT: 1.91m WEIGHT: 107kg POSITION: FLANKER PROVINCIAL TEAM: WAIKATO SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CHIEFS TEST DEBUT: v ARGENTINA IN BUENOS AIRES, 20 JULY 2019 ALL BLACK TESTS: 26 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 25

WWW.ALLBLACKS.COM

WALLACE SITITI

#1218

PLACE OF BIRTH: APIA, TUAMASAGA DATE OF BIRTH: 7 SEPTEMBER 2002 AGE: 23 HEIGHT: 1.87m WEIGHT: 113kg POSITION: LOOSE FORWARD PROVINCIAL TEAM: NORTH HARBOUR SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CHIEFS TEST DEBUT: v FIJI IN SAN DIEGO, 19 JULY 2024 ALL BLACK TESTS: 21 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 5

ANTON SEGNER

#1237

PLACE OF BIRTH: FRANKFURT, GERMANY DATE OF BIRTH: 24 JULY 2001 AGE: 25 HEIGHT: 1.92m WEIGHT: 108kg POSITION: FLANKER PROVINCIAL TEAM: AUCKLAND SUPER RUGBY TEAM: BLUES TEST DEBUT: v ITALY IN WELLINGTON, 11 JULY 2026 ALL BLACK TESTS: 2 ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 0

RUGBY 2026 | 11

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BLACK FERNS SET FOR BUSIEST YEAR IN HISTORY

The Black Ferns are scheduled to play 11 tests in 2026, including four at home – the most the team has ever played in a calendar year.

An undoubted highlight will be the Black Ferns taking on England at Twickenham on September 27, for the first time in nearly two years, as part of the WXV Global Series.

The Black Ferns have struggled against England in recent fixtures, losing 24 –12 at Twickenham and 49 –31 in Vancouver in late 2024.

The last win for the Black Ferns over the Red Roses – and unlikely to be forgotten anytime soon – was the dramatic 34 –31 victory in the 2021 World Cup final at Eden Park.

The Black Ferns have two vital internationals in the WXV Global Series before they take on England – against France in Lyon on September 13 and Scotland in Edinburgh on September 20.

A much anticipated three-match test series at home against France in October concludes the busiest year ever for the Black Ferns, who have won eight of the last thirteen tests against France.

Before the WXV Global series fixtures, the Black Ferns play a Black Ferns XV in Upper Hutt on August 14 (free entry for fans and streamed on the Black Ferns website and YouTube channel), Australia in an O’Reilly Cup clash at Go Media Stadium on August 22, and South Africa in Johannesburg on September 5.

The Black Ferns have already had three wins so far in 2026, to retain the Pacific Four Series title for the third time since 2022.

They defeated the United States 48 –15 in California, Canada 36 –14 in Kansas and Australia 40 –5 in Queensland.

BLACK FERNS FIXTURES 2026 2026 PACIFIC FOUR SERIES DATE

MATCH

VENUE

12 APR Black Ferns 48 – 15 USA Sacramento 18 APR Black Ferns 36 – 14 Canada Kansas 25 APR Black Ferns 40 – 5 Wallaroos Sunshine Coast, Australia

2026 O’REILLY CUP and WXV GLOBAL SERIES DATE

MATCH

VENUE

KICK-OFF NZ LOCAL TIME

14 AUG Black Ferns v Black Ferns XV Maidstone Park, Upper Hutt 3.30pm 22 AUG Black Ferns v Wallaroos Go Media Stadium, Auckland 3.05pm 5 SEPT Black Ferns v South Africa Johannesburg 11.30pm 13 SEPT France v Black Ferns Lyon 3.45am 20 SEPT Scotland v Black Ferns Edinburgh 4.10am 27 SEPT England v Black Ferns London 3.00am 17 OCT Black Ferns v France FMG Stadium, Hamilton 3.05pm 24 OCT Black Ferns v France Semenoff Stadium, Whangarei 3.05pm 31 OCT Black Ferns v France One NZ Stadium, Christchurch 7.10pm

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE BLACK FERNS, VISIT WWW.ALLBLACKS.COM/TEAM/BLACK-FERNS

BLACK FERNS stand for the Aotearoa New Zealand national anthem.

WWW.ALLBLACKS.COM/TEAM/BLACK-FERNS

7#37 RUGBY 2026 | 1

FARAH PALMER CUP DRAW WEEK 1: SATURDAY 29 AUGUST— SUNDAY 30 AUGUST

DATE

MATCH

Saturday 29 August

The revised format of the 2026 Farah Palmer Cup presented by Hilux will see 12 teams compete across two pools – Premiership and Championship.

The competition is structured into two pools of six teams each. As part of this process, Hawke’s Bay Tui move into the Championship division, while Otago Spirit remain in the Championship division. This approach ensures both balance and competitive integrity across the two pools.

While promotion and relegation will not occur in 2026, both pools will be reset to ensure balance and competitive integrity.

In 2025, Waikato Women defended their title after beating Canterbury Women 19 –13 in Hamilton in a repeat of the 2024 final.

Waikato Women’s first defence of the JJ Stewart Trophy (run like the Ranfurly Shield) is against Auckland Storm in round two.

Premiership Auckland Storm Bay of Plenty Volcanix Canterbury Women Counties Manukau Heat Manawatū Cyclones Waikato Women

Sunday 30 August

VENUE

TIME

00

Hawke’s Bay

v

00

North Harbour

Hawke’s Bay Regional Sports Park, Hastings

12.05pm

00

Tasman

v

00

Northland

Trafalgar Park, Nelson

1.05pm

00

Counties Manukau v

00

Waikato

Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe

2.05pm

00

Otago

v

00

Wellington

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

2.05pm

00

Manawatū

v

00

Bay of Plenty

Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North

5.05pm

00

Canterbury

v

00

Auckland

Rugby Park, Christchurch

2.05pm

11.35am

WEEK 2: SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER — SUNDAY 6 SEPTEMBER Saturday 5 September

Sunday 6 September

00

Bay of Plenty

v

00

Canterbury

Tauranga Domain, Tauranga

00

Wellington

v

00

North Harbour

Rugby League Park, Wellington

1.05pm

00

Northland

v

00

Otago

Te Rarawa RFC, Ahipara

2.05pm

00

Tasman

v

00

Hawke’s Bay

Lansdowne Park, Blenheim

2.05pm

00

Waikato

v

00

Auckland

FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton

5.05pm

00

Counties Manukau v

00

Manawatū

Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe

11.35am

WEEK 3: FRIDAY 11 SEPTEMBER — SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER Friday 11 September

Otago

v

Tasman

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

5.05pm

Saturday 12 September

Auckland

v

Counties Manukau

Eden Park, Auckland

11.35am

Waikato

v

Bay of Plenty

Fred Jones Park, Hamilton

2.05pm

Northland

v

North Harbour

Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei

2.35pm

Hawke’s Bay

v

Wellington

McLean Park, Napier

11.35am

Manawatū

v

Canterbury

Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North

2.05pm

Auckland

Tauranga Domain, Tauranga

11.35am 2.05pm

Sunday 13 September

WEEK 4: SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER — SUNDAY 20 SEPTEMBER Saturday 19 September

Bay of Plenty

v

Counties Manukau v

Sunday 20 September

Canterbury

Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe

Manawatū

v

Waikato

Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North

2.05pm

Wellington

v

Northland

Hnry Stadium, Wellington

5.05pm

North Harbour

v

Tasman

North Harbour Stadium, Albany

11.35am

Hawke’s Bay

v

Otago

Hawke’s Bay Regional Sports Park, Hastings

12.05pm

WEEK 5: FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER — SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER Friday 25 September Saturday 26 September

Sunday 27 September

Auckland

v

Manawatū

Eden Park, Auckland

5.05pm

Northland

v

Hawke’s Bay

Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei

11.35am

Canterbury

v

Waikato

One NZ Stadium, Christchurch

2.35pm

North Harbour

v

Otago

North Harbour Stadium, Albany

5.05pm

Wellington

v

Tasman

Hnry Stadium, Wellington

11.35am

Bay of Plenty

v

Counties Manukaur

Tauranga Domain, Tauranga

1.05pm

WEEK 6: SATURDAY 3 OCTOBER — SUNDAY 4 OCTOBER Saturday 3 October

PREMIERSHIP

Semi Final 1 – 1st v 4th

Chamionshi Qtaaa v

Chamionshi Qtaaaaaa TBC

TBC

Semi Final 2 – 2nd v 3rd

Chamionshi Qtaaa v

Chamionshi Qtaaaaaa TBC

TBC

Saturday 4 October

CHAMPIONSHIP

Semi Final 1 – 1st v 4th

Chamionshi Qtaaa v

Chamionshi Qtaaaaaa TBC

TBC

Semi Final 2 – 2nd v 3rd

Chamionshi Qtaaa v

Chamionshi Qtaaaaaa TBC

TBC

WEEK 7: SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER Saturday 10 October Winner Semi Final 1 v Winner Semi Final 2

PREMIERSHIP GRAND FINAL

Saturday 10 October Winner Semi Final 1 v Winner Semi Final 2

CHAMPIONSHIP GRAND FINAL

v

v

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14 | RUGBY 2026

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2026 GAME SCHEDULE ROUND 1: THURSDAY 30 JULY — SUNDAY 2 AUGUST

The 14 teams involved will play 70 matches before the play-offs in just 10 weeks.

For all up-to-date information on the HILUX NPC and any changes to kick-off times, visit https://www. provincial.rugby [RS] DENOTES RANFURLY SHIELD CHALLENGE

DATE

MATCH

VENUE

TIME

Thursday 30 July

Waikato

v

Bay of Plenty

FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton

7.10pm

Friday 31 July

Tasman

v

North Harbour

Trafalgar Park, Nelson

7.10pm

Saturday 1 August

Counties Manukau v

Taranaki

Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe

2.05pm

Sunday 2 August

Southland

v

Otago

Rugby Park, Invercargill

5.05pm

Canterbury

v

Auckland

One NZ Stadium, Christchurch

7.10pm

Northland

v

Manawatū

Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei

2.05pm

Wellington

v

Hawke’s Bay

Hnry Stadium, Wellington

5.05pm

ROUND 2: THURSDAY 6 AUGUST — SUNDAY 9 AUGUST Thursday 6 August

North Harbour

v

Counties Manukau

North Harbour Stadium, Albany

7.10pm

Friday 7 August

Taranaki

v

Waikato

Stadium Taranaki, New Plymouth

7.10pm

Saturday 8 August

Auckland

v

Wellington

Western Springs, Auckland

2.05pm

Bay of Plenty

v

Northland

Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua

5.05pm

Hawke’s Bay

v

Tasman

McLean Park, Napier

7.10pm

Otago [RS]

v

Canterbury

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

2.05pm

Manawatū

v

Southland

Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North

5.05pm

Sunday 9 August

ROUND 3: THURSDAY 13 AUGUST — SUNDAY 16 AUGUST

NPC EXPLAINED

Thursday 13 August

Wellington

v

North Harbour

Hnry Stadium, Wellington

7.10pm

2026 HILUX NATIONAL PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Friday 14 August

Northland

v

Taranaki

Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei

7.10pm

Saturday 15 August

Canterbury

v

Bay of Plenty

One NZ Stadium, Christchurch

2.05pm

Auckland

v

Hawke’s Bay

Eden Park, Auckland

5.05pm

Manawatū

v

Otago

Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North

7.10pm

Southland

v

Waikato

Rugby Park, Invercargill

2.05pm

Counties Manukau v

Tasman

Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe

5.05pm

This year’s competition format sees all 14 teams represented in a single points table, with the top-eight teams progressing to the play-offs. The quarter-finals see the top-ranked team hosting (1 v 8, 2 v 7, 3 v 6, 4 v 5). The following weekend’s semi-finals will see teams play-off for a spot in the finals (1 v 4, 2 v 3).

Quarter-finals will be played on October 9–11, semi-finals on October 16 and 18 with the NPC Grand Final on Sunday, October 25 – all KO’s TBC. The Ranfurly Shield will run concurrently within the NPC match schedule, with the holders (Otago) putting the Shield up for challengers at every home game during the round-robin stage of the NPC. Canterbury are the reigning NPC champions and Otago the Ranfurly Shield holders.

Otago have successfully defended two early season challenges against North Otago and Mid Canterbury with Canterbury, Wellington, Waikato, Tasman and Auckland allocated challenges for the famous Log o’ Wood.

FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION GO TO www.provincial.rugby

16 | RUGBY 2026

Sunday 16 August

ROUND 4: THURSDAY 20 AUGUST — SUNDAY 23 AUGUST Thursday 20 August

Canterbury

v

Northland

One NZ Stadium, Christchurch

7.10pm

Friday 21 August

Hawke’s Bay

v

Manawatū

McLean Park, Napier

7.10pm

Tasman

v

Southland

Trafalgar Park, Nelson

1.05pm

North Harbour

v

Auckland

North Harbour Stadium, Albany

5.35pm

Bay of Plenty

v

Taranaki

Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua

7.35pm

Waikato

v

Counties Manukau

FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton

2.05pm

Otago [RS]

v

Wellington

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

5.05pm

Saturday 22 August

Sunday 23 August

ROUND 5: THURSDAY 27 AUGUST — SUNDAY 30 AUGUST Thursday 27 August

Southland

v

Hawke’s Bay

Rugby Park, Invercargill

7.10pm

Friday 28 August

Auckland

v

Bay of Plenty

Eden Park, Auckland

7.10pm

Saturday 29 August

Taranaki

v

Canterbury

Stadium Taranaki, New Plymouth

2.05pm

Otago [RS]

v

Waikato

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

5.05pm

Manawatū

v

North Harbour

Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North

7.10pm

Wellington

v

Counties Manukau

Hnry Stadium, Wellington

2.05pm

Northland

v

Tasman

Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei

7.05pm

Sunday 30 August

ROUND 6: THURSDAY 3 SEPTEMBER — SUNDAY 6 SEPTEMBER Thursday 3 September

Taranaki

v

Auckland

Stadium Taranaki, New Plymouth

7.10pm

Friday 4 September

Hawke’s Bay

v

Otago

McLean Park, Napier

7.10pm

Saturday 5 September

Bay of Plenty

v

Manawatū

Tauranga Domain, Tauranga

2.05pm

Tasman

v

Wellington

Lansdowne Park, Blenheim

5.05pm

Waikato

v

Canterbury

FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton

7.10pm

Counties Manukau v

Southland

Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe

2.05pm

v

Northland

North Harbour Stadium, Albany

5.05pm

Sunday 6 September

North Harbour

WWW.PROVINCIAL.RUGBY

ROUND 7: THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER — SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER DATE

MATCH

Thursday 10 September

Manawatū

v

Friday 11 September

Otago [RS]

v

Saturday 12 September

Auckland

Sunday 13 September

VENUE

TIME

Taranaki

Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North

7.10pm

Tasman

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

7.10pm

v

Counties Manukau

Eden Park, Auckland

2.05pm

Northland

v

Waikato

Semenoff Stadium, Whangarei

5.05pm

Canterbury

v

Wellington

One NZ Stadium, Christchurch

7.10pm

Hawke’s Bay

v

North Harbour

McLean Park, Napier

2.05pm

Southland

v

Bay of Plenty

Rugby Park, Invercargill

5.05pm

Otago

Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe

7.10pm

Auckland

Lansdowne Park, Blenheim

7.10pm

ROUND 8: THURSDAY 17 SEPTEMBER — SUNDAY 20 SEPTEMBER Thursday 17 September

Counties Manukau v

Friday 18 September

Tasman

v

Saturday 19 September

Sunday 20 September

Bay of Plenty

v

Hawke’s Bay

Tauranga Domain, Tauranga

2.05pm

Waikato

v

Manawatū

FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton

5.05pm

Wellington

v

Northland

Hnry Stadium, Wellington

7.05pm

North Harbour

v

Canterbury

North Harbour Stadium, Albany

2.05pm

Taranaki

v

Southland

Stadium Taranaki, New Plymouth

5.05pm

ROUND 9: THURSDAY 24 SEPTEMBER — SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER Thursday 24 September

Tasman

v

Bay of Plenty

Trafalgar Park, Nelson

7.10pm

Friday 25 September

Auckland

v

Manawatū

Eden Park, Auckland

7.10pm

Saturday 26 September

Northland

v

Counties Manukau

Semenoff Stadium, Whangarei

2.05pm

Canterbury

v

Southland

One NZ Stadium, Christchurch

5.05pm

North Harbour

v

Otago

North Harbour Stadium, Albany

7.10pm

Wellington

v

Waikato

Hnry Stadium, Wellington

2.05pm

Hawke’s Bay

v

Taranaki

McLean Park, Napier

5.05pm

Sunday 27 September

ROUND 10: THURSDAY 1 OCTOBER — SUNDAY 4 OCTOBER Thursday 1 October

Otago [RS]

v

Auckland

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

7.10pm

Friday 2 October

Southland

v

Northland

Rugby Park, Invercargill

7.10pm

Saturday 3 October

Manawatū

v

Canterbury

Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North

2.05pm

Counties Manukau v

Sunday 4 October

Hawke’s Bay

Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe

5.05pm

Waikato

v

Tasman

FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton

7.10pm

Taranaki

v

Wellington

Stadium Taranaki, New Plymouth

2.05pm

Bay of Plenty

v

North Harbour

Tauranga Domain, Tauranga

5.05pm

QUARTER-FINALS: FRIDAY 9 OCTOBER — SUNDAY 11 OCTOBER Friday 9 October

QUARTER-FINAL ONE

Venue TBC

TBC

Saturday 10 October

QUARTER-FINAL TWO

Venue TBC

TBC

Saturday 10 October

QUARTER-FINAL THREE

Venue TBC

TBC

Sunday 11 October

QUARTER-FINAL FOUR

Venue TBC

TBC

SEMI-FINALS: FRIDAY 16 OCTOBER and SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER Friday 16 October

SEMI-FINAL ONE

Venue TBC

TBC

Sunday 18 October

SEMI-FINAL TWO

Venue TBC

TBC

Venue TBC

TBC

GRAND FINAL: SUNDAY 25 OCTOBER Sunday 25 October

GRAND FINAL

WWW.PROVINCIAL.RUGBY

7#77 RUGBY 2026 | 1

NPC TEAM PREVIEWS …continued from page 15 HILUX NPC TEAM PREVIEWS

All 14 teams play each other in round robin competition, with the top eight teams progressing to the play-offs. – By PETER WHITE

NORTH HARBOUR FOURTEENTH PLACE IN 2025: It was hard to find too many positives from last season’s efforts as Harbour finished last, with just one win against Southland in the final round. A new coaching group and inexperienced squad lacked the vital pre-season time together. There were three narrow defeats by three points or less but it was a season to forget for Harbour.

COACH: JIMMY MAHER WEBSITE: harbourrugby.co.nz EMAIL: harbour@ harbourrugby.co.nz TICKETS: harbourrugby. flicket.co.nz TAB ODDS: $101.00

club games and strong age-group teams. Coach Jimmy Maher is a popular figure and has managed to increase much-needed depth in the squad. A strong pre-season campaign has helped prepare the squad well for the 2026 season. An early win or two will do wonders for the confidence of the players.

KEY PLAYERS: Hardworking loose forward Jed Melvin was one of the highest tacklers in the NPC last year and Harbour’s top try scorer. Fullback Kade Banks is a highly regarded attacking player along with experienced midfielder Tom Barham. Former Auckland prop Oscar Cowley-Andrea adds depth to the front row stocks while All Blacks Sevens player Sofai Notoa-Tipo is a natural try-scorer.

YOUNG GUNS: Prop Riley Tofilau made his debut last year and is regarded as a strong scrummager.

Hooker Moses Hafoka, lock Gus Farnan and prop Toma Laulalili have forced their way into the NPC squad after standout performances for their club teams. Wing JD Van Der Westhuizen starred for NZ Under-20s at the 2026 Junior World Championships. His opportunities to play NPC cannot be too far away.

SEASON PROSPECTS: Despite last year’s results, rugby is strong on the North Shore with increased crowds at

North Harbour’s JED MELVIN makes a break against Southland.

NORTHLAND NINTH IN 2025: It was a return to form for the Taniwha last season, with an inventive style under new head coach Ryan Martin paying dividends. Five wins and a draw from 10 games was a deserved return – only a lack of bonus points prevented them making the quarter-finals.

COACH: RYAN MARTIN WEBSITE: northlandrugby.co.nz EMAIL: info@ northlandrugby.co.nz TICKETS: www.eventfinda.co.nz TAB ODDS: $61.00

KEY PLAYERS: The Māori All Blacks trio of halfback Sam Nock, first-five Rivez Reihana and prop Marcel Renata are part of a strong, experienced squad. Wing Solomon Alaimalo returns after making his Northland debut in 2016.

All Blacks Sevens stars Rob and Brady Rush will again be crucial to Northland’s aspirations in 2026. Hometown favourite Josh Goodhue is back from Japan to add power to the engine room of the scrum. Waratahs flanker Lachie Hooper impressed for Northland last year while another Wallabies hopeful in wing James Ramm has signed from Northampton.

YOUNG GUNS: Brothers Reuben and Jade Stewart are Northland born-and-bred. Older brother Reuben is a powerfully built midfielder while Jade is a quality first-five. Zac Shanks is a strong defensive loose forward and powerful wing Nathan Salmon impressed playing in the USA. SEASON PROSPECTS: Last season was a major step up for the Taniwha but 2026 is looking even more positive. The union has several quality players returning home from overseas contracts. In Lachie Hooper and James Ramm, they have two potential Wallabies wanting to showcase what they have to offer. A push towards the playoffs is the goal.

18 | RUGBY 2026

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NPC TEAM PREVIEWS …continued from page 18 CANTERBURY

COACH: ALEX ROBERTSON WEBSITE: canterburyrugby.co.nz EMAIL: info@crfu.co.nz TICKETS: www.ticketmaster.co.nz TAB ODDS: $3.50

CHAMPIONS IN 2025: Canterbury lost just one and drew one of their 10 games in an impressive march towards the play-offs. An extra time win over Counties Manukau and defeat of Hawke’s Bay set up an enthralling encounter with Otago in the final. Canterbury held their composure to clinch the victory and claim their first NPC title since 2017.

KEY PLAYERS: The return of first-five Richie Mo’unga from two years with Toshiba in Japan is the biggest news.

Former Wallabies prop Jermaine Ainsley is a great addition to the front row stocks, with lock Tahlor Cahill and loose forward Torian Barnes both selected for the Māori All Blacks.

Outside backs Chay Fihaki and Isaac Hutchinson are both class acts.

YOUNG GUNS: New signings in local boys Finn McLeod (NZ Under 20s) and Xavier Treacy are fine prospects, with the loose forwards sharing similar values of high work rates and good ball skills. Lock Liam Jack is just 21 but made his Canterbury debut in 2024. At 114kg and 201cm he has the size to be a set-piece force.

SEASON PROSPECTS: Following an outstanding debut season, head coach Alex Robertson is joined by a new panel of high caliber assistants in James Lentjes, Ryan Crotty, and Dan Cron. The move to One NZ Stadium is a further incentive for the Canterbury squad to excel. With quality across the park – and Richie Mo’unga running the cutter – Canterbury must have a fair chance of defending their title. They also have first crack at the Ranfurly Shield when they take on Otago in Round 2.

Wing CHAY FIHAKI is a quality try-scorer for Canterbury.

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WAIKATO QUARTER-FINALIST IN 2025: Waikato finished seventh in the regular season, with six wins and four losses, before losing an astonishing quarter-final clash with Otago 44–41. The turning point in the season came when Southland inflicted one of the great upsets by winning in Hamilton to steal away with the Ranfurly Shield in Waikato’s first defense.

KEY PLAYERS: Prop Ollie Norris leads a strong forward pack that includes former All Black loose forward Samipeni Finau. Outside back Gideon Wrampling continues to impress at every level he plays while Xavier Rowe is ranked in the top echelons of halfbacks. Manu Samoan reps in prop Pita Anae Ah-Sue, centre D’Angelo Leuila and hooker Manaaki Boyle-Tiatia add great value to the squad.

COACH: LEON HOLDEN WEBSITE: www.mooloo.co.nz EMAIL: admin@mooloo.co.nz

YOUNG GUNS: Waikato’s Academy continues to produce young talent. NZ Under-20 reps at the recent 2026 Junior World Championship in midfielder David Lewai, loose forward Micah Fale and outside back Ollie Guerin will be looking for opportunities to show their skills at some stage in this year’s NPC. SEASON PROSPECTS: Leon Holden takes over from Ross Filipo as head coach. He has experience coaching in Japan, England and the USA. Waikato last won the NPC back in 2021 and have a roster chocker-block with Super Rugby Pacific talent. You would expect with the squad they have that the Mooloo men will be contenders come finals time in October. Their campaign begins at home in Hamilton with a Chiefs’ local derby with rivals Bay of Plenty.

TICKETS: mooloo.flicket.co.nz TAB ODDS: $26.00

Waikato halfback XAVIER ROWE fires out a pass.

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NPC TEAM PREVIEWS …continued from page 21 WELLINGTON TENTH IN 2025: The Lions were champions in 2022 and 2024 but had a complete turnaround in form to finish 10th.

A 43–26 loss to Northland and 38–28 defeat to Manawatū were the season lows but just three wins from 10 matches tells its own story. The selection of key players to the All Blacks played a part, as did moving home games to Porirua Park.

COACH: TRENT RENATA

KEY PLAYERS: Inspirational leader Du’Plessis Kirifi may be available to play for the Lions if not needed by the All Blacks. His presence could help motivate the Lions back into winning ways. Māori All Blacks lock Caleb Delany had another outstanding campaign with the Hurricanes and the mobile lock should be a dominant force in the NPC. Powerhouse midfielder Riley Higgins is expected to be fit for the campaign after an injury-hit last 18 months.

WEBSITE: wellingtonlions.co.nz EMAIL: mail@wrfu.co.nz TICKETS: wellingtonlions. flicket.co.nz

YOUNG GUNS: Talented lock Harry Irving made his debut last season. His lineout skills and aerial dominance of kick-offs will be hugely important to the Lions. Prop Alex Hewitt and lock Johnny Falloon were part of the NZ Under-20 team at the Junior World Championships.

Dynamic wing Stanley Solomon is a crowd-pleaser.

TAB ODDS: $12.00

STANLEY SOLOMON charges ahead for Wellington.

SEASON PROSPECTS: The The Lions face arch-rivals Hawke’s Bay in their season opener. After playing all their home games at Porirua Park in 2025, the Lions return to Hnry Stadium for their five home fixtures this season.

A focus on defense is a major focus – only three teams conceded more than the Lions in 2025.

TASMAN QUARTER-FINALIST IN 2025: In a repeat of 2024, Tasman Mako made it to the quarter-finals before running into a red-hot Bay of Plenty side. The Mako ended with a five win-five loss record which typified the inconsistency in their play. A fine 31–27 win over finalists Otago was memorable but the best performance came in a narrow Ranfurly Shield defeat to Canterbury.

KEY PLAYERS: Captain David Havili would love to win a title with Tasman before he leaves for Japan. The versatile back, equally at home in the midfield or fullback, leads a Mako outfit brimming with quality. Wings Macca Springer and Kyren Taumoefolau are regular try-scorers with the ability to win matches. Midfielder Timoci Tavatavanawai, halfback Noah Hotham, lock Antonio Shalfoon and flanker Ethan Blackadder are key members of a strong squad.

YOUNG GUNS: Matt Lowe came through the Tasman age-groups to get his chance in the NPC. The former NZ Under-20s rep is a durable loose forward with a strong defensive game. Lock Hunter Leppien, prop Sione Mafi and outside back Nic Sauira are players to watch, while Blues rep Eli Oudenryn has startling speed for a hooker.

KYREN TAUMOEFOLAU celebrates scoring against Canterbury.

SEASON PROSPECTS: Newly appointed head coach Jono Phillips has experience with Taranaki, the Hurricanes and overseas in the USA and Scotland. He has made it clear that just making the play-offs is not an aspirational goal.

Tasman have a strong squad packed with Super Rugby talent, plus several former All Blacks who will be highly motivated to do well. Definitely worth watching.

COACH: JONO PHILLIPS WEBSITE: tasmanrugby.co.nz EMAIL: info@tasmanrugby.co.nz TICKETS: mako.flicket.co.nz TAB ODDS: $6.00

NPC TEAM PREVIEWS …continued from page 23 AUCKLAND TWELFTH PLACE IN 2025: It is hard to believe a union with the playing resources of Auckland could finish in 11th place in 2024 and 12th place in 2025. Just two wins came last year from 10 games played as a result of some major defensive issues. Only Manawatū, who finished ahead of Auckland, conceded more points. It is time for a turnaround in fortunes.

COACH: STEVEN BATES WEBSITE:

aucklandrugby.co.nz

EMAIL:

info@aucklandrugby.co.nz

TICKETS:

aucklandrugby. flicket.co.nz

TAB ODDS: $15.00

KEY PLAYERS: Halfback Taufa Funaki has developed into an outstanding player. Flanker Che Clark is a former All Blacks Sevens player with pace and skill. Wings Xavier Tito-Harris and Codemaru Vai have electric pace and sharp footwork and have forged a strong combination with midfielder Tanielu Tele’a. Prop Josh Fusitua is a powerful scrummager and lock Tom Allen has the physical attributes to dominate set-pieces.

YOUNG GUNS: Payton Spencer has struggled with injuries in recent seasons but there is no doubting the tall fullback’s attacking ability. Dynamic hooker Soane Mikaele Vikena is a strong ball-runner and accurate lineout thrower.

He has progressed quickly with Super Rugby experience.

SEASON PROSPECTS: After two consecutive seasons well below what could be regarded as minimum performance levels, Auckland need to start winning matches. Auckland last won the NPC title in 2018, which for everyone associated with the union is far too long ago. Former All Black Steven Bates starts his second season as head coach with plenty to ponder. Auckland kick off their campaign against Canterbury in Christchurch before hosting Wellington at the rarely used venue of Western Springs.

Auckland halfback TAUFA FUNAKI clears from a ruck.

TARANAKI HEADING QUARTER-FINALIST IN 2025: Expectations were high for the NPC champions of 2023. Taranaki began the season as Ranfurly Shield holders but lost the shield in an epic clash to Chiefs-rivals Waikato with veteran Loma Sopoanga kicking a penalty in injury time. Taranaki lost at the quarter-final stage for the second year running after being overrun by Hawke’s Bay. KEY PLAYERS: First-five Josh Jacomb has another excellent Super Rugby season under his belt for the Chiefs and will look to kick on to higher honours. Chiefs’ midfielder Daniel Rona and Highlanders’ attacking stars in fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens and wing Kimi Naholo are top class. In the forwards there is plenty of experience and quality in the likes of Bradley Slater, Jared Proffit, Kaylum Boshier, Fiti Sa and Reuben O’Neill.

YOUNG GUNS: Halfback Adam Lennox looks set to make a real impact for Taranaki this year. He earned the starting role with the Highlanders after some outstanding cameos off the bench, highlighting his startling pace. Highly regarded fullback Sam Clarke and NZ Under-20 centre Haki Wiseman look set to shine in 2026 with Taranaki. All Blacks Sevens rep and NZ Under-20s flanker Bardley Tocker is one to watch.

Taranaki first-five JOSH JACOMB in action against Hawke’s Bay.

COACH: JARRAD HOEATA WEBSITE: www.trfu.co.nz EMAIL: member@trfu.co.nz TICKETS: www.iticket.co.nz TAB ODDS: $5.00

SEASON PROSPECTS: New head coach Jarrad Hoeata takes over from All Blacks-bound Neil Barnes. Hoeata has retained much of his impressive squad back from last season that is dominated by Super Rugby players and recent All Blacks. The reliance on the strong Taranaki club competition continues the home grown talent policy that has served Taranaki so well in recent years.

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NPC TEAM PREVIEWS …continued from previous page 25 COUNTIES MANUKAU EIGHTH IN 2025: The Steelers finished strongly, winning their last five games – including a 49 –28 pummeling of Auckland – to edge their way into a thrilling quarter-final against Canterbury in Christchurch. The game went to extra time and the Steelers could count themselves unfortunate to end up losing a classic play-off encounter by 23 –15.

COACH: REON GRAHAM WEBSITE: www.cmrfu.co.nz EMAIL: admin@cmrfu.co.nz TICKETS: steelers.flicket.co.nz TAB ODDS: $21.00

KEY PLAYERS: There is plenty of Super Rugby and overseas rugby experience in a core group of players, including lock Jimmy Tupou, halfback Jonathan Taumateine and outside back Tevita Ofa. First five-eighth Simon-Peter Toleofoa had game-time with Moana Pasifika and dynamic ball-running hooker Ioane Moananu shifted from the Crusaders to the Waratahs. Powerfully-built wing Josh Gray has been in the Steelers since 2019 but finally made his Super Rugby debut for the Hurricanes this year.

YOUNG GUNS: Goalkicking midfielder Gibson Popoali’i proved himself under pressure in last year’s epic quarter-final. Prop Vainikolo Fifita has had a taste of NPC rugby and performed well. At 125kg and 1.88m tall he has the physical attributes to be a dominant force this campaign.

SEASON PROSPECTS: Coach Reon Graham begins his fourth season in charge and continues his philosophy of picking home-grown players as his first option.

Counties Manukau have made the quarter-finals in back-to-back seasons and are capable of knocking over any team in the competition. The Steelers have six afternoon kick-offs, which should suit their open,

Counties-Manukau midfielder GIBSON POPOALI'I takes on the Manawatū defense.

attacking style. They start this year’s campaign with the opening game against Taranaki at Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe.

BAY OF PLENTY SEMI-FINALIST IN 2025: After the heartbreak of losing the 2023 final in extra time to Wellington, the Steamers had another excellent NPC season playing an exhilarating style of running rugby. They cruised past Tasman in the quarter-final before being walloped 41–17 by a rampant Otago side in the semi-final.

COACH: RICHARD WATT WEBSITE: www.boprugby.co.nz EMAIL: office@boprugby.co.nz TICKETS: www.boprugby.co.nz/ buy/home-gametickets TAB ODDS: $7.00

KEY PLAYERS: Hooker Kurt Eckland is the key leader of a hugely talented squad. Naitoa Ah Kuoi is a multi-talented lock/loose forward while All Blacks wing Emoni Narawa is hopefully over his bad run of injuries. A sign of the depth in Bay of Plenty is five players were named in the Māori All Blacks squad in loose forward Nikora Broughton, midfielder Regan Paul, halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, outside back Cole Forbes and prop Benet Kumeroa.

YOUNG GUNS: Lock Aisake Vakasiuola has genuine size and athletic ability. Two former Tauranga Boys’ College teammates were key members of the NZ Under-20s team that performed so well at the 2026 World Junior Championship. Halfback Charlie Sinton and wing Kele Lasaqa both tasted NPC rugby last year and should greatly add to their on-field minutes this season.

SEASON PROSPECTS: It is 50 years since Bay of Plenty won the inaugural NPC title. The Steamers will play in the opening match against fierce rivals Waikato in Hamilton.

The fast-paced, muscular brand of rugby the Steamers play has brought the crowds back to home games and to the very cusp of another title in 2023. A surge towards another final is likely.

26 | RUGBY 2026

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NPC TEAM PREVIEWS …continued from page 26 HAWKE’S HEADING BAY

COACH: BROCK JAMES WEBSITE: hbmagpies.co.nz EMAIL: admin@hbrugby.co.nz TICKETS: www.hbmagpies. flicket.co.nz TAB ODDS: $8.00

SEMI-FINALIST IN 2025: Hawke’s Bay Magpies produced some of the best attacking rugby in the competition last season. They finished fourth in round-robin play, then defeated Taranaki in the quarter-final before their season ended in Christchurch against a superb Canterbury team.

KEY PLAYERS: French prop Clément Castets joins the Magpies with nine seasons in France's Top 14 and a Champions Cup title to his name. It is a homecoming for another new signing in Bailyn Sullivan, who will add excitement and attacking threat into the backline, joining his younger brother Zarn Sullivan in the squad. Halfback Folau Fakatava, first-five Lincoln McClutchie and wing Jonah Lowe are consistently good performers.

YOUNG GUNS: Australian Darby Lancaster is a pacy winger with extensive experience in international sevens, Super Rugby with the Western Force and has one cap for the Wallabies. His finishing ability should be a major asset to the Magpies. Manu Samoa prop Lolani Faleiva adds quality to the pack, while Academy graduates Kade Manuel and Will Cole are ready to make the step up to NPC level.

SEASON PROSPECTS: There is top-class depth and high-quality talent sprinkled across the Magpies squad.

Coach Brock James has lost a few experienced campaigners but has recruited exceptionally well, with 20 players back from last year. International experience in French prop Clément Castets and Australian wing Darby Lancaster

FOLAU FAKATAVA clears a ruck for Hawke’s Bay.

add lustre to a squad laden with Super Rugby experience.

They look capable of repeating last year’s run to the semi-finals.

MANAWATŪ ELEVENTH IN 2025: The Turbos finished three places further up the table than in 2024. They showed how well they could play in patches, particularly in an opening round win over North Harbour and successive wins over Wellington and Waikato, but a lack of depth and injuries affected the team in the closing rounds.

KEY PLAYERS: Māori All Black reps in midfielder Kyle Brown and loose forward TK Howden are proven high-performance athletes who can lead the Turbos to more success. Fullback Reece Macdonald returns to Manawatū after his time playing in Japan. Veteran lock Rob Harley adds steel to the pack. Lock/loose forward Rory Woods has three NPC campaigns with Northland and played sevens for Ireland.

Prop Flyn Yates made his Super Rugby debut this year.

YOUNG GUNS: Outside back Hunter Kennedy’s standout performances have already earned him selection in Hurricanes age group sides and the New Zealand Barbarians. Hunter is renowned for his speed and finishing ability. Powerful prop Alani Fakava is another local Manawatū player who has come through the age-group levels. He performed well for the NZ Under-20s at the 2026 World Rugby Junior Championship.

KYLE BROWN is an attacking weapon for Manawatū.

28 | RUGBY 2026

SEASON PROSPECTS: Wesley Clarke begins his second season as head coach. He is optimistic about the season ahead with plenty of positives to take from an improved NPC season last campaign. A lack of depth has been an issue for the Manawatū Turbos but some off-season signings should improve that. The Turbos start against Northland in Whangarei followed by Southland at home.

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COACH: WESLEY CLARKE WEBSITE: www.manawatu rugby.co.nz EMAIL: info@manawatu rugby.co.nz TICKETS: manawaturugby. flicket.co.nz TAB ODDS: $151.00

OTAGO RUNNER-UP IN 2025: It was a season to remember for Otago rugby. The team made the NPC final and the Ranfurly Shield was secured for the new campaign ahead.

The 36 –28 loss to Canterbury in the final was a close-run thing and the first grand final appearance since the blue-and-golds won the last of their two titles in 1998.

KEY PLAYERS: Otago have a settled squad from last season with a strong representation of Highlanders ready to go. The forward pack is led by hookers Henry Bell and Liam Coltman, prop George Bower, loose forwards Christian Leo-Willie and Lucas Casey, and lock Fabian Holland. Moana Pasifika halfback Joel Lam and first-five Pat Pellegrini join first-five Cameron Millar, midfielders Josh Timu and Josh Waanga, and wing Jonah Nareki.

YOUNG GUNS: The return to full-fitness of lightningquick fullback Finn Hurley is a major boost to Otago.

With the opportunity to play home games under the roof to provide perfect conditions for running rugby, Hurley should be a standout player. Outside back Jae Broomfield featured in all 13 games for Otago last season and is expected to kick on from that experience to make a major impact.

Otago fullback FINN HURLEY in action against Bay of Plenty.

COACH: MARK BROWN WEBSITE: www.orfu.co.nz EMAIL: orfu@orfu.co.nz TICKETS: orfu.flicket.co.nz TAB ODDS: $6.00

SEASON PROSPECTS: Local Mark Brown starts his second season as head coach after an outstanding campaign in 2025. He has a quality team of players to work with plus the added bonus of holding the Ranfurly Shield, although the draw has given Otago the toughest possible home matches to defend the shield – against Canterbury, Wellington, Waikato, Tasman and Auckland.

SOUTHLAND THIRTEENTH IN 2025: With just three wins from 10 games, the season was a major disappointment to the Southland faithful. The undoubted highlight was the magnificent victory over Waikato to lift the Ranfurly Shield in round five – before Canterbury promptly stole it away.

A rare away win over Bay of Plenty in Rotorua was another special achievement.

KEY PLAYERS: Newly promoted Stags head coach Scott Eade has signed first-five Takaya Saito and midfielder Hayata Taniyama from the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan. Other new signings include Western Force prop Sef Fa’agase, Moana Pasifika winger Glen Vaihu and former Waikato halfback Charlie Marsh. Experienced campaigners in loose forward Sean Withy, No 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa and midfield back Scott Gregory will have key leadership roles.

COACH: SCOTT EADE WEBSITE: rugbysouthland.co.nz EMAIL: reception@ rugbysouthland.co.nz TICKETS: premier.ticketek. co.nz/shows/show. aspx?sh=STAGS2026

YOUNG GUNS: First-five Mika Muliaina has looked a natural fit at NPC level since his debut against Otago last year aged 18. The NZ Under 20s star’s ability to take the line on and his accurate goalkicking are key attributes.

He has signed for the Highlanders in 2027.

SEASON PROSPECTS: Southland kick off their season at home against Otago on August 1, with the annual Stag Day expected to draw a crowd of 10,000. It is one game where the form book can be ignored. The match will be the 250th clash between Southland and Otago in one of New Zealand rugby’s longest-standing provincial rivalries. The key for the Stags to do well is better luck with injuries and to win their home games in Invercargill.

TAB ODDS: $251.00

MIKA MULIAINA takes on Wellington’s defense.

WWW.PROVINCIAL.RUGBY

RUGBY 2026 | 29

HEARTLAND CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW All details are subject to change, home team listed first.

Bill Osborne Taonga challenge match (BOT)

WEEK 1: SATURDAY 15 AUGUST

North Otago’s LACHLAN KINGAN makes a break against Horowhenua Kapiti in the Heartland Lochore Cup final played at Maheno Domain, Maheno.

WEEK 7: SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER

Ngāti Porou East Coast v South Canterbury

Ruatoria

1.00pm

Ngāti Porou East Coast v Poverty Bay

Ruatōria

1.00pm

Horowhenua Kāpiti (BOT) v King Country

Levin

1.00pm

Horowhenua Kāpiti (BOT) v North Otago

Levin

1.00pm

Poverty Bay v Wairarapa Bush

Gisborne

1.00pm

King Country v Buller

Taumarunui

1.00pm

Thames Valley v Buller

Thames

1.00pm

Wairarapa Bush v Whanganui

Masterton

1.00pm

West Coast v Whanganui

Greymouth

1.00pm

West Coast v Mid Canterbury

Greymouth

1.00pm

North Otago v Mid Canterbury

Oamaru

2.30pm

Thames Valley v South Canterbury

Whitianga

2.30pm

Buller v North Otago

Westport

1.00pm

Buller v Horowhenua Kāpiti

Westport

1.00pm

King Country v Thames Valley

Te Kuiti

1.00pm

Mid Canterbury v Thames Valley

Ashburton

1.00pm

Mid Canterbury v Wairarapa Bush

Ashburton

1.00pm

North Otago v West Coast

Oamaru

1.00pm

Poverty Bay v Horowhenua Kāpiti

Gisborne

1.00pm

South Canterbury v Poverty Bay

Timaru

1.00pm

South Canterbury v West Coast

Timaru

1.00pm

Wairarapa Bush v Ngāti Porou East Coast

Masterton

1.00pm

Whanganui v Ngāti Porou East Coast

Whanganui

1.00pm

Whanganui v King Country

Whanganui

1.00pm

WEEK 9: SATURDAY 10 OCTOBER LOCHORE CUP SEMI-FINALS 5th ranked team from pool round v 8th ranked team from pool round

Venue TBC

TBC

6th ranked team from pool round v 7th ranked team from pool round

Venue TBC

TBC

WEEK 8: SATURDAY 3 OCTOBER

WEEK 2: SATURDAY 22 AUGUST

WEEK 3: SATURDAY 29 AUGUST Ngāti Porou East Coast v Mid Canterbury

Ruatōria

1.00pm

North Otago v King Country

Oamaru

1.00pm

South Canterbury v Buller

Timaru

1.00pm

Wairarapa Bush v Horowhenua Kāpiti

Masterton

1.00pm

Whanganui v Poverty Bay

Whanganui

1.00pm

MEADS CUP SEMI-FINALS

West Coast v Thames Valley

Greymouth

1.00pm

Top ranked team from pool round v 4th ranked team from pool round

Venue TBC

TBC

Horowhenua Kāpiti (BOT) v Whanganui

Levin

1.00pm

2nd ranked team from pool round v 3rd ranked team from pool round

Venue TBC

TBC

King Country v South Canterbury

Te Kuiti

1.00pm

Mid Canterbury v Buller

Ashburton

1.00pm

Poverty Bay v North Otago

Gisborne

1.00pm

SATURDAY 17 OCTOBER & SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER* MEADS CUP FINAL

Thames Valley v Wairarapa Bush

Thames

1.00pm

Winner semi-final 1 v winner semi-final 2

West Coast v Ngāti Porou East Coast

Greymouth

1.00pm

WEEK 4: SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER

WEEK 10:

Ngāti Porou East Coast v Horowhenua Kāpiti

Ruatōria

1.00pm

North Otago v Whanganui

Oamaru

1.00pm

Thames Valley v Poverty Bay

Thames

1.00pm

Wairarapa Bush v King Country

Masterton

1.00pm

Buller v West Coast

Westport

2.30pm

Mid Canterbury v South Canterbury

Ashburton

2.30pm

Buller v Wairarapa Bush

Westport

1.00pm

Horowhenua Kāpiti (BOT) v Thames Valley

Levin

1.00pm

King Country v Ngāti Porou East Coast

Taupō

1.00pm

Poverty Bay v West Coast

Gisborne

1.00pm

Whanganui v Mid Canterbury

Whanganui

1.00pm

South Canterbury v North Otago

Timaru

2.30pm

TBC

Venue TBC

TBC

LOCHORE CUP FINAL Winner semi-final 1 v winner semi-final 2

WEEK 5: SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER

Venue TBC

WEEK 6: SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER

30 | RUGBY 2026

Mid Canterbury’s KIERAN McCLEA breaks through some Thames Valley tackles in the Heartland Meads Cup final played at the Ashburton Showgrounds.

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