New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has today confirmed the direction of the country’s elite men’s rugby competition and streamlined player pathways that underpin it.
Currently, Super Rugby Pacific and the NPC operate as New Zealand’s two men’s competitions, supported by 19 professional rugby environments across five Super Rugby clubs and 14 Provincial Unions.
The changes confirm Super Rugby Pacific and the NPC as the right competitions to support the continued success of the All Blacks, develop players and excite fans.
NZR and Rugby Australia will work together alongside Super Rugby clubs and the respective players associations to transform how Super Rugby Pacific engages fans, attracts investors and generates revenue.
The NPC will remain a strong 14-team provincial competition that is critical to building depth, connecting rugby to the regions and providing pathways for players across the country.
The Super Rugby and Provincial Union operations in the same five cities will be consolidated to drive better community rugby, high performance and financial outcomes.
The nine regional NPC Provincial Unions will have stronger relationships with their Super Rugby clubs, supported by strengthened pathway protections to ensure talented players can develop in their home regions and stay connected with their communities.
With the direction approved by the Board, NZR will now begin working with its key rugby stakeholders to develop the changes ahead of a final NZR Board decision. Implementation is expected from 2028.
