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Bunnings Warehouse NPC

The Bunnings Warehouse NPC is the second highest level of professional rugby in New Zealand - after Sky Super Rugby. 

The competition consists of two divisions, each with seven teams from provincial unions around the country:

  • The Premiership is the top division, with the winner being crowned the champion while the lowest ranked team is relegated to the Championship.
  • The Championship is essentially a second division, where the winner of the competition is promoted into the Premiership for the next year.

Alongside the Bunnings Warehouse NPC Premiership and Championship trophies, the Ranfurly Shield is also on the line. Whoever holds the Ranfurly Shield must accept challenges from visiting teams at each home game that takes place while they are shield holders - like the JJ Stewart Trophy in the Farah Palmer Cup competition. This challenge system see's the Shield move around the country and is one of the most coveted titles in New Zealand rugby.

There are also challenges from Heartland Championship teams, which can result in the Shield jumping across competitions. Whoever finishes the regular season with the Shield, keeps it over the summer.

To find out more about the competition as well as the latest results and team standings, head to www.provincial.rugby.