NPC

NPC Round 6 wrap up: Tasman make first ‘log o wood’ defence

2 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

Tasman had a Sunday to remember in the NPC, Week 6 when defending the Ranfurly Shield for the first time to be the only unbeaten team, but still two points behind Wellington who have played an extra game. Wellington...

12 All Blacks released to play NPC

2 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

Twelve members of the All Blacks Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship squad will represent their Provincial Unions this weekend during Round 6 of the Bunnings Warehouse NPC.George Bell and Ethan de Groot will...

Garden-Bachop joins Moana Pasifika

2 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

Moana Pasifika announced the signing of exciting fly-half Jackson Garden-Bachop for the 2025 season.  Garden-Bachop was born in Dunedin and raised in Wellington. He is of Māori, Samoan, French Polynesian...

NPC Round 5 Wrap: Tasman make Ranfurly Shield history

2 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

Blenheim's Lansdowne Park will be the place to be in next weekend's NPC, as new Ranfurly Shield holders Tasman will defend the trophy against Wellington, the only other unbeaten side in the competition. Tasman...

Wellington name side to play Canterbury

2 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

The Mills Albert Wellington Lions have proved themselves a force to be reckoned with as they head into round four with three back-to-back wins. “Every week we want to get better,” remarks...

Canterbury succumb to Hawke's Bay

2 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

A late try by replacement halfback Sam Wye has maintained Hawke’s Bay’s unbeaten start to the season as Canterbury slipped to a 2-2 record after narrowly going down 27-21 at home.  At...

NPC Round 3 review

2 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

Tussle. Tension, Tenacity this weekend's games produced it all. Developing combinations and understanding were evident among several sides as high scores were featured in the third weekend of the Bunnings...

Ranfurly Shield safe as Magpies play out high-scoring win

3 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

The Ranfurly Shield remains in Hawke’s Bay hands after a night of more than a point-a-minute pure rugby spectacle at McLean Park. Twelve tries were scored across the teams as the Magpies ran out...

Ranfurly Shield History and Stats

3 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

In 1902 Auckland became the first holders of the Shield because in that year it had the best record of any Provincial Union (the blue and whites were unbeaten that year). In 1904 the first challenge...

SA vs NZ: A 106 test story

3 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

August 13 1921 is one of the most significant dates in New Zealand rugby history, as it represents a connection that has withstood all manner of pressures across 100 years of contact with South Africa. That...