BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE NPC, HEARTLAND CHAMPIONSHIP AND FARAH PALMER CUP DRAWS
MANAGING EDITOR: Oliver Lee
EDITOR: Peter White
COVER DESIGN:
Ontime Associates Limited
DESIGN & LAYOUT: Mervyn Hurley
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Bill Phillips: DiGiSPORT, New Zealand Rugby Official Photography Library
Source: SmartFrame, photosport.nz
PRINTING:
Webstar Auckland
PUBLISHER:
Box 331-667, Takapuna, Auckland 0740, New Zealand
T: +64 274 599 503
E: oliver@oliverlee.co.nz
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ISSN 2463-7041 ( PRINT )
ISSN 2463-705X ( ONLINE )
RUGBY2024 CONTENTS
SEASON PREVIEW AND THE RUGBY CHAMPIONSHI P DRAW
We take a look at the three major domestic competitions and the matches ahead for the All Blacks in The Rugby Championship, Bledisloe Cup and end-of-season tour
ALL BLACKS PLAYER PROFILES
The All Blacks selected to contest the Bledisloe Cup and The Rugby Championship are profiled.
2024 NPC TEAM PREVIEWS
Here is your preview of all 14 teams, their hopes and aspirations, coaches and captains, ahead of the new season.
NPC FIXTURES
This year’s NPC will have all 14-teams represented in a single points table, with the top eight teams progressing to the play-offs.
FARAH PALMER CUP FIXTURES
Here is the draw of all the games in this year’s Farah Palmer Cup, which is expected to be another thrilling competition.
HEARTLAND CHAMPIONSHIP
Twelve teams will kick-off the Heartland Championship in the hope of becoming the next Meads Cup or Lochore Cup champions.
NOTE: The TAB odds quoted on the NPC team previews throughout the magazine were correct on 26 July 2024. 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.
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TARANAKI PLAYERS celebrate after winning the 2023 NPC FINAL
RAZOR’S ALL BLACKS MAKE A WINNING START AND PROVINCIAL PRIDE ON THE LINE IN 2024
The man from Mount Maunganui, known universally as Razor, has long coveted the head coach role and after seven consecutive Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders he thoroughly deserves the opportunity.
by PETER WHITE
The All Blacks had a tough beginning to their 2024 campaign in July with two home test matches against a talented, battle-hardened England squad. The All Blacks just managed to hold on by 16 –15 in Dunedin and 24 –17 in Auckland. Fiji were then dispatched 47–5 in San Diego.
Now the All Blacks face the daunting challenge of defending their Rugby Championship title. The All Blacks have back-to-back tests against Argentina in Wellington and Auckland in August before they travel to South Africa for two massive encounters against the Springboks.
Two tests that also double up as Bledisloe Cup matches follow against the resurgent Wallabies, under former Ireland head coach and All Blacks assistant Joe Schmidt, before the All Blacks will face a searching examination on the end-of-season tour with matches against Japan, England, Ireland, France and Italy.
The Black Ferns under head coach Allan Bunting face England at Twickenham on September 15. The Red Roses have won 45 of their last 46 tests – the one they lost was the World Cup final to the Black Ferns in 2022.
On the home front, the NPC, Farah Palmer Cup and Heartland Championship – all presented by Bunnings Warehouse – will again ignite the provincial tribalism that makes these iconic competitions so popular.
We preview each of the 14 teams contesting the men’s NPC. Last season, Taranaki defeated Ranfurly Shield holders Hawke’s Bay 22–19 in a tense final in New Plymouth.
The women’s Farah Palmer Cup competition begins with a Premiership clash between defending champions Auckland Storm and Northland Women. The Premiership is contested by seven unions with six teams in the Championship striving to be move up to the top division.
The Heartland Championship kicks off on August 17 and concludes on October 20. The teams ranked 1– 4 at the end of the round robin play for the Meads Cup, while the teams ranked 5– 8 play for the Lochore Cup.
We hope
BILLY PROCTOR in action on debut for the All Blacks v Fiji at SnapDragon Stadium, San Diego, in July.
As passionate Kiwis, we’re helping men’s and women’s rugby to flourish in our local communities, around our regions and across our country.
ALL BLACKS PLAYER PROFILES
The All Blacks under new head coach Scott Robertson will play 14 tests this year across nine countries, finishing up with a final test against Italy in Turin on November 23. The season has started well with victories in July in the two tests over England in New Zealand, and in the one-off test against Fiji played in San Diego. The upcoming tests against Argentina, South Africa and the Wallabies in the Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup will be a bigger challenge, as will the end-of-year tests against Japan, England, Ireland, France and Italy.
We profile the 34 All Blacks selected to play in the 2024 Steinlager Ultra Low Carb Series. All statistics were correct on July 26. For all up-to-date information on the All Blacks, visit www.allblacks.com
SCOTT BARRETT CAPTAIN #1155
PLACE OF BIRTH: NEW PLYMOUTH
DATE OF BIRTH: 20 NOVEMBER 1993 AGE: 30
HEIGHT: 1.97m WEIGHT: 111kg
POSITION: LOCK
PROVINCIAL TEAM: CANTERBURY
SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CRUSADERS
TEST DEBUT: v IRELAND IN CHICAGO, 5 NOVEMBER 2016
ALL BLACK TESTS: 72
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 35
FINLAY CHRISTIE #1196
PLACE OF BIRTH: PEEBLES, SCOTLAND
DATE OF BIRTH: 19 SEPTEMBER 1995 AGE: 28
HEIGHT: 1.77m WEIGHT: 82kg
POSITION: HALFBACK
PROVINCIAL TEAM: TASMAN
SUPER RUGBY TEAM: BLUES
TEST DEBUT: v TONGA IN AUCKLAND, 3 JULY 2021
ALL BLACK TESTS: 23
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 5
NOAH HOTHAM #1216
PLACE OF BIRTH: HAMILTON
DATE OF BIRTH: 23 MAY 2003 AGE: 21
HEIGHT: 1.81m WEIGHT: 90kg
POSITION: HALFBACK
PROVINCIAL TEAM: TASMAN
SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CRUSADERS
TEST DEBUT: v FIJI IN SAN DIEGO, 19 JULY 2024
ALL BLACK TESTS: 1
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 0
STEPHEN PEROFETA #1206
PLACE OF BIRTH: CHRISTCHURCH
DATE OF BIRTH: 12 MARCH 1997 AGE: 27
HEIGHT: 1.81m WEIGHT: 85kg
POSITION: FIRST FIVE-EIGHT/FULLBACK
PROVINCIAL TEAM: TARANAKI
SUPER RUGBY TEAM: BLUES
TEST DEBUT: v ARGENTINA IN CHRISTCHURCH, 27 AUGUST 2022
ALL BLACK TESTS: 5
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 0
BILLY PROCTOR #1215
PLACE OF BIRTH: WELLINGTON
DATE OF BIRTH: 14 MAY 1999 AGE: 25
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: 1
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 5
BACKS
TJ PERENARA #1132
PLACE OF BIRTH: PORIRUA
DATE OF BIRTH: 23 JANUARY 1992 AGE: 32
HEIGHT: 1.84m WEIGHT: 90kg
POSITION: HALFBACK
PROVINCIAL TEAM: WELLINGTON
SUPER RUGBY TEAM: HURRICANES TEST DEBUT: v ENGLAND IN AUCKLAND, 7 JUNE 2014
ALL BLACK TESTS: 81
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 80
CORTEZ RATIMA #1214
PLACE OF BIRTH: KING COUNTRY
DATE OF BIRTH: 21 MARCH 2001 AGE: 23
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: 2
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 5
BEAUDEN BARRETT #1115
PLACE OF BIRTH: NEW PLYMOUTH
DATE OF BIRTH: 27 MAY 1991 AGE: 33
HEIGHT: 1.87m WEIGHT: 91kg
POSITION: FIRST FIVE-EIGHTH/FULLBACK
PROVINCIAL TEAM: TARANAKI
SUPER RUGBY TEAM: BLUES
TEST DEBUT: v IRELAND IN HAMILTON, 23 JUNE 2012
ALL BLACK TESTS: 126
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 734
ANTON LIENERT-BROWN #1153
PLACE OF BIRTH: CHRISTCHURCH
DATE OF BIRTH: 15 APRIL 1995 AGE: 29
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: 73
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 70
RIEKO IOANE #1156
PLACE OF BIRTH: AUCKLAND
DATE OF BIRTH: 18 MARCH 1997 AGE: 27
HEIGHT: 1.89m WEIGHT: 103kg
POSITION: WING
PROVINCIAL TEAM: AUCKLAND
SUPER RUGBY TEAM: BLUES
TEST DEBUT: v ITALY IN ROME, 12 NOVEMBER 2016
ALL BLACK TESTS: 71
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 180
CALEB CLARKE #1187
PLACE OF BIRTH: AUCKLAND
DATE OF BIRTH: 29 MARCH 1999 AGE: 25
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: 21
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 35
JORDIE BARRETT VICE-CAPTAIN #1159
PLACE OF BIRTH: NEW PLYMOUTH
DATE OF BIRTH: 17 FEBRUARY 1997 AGE: 27
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: 60
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 292
SEVU REECE
PLACE OF BIRTH: NADI, FIJI
DATE OF BIRTH: 15 FEBRUARY 1997 AGE: 27
#1182
HEIGHT: 1.79m WEIGHT: 87kg
POSITION: WING
PROVINCIAL TEAM: WAIKATO
SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CRUSADERS
TEST DEBUT: v ARGENTINA IN BUENOS AIRES, 20 JULY 2019
ALL BLACK TESTS: 26
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 85
ASAFO AUMUA #1163
PLACE OF BIRTH: LOWER HUTT
DATE OF BIRTH: 5 MAY 1997 AGE: 27
HEIGHT: 1.77m WEIGHT: 108kg
POSITION: HOOKER
PROVINCIAL TEAM: WELLINGTON
SUPER RUGBY TEAM: HURRICANES
TEST DEBUT: v AUSTRALIA IN BRISBANE, 7 NOVEMBER 2020
ALL BLACK TESTS: 9
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 10
CODIE TAYLOR #1143
PLACE OF BIRTH: LEVIN
DATE OF BIRTH: 31 MARCH 1991 AGE: 33
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: 87
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 100
TYREL LOMAX #1180
PLACE OF BIRTH: CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA
DATE OF BIRTH: 16 MARCH 1996 AGE: 28
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: 34
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 0
EMONI NARAWA #1208
PLACE OF BIRTH: SUVA, FIJI
DATE OF BIRTH: 13 JULY 1999 AGE: 25
HEIGHT: 1.84m WEIGHT: 98kg
POSITION: WING
PROVINCIAL TEAM: BAY OF PLENTY
SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CHIEFS
TEST DEBUT: v ARGENTINA IN MENDOZA, 8 JULY 2023
ALL BLACK TESTS: 2
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 5
DAMIAN McKENZIE #1154
PLACE OF BIRTH: INVERCARGILL
DATE OF BIRTH: 20 APRIL 1995 AGE: 29
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: 50
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 200
MARK TELE’A #1207
PLACE OF BIRTH: AUCKLAND
DATE OF BIRTH: 6 DECEMBER 1996 AGE: 27
HEIGHT: 1.86m WEIGHT: 94kg
POSITION: WING
PROVINCIAL TEAM: NORTH HARBOUR
SUPER RUGBY TEAM: BLUES
TEST DEBUT: v SCOTLAND IN EDINBURGH, 13 NOVEMBER 2022
ALL BLACK TESTS: 11
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 40
GEORGE BELL #1217
PLACE OF BIRTH: DUNEDIN
DATE OF BIRTH: 29 JANUARY 2002 AGE: 22
HEIGHT: 1.83m WEIGHT: 107kg
POSITION: HOOKER
PROVINCIAL TEAM: CANTERBURY
SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CRUSADERS
TEST DEBUT: v FIJI IN SAN DIEGO, 19 JULY 2024
ALL BLACK TESTS: 1
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 5
PASILIO TOSI #1219
PLACE OF BIRTH: LEVIN
DATE OF BIRTH: 18 JULY 1998 AGE: 26
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: 1
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 0
FLETCHER NEWELL #1205
PLACE OF BIRTH: RANGIORA
DATE OF BIRTH: 1 MARCH 2000 AGE: 24
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: 16
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 0
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TAMAITI WILLIAMS #1209
PLACE OF BIRTH: WHANGAREI
DATE OF BIRTH: 10 AUGUST 2000 AGE: 23
HEIGHT: 1.96m WEIGHT: 140kg
POSITION: PROP
PROVINCIAL TEAM: CANTERBURY
SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CRUSADERS
TEST DEBUT: v SOUTH AFRICA IN AUCKLAND, 15 JULY 2023
ALL BLACK TESTS: 9
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 5
OFA TU’UNGAFASI #1150
PLACE OF BIRTH: NUKU’ALOFA, TONGA
DATE OF BIRTH: 19 APRIL 1992 AGE: 32
HEIGHT: 1.95m WEIGHT: 122kg
POSITION: PROP
PROVINCIAL TEAM: AUCKLAND
SUPER RUGBY TEAM: BLUES
TEST DEBUT: v WALES IN DUNEDIN, 25 JUNE 2016
ALL BLACK TESTS: 59
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 5
PATRICK TUIPULOTU #1133
PLACE OF BIRTH: CHRISTCHURCH
DATE OF BIRTH: 23 JANUARY 1993 AGE: 31
HEIGHT: 1.98m WEIGHT: 120kg
POSITION: LOCK
PROVINCIAL TEAM: AUCKLAND
SUPER RUGBY TEAM: BLUES
TEST DEBUT: v ENGLAND IN DUNEDIN, 14 JUNE 2014
ALL BLACK TESTS: 45
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 30
SAM DARRY #1220
PLACE OF BIRTH: DUNEDIN
DATE OF BIRTH: 18 JULY 2000 AGE: 24
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: 1
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 0
LUKE JACOBSON #1183
PLACE OF BIRTH: CAMBRIDGE
DATE OF BIRTH: 20 APRIL 1997 AGE: 27
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: 21
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 25
DALTON PAPALII #1176
PLACE OF BIRTH: AUCKLAND
DATE OF BIRTH: 11 OCTOBER 1997 AGE: 26
HEIGHT: 1.93m WEIGHT: 113kg
POSITION: FLANKER
PROVINCIAL TEAM: COUNTIES MANUKAU
SUPER RUGBY TEAM: BLUES
TEST DEBUT: v JAPAN IN TOKYO, 3 NOVEMBER 2018
ALL BLACK TESTS: 34
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 40
ETHAN DE GROOT #1197
PLACE OF BIRTH: SOUTHPORT, AUSTRALIA
DATE OF BIRTH: 22 JULY 1998 AGE: 26
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: 25
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 20
ETHAN BLACKADDER #1195
PLACE OF BIRTH: RANGIORA
DATE OF BIRTH: 22 MARCH 1995 AGE: 29
HEIGHT: 1.90m WEIGHT: 111kg
POSITION: LOOSE FORWARD
PROVINCIAL TEAM: TASMAN
SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CRUSADERS
TEST DEBUT: v TONGA IN AUCKLAND, 3 JULY 2021
ALL BLACK TESTS: 11
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 0
TUPOU VAA’I
PLACE OF BIRTH: AUCKLAND
DATE OF BIRTH: 27 JANUARY 2000 AGE: 24
#1188
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: 28
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 15
WALLACE SITITI #1218
PLACE OF BIRTH: APIA, SAMOA
DATE OF BIRTH: 7 SEPTEMBER 2002 AGE: 21
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: 1
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 0
SAMIPENI FINAU #1211
PLACE OF BIRTH: NUKU’ALOFA, TONGA
DATE OF BIRTH: 10 MAY 1999 AGE: 25
HEIGHT: 1.93m WEIGHT: 115kg
POSITION: FLANKER
PROVINCIAL TEAM: WAIKATO
SUPER RUGBY TEAM: CHIEFS
TEST DEBUT: v AUSTRALIA IN DUNEDIN, 5 AUGUST 2023
ALL BLACK TESTS: 3
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 5
ARDIE SAVEA VICE-CAPTAIN #1147
PLACE OF BIRTH: WELLINGTON
DATE OF BIRTH: 14 OCTOBER 1993 AGE: 30
HEIGHT: 1.90m WEIGHT: 99kg
POSITION: LOOSE FORWARD
PROVINCIAL TEAM: WELLINGTON
SUPER RUGBY TEAM: MOANA PASIFIKA
TEST DEBUT: v WALES IN AUCKLAND, 11 JUNE 2016
ALL BLACK TESTS: 84
ALL BLACK TEST POINTS: 130
BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE NPC TEAM PREVIEWS
NINTH IN 2023: It was a mostly underperforming campaign for the Steelers. A final result of four wins and six losses meant finishing just outside the top eight play-off spots. The highlights were a rare win over Canterbury and a 32 –19 dismantling of Bay of Plenty. If the one-point loss to Hawke’s Bay had gone the Steelers way, it may have changed the final outcome of their season.
KEY PLAYERS: Chiefs winger/fullback Etene Nanai-Seturo is one of the best finishers in the game at any level. How often the Steelers get the ball in his hands may tell the tale of the 2024 campaign. First-five Riley Hohepa had a full campaign with the Crusaders while injured All Blacks halfback Cam Roigard may get some game time. Hoskins Sotutu has plenty of motivation to try to regain an All Blacks place.
PHONE: 09 237 0033 TICKETS:
YOUNG GUNS: First-five Josh Penney was a newcomer last year to NPC rugby but looks set to shine when the opportunity arises. Wing Joshua Gray made the New Zealand Barbarians side last year and has huge potential, as does fellow wing Blake Makiri. Promising hooker Ian West-Stevens played 10 games for the Steelers in 2023.
SEASON PROSPECTS: Coach Reon Graham has a close affinity with the local club players. He will be hoping for a more successful campaign in this his third season in charge. The Steelers have shown they are capable of beating any team when all their diverse talents click together but their play-off chances have been hampered by inconsistent results.
Steelers hooker IOANE MOANANU charges ahead.
WAIKATO
QUARTER-FINALISTS IN 2023: For the second consecutive year Waikato were knocked out in the quarter-finals. The narrow loss to Wellington put an end to an uneventful campaign, with the Mooloos finishing eighth in round robin play after five wins and five losses that summed up how inconsistent the team performed throughout the season.
KEY PLAYERS: Loose forward Mitch Jacobson is lining up for his 10th campaign for Waikato. With 75 games he is one of the main leaders in the squad. Wing Liam Coombes-Fabling is a try-scoring ace for the Mooloos outside a strong midfield including Quinn Tupaea. Halfback Xavier Roe, lock Hamilton Burr, and props George Dyer, Ollie Norris and Ayden Johnstone, are other influential players.
YOUNG GUNS: Gideon Wrampling has played 25 games for the Mooloos but this could be the year the fleet-footed centre/wing really makes his mark on the NPC. Loose forward Patrick McCurran is another player set to stand up in 2024. Centre/wing Aki Tuivailala represented New Zealand Under-20s at The Rugby Championship held in Australia.
SEASON PROSPECTS: Whether Waikato can replicate their famous 2021 title victory may come down to better luck with injuries and the bounce of the rugby ball. The squad that head coach Ross Filipo has to work with is as strong as any in this year’s NPC with game-breakers all over the park. There is also a determination in the wider rugby community to bring finals rugby back to Hamilton. It may well be the Mooloos year.
Halfback XAVIER ROE is a key part of the Waikato team.
NPC TEAM PREVIEWS
AUCKLAND
QUARTER-FINALIST IN 2023: At times, it was a mystery what was going on with the Auckland team. Outstanding wins over Hawke’s Bay, Bay of Plenty and Canterbury were countered by losses to Tasman, Waikato, Taranaki – and most notably to Manawatu at Eden Park. The quarter-final clash against Canterbury was close but it was not to be Auckland’s season.
COACH:
CRAIG McGRATH
CAPTAIN: HARRY PLUMMER
WEBSITE: aucklandrugby.co.nz
TICKETS: ticketmaster.co.nz
PHONE: 09 815 4850
TAB ODDS: $4.50
KEY PLAYERS: Five-eighth Harry Plummer has had an up-and-down career but his performances last season were outstanding. A natural leader, expect Plummer to inspire others around him to lift their standards to his. Maori All Blacks prop Marcel Renata has the skills to dominate at NPC level while Zarn Sullivan will look to put some frustrating injuries behind him. Blues loose forward Anton Segner is a quality signing from Tasman.
YOUNG GUNS: All Blacks Sevens stars Che Clark, Caleb Tangitau and Payton Spencer add real attacking flair and top end speed to the Auckland attack, although an injury will restrict Spencer’s opportunities. Clark and Tangitau made a strong impression for Auckland last season with Tangitau also having a few appearances for the Blues.
SEASON PROSPECTS: Auckland last won the NPC title in 2018 which is way too long between drinks for everyone associated with the union. There will be another strong squad of players turning out in the blue-and-white hoops in 2024. To hope to win the title, they will need to match the provincial pride and passion shown by last year’s finalists Taranaki and Hawke’s Bay.
Auckland fullback ZARN SULLIVAN takes on the Canterbury defence.
NORTH HARBOUR
TENTH IN 2023: After the outstanding run to the quarter-finals in 2022, last season was a disappointment for the Harbour faithful. To finish in 10th place, with five wins and five losses, was a below-par performance. The move back to the spiritual home of Onewa Domain for two games was a mixed success.
KEY PLAYERS: Barnstorming No 8 Wallace Sititi may well be released from the All Blacks – if so, his presence will completely transform the Harbour team. Experienced prop Sione Mafile’o is a cornerstone of the pack, with 75 games for North Harbour and 68 Super Rugby games to his name. Lock Ben Grant stands at 2.05m so should
guarantee lineout ball while fullback Shaun Stevenson is a high quality ball runner. Outstanding halfback Bryn Hall returns from Japan.
YOUNG GUNS: Loose forward Tristyn Cook captained the Blues Under-20s and represented New Zealand Under-20s this year. Lock Cameron Christie is another New Zealand Under-20s rep and All Blacks Sevens flyer Moses Leo is a high class athlete.
SEASON PROSPECTS: New head coach Ben Afeaki made his name as a prop with North Harbour, the Blues, Māori All Blacks and the All Blacks. There is no one more passionate about North Harbour than ‘Biggs’ which should inspire his players. “It’s a special team and a special job when you have the opportunity to improve lives through rugby,” says Afeaki.
The Kiwi Led Team Growing Kiwi Businesses
North Harbour’s KADE BANKS fends off Northland defenders
BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE
NATIONAL PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP
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 topranked 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 over the weekend of October 11–13, semi-finals the following weekend October 18–19 with the NPC final currently scheduled for Saturday, October 26.
The Ranfurly Shield will run concurrently within the NPC match schedule, with the holders putting the Shield up for challengers at every home game during the round-robin stage of the NPC.
Taranaki are the reigning NPC champions and Hawke’s Bay the Ranfurly Shield holders. Hawke’s Bay have successfully defended two early season challenges with Southland next to play for the famous Log o’ Wood. The Stags take on the Magpies at Napier’s McLean Park on August 17 at 4.35pm.
FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION GO TO www.provincial.rugby
2024 GAME SCHEDULE
The 14 teams involved will play 70 matches before the play-offs in just nine weeks. For all up-to-date information on the BUNNINGS WAREHOUSE NPC and any changes to kick-off times, visit www.provincial.rugby
NPC TEAM PREVIEWS …continued
CANTERBURY
COACH: MARTY BOURKE
CAPTAIN: BILLY HARMON
WEBSITE: canterburyrugby.co.nz
PHONE: 03 379 8300
TICKETS: www.ticket.co.nz
TAB ODDS: $5.50
SEMI-FINALS IN 2023: In round robin play, Canterbury had a six win – four loss record to finish third overall. They then defeated Auckland 29 –24 in a tense quarter-final at home before travelling to New Plymouth to face Taranaki. The semi-final was close throughout with Taranaki managing to hold out Canterbury to reach the final they eventually won.
KEY PLAYERS: Flankers Tom Christie, Dominic Gardiner and Billy Harmon are dynamic defenders who never give up. That attitude is at the core of Canterbury rugby values. Veteran fullback Johnny McNicholl has signed for the 2024 -2025 seasons after returning home from eight stellar seasons in Wales. Reliable halfback Mitchell Drummond is set for another season in the red-and-black hoops.
YOUNG GUNS: The latest top-class first-five to roll off the Christchurch BHS production line is James White. He played for Canterbury B last year and was part of the Crusaders Under-20s squad. New Zealand Under-20s fullback Isaac Hutchinson and Crusaders Jamie Hannah and Jone Rova are others to watch out for.
SEASON PROSPECTS: It may surprise rugby fans to know Canterbury have not won the NPC since 2017. That lean spell after a fabulous run of success will not be missed by head coach Marty Bourke who will be desperate to get his team over the line this year. He has a well-balanced squad that has every chance to succeed, with a good blend of hardened veterans and some of the country’s brightest talents. Expect to see Canterbury hitting form around the play-offs and pressing for a final’s spot.
Canterbury’s DALLAS McLEOD makes a break against Auckland.
OTAGO
ELEVENTH IN 2023: It was a season to forget for Otago, with just three wins from 10 games played. After a successful run in 2022, few saw this result coming but the campaign began slowly and the team never recovered. The excellent victory over Counties-Manukau in the final game showed just what Otago were capable off but it was too little, too late.
KEY PLAYERS: The return of eight-test All Blacks hooker Liam Coltman after two years away playing for Lyon in France is a huge boost to the Otago forward stocks. Highly rated young rake Henry Bell will benefit greatly from day-to-day training with Coltman. Loose forwards Christian Lio-Willie and Tom Sanders, inside backs James Arscott and Cameron Millar, midfielders Sam Gilbert and Thomas Umaga-Jensen and fullback/wing Jonah Nareki, are all influential players.
YOUNG GUNS: Josh Whaanga was part of the triumphant New Zealand team at the Rugby Championship Under-20 Tournament. In 10 games for Otago and two starts for the Highlanders in Super Rugby Pacific, the powerfully built centre has made an excellent start to his career. He should kick on further in this year’s NPC. Lock Ale Aho is another player on the rise.
SEASON PROSPECTS: Head coach Tom Donnelly is pleased to have 28 returning players from last year’s squad who will wear the Golden O in 2024. What Donnelly will not accept is another performance like last year so the onus is on the returning players to show what they are capable of.
FABIAN HOLLAND surges ahead for Otago against Tasman.
NPC TEAM PREVIEWS
BAY OF PLENTY
QUARTER-FINALIST IN 2023: After a great run to the semi-finals in 2022, the Steamers were all set to repeat that path when they held a handy halftime lead in their quarter-final clash against Hawke’s Bay in Tauranga. Unfortunately, the wheels fell off in the second spell as they were run over by a resurgent Magpies side. Season highs were notable wins over Waikato, Tasman and Hawke’s Bay in round robin games.
COACH: RICHARD WATT
CAPTAIN: KURT EKLUND
WEBSITE: www.boprugby.co.nz
PHONE: 07 574 2037
TICKETS: boprugby.flicket.co.nz
TAB ODDS: $15.00
KEY PLAYERS: All Blacks Sevens flyer Leroy Carter always produces moments of magic for the Steamers and he will be a key motivating factor on the field. Hooker and captain Kurt Eckland, prop Aidan Ross, locks Justin Sangster and Manaaki Selby-Ricket, flanker Naitoa Ah Kuoi, halfbacks Richard Judd and Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, and explosive fullback/wing Emoni Narawa will play key roles with their Super Rugby Pacific experience.
YOUNG GUNS: Openside flanker Grady Forbes made his NPC debut for the Steamers last season. The talented Chiefs under-20s player should get more game time in 2024. All Blacks Sevens stars Fehi Fineanganofo and Cody Vai will add speed and skill to an already impressive Steamers attacking line-up.
SEASON PROSPECTS: Bay of Plenty rugby is on the rise if national team selection is anything to go by. All Blacks Sam Cane, Emoni Narawa and Pasilio Tosi, Māori All Blacks Nikora Broughton, Kurt Eklund, Benet Kumeroa, Cole Forbes and Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, plus several All Blacks Sevens players, will all wear a black jersey in 2024. Coach
NORTHLAND
TWELFTH IN 2023: Following a memorable season in 2022 when the Taniwha reached the quarter-finals, to finish in 12th place with just two wins and a draw was a disappointing result. The 44 –21 win over Hawke’s Bay showed how good they could be but a lack of squad depth and injuries affected the team’s consistency.
adds to the midfielder strength with Corey Evans and Quinton Nichols. Flanker Matt Matich is a follow-me type of leader.
YOUNG GUNS: Loosehead prop Esile Fono played four games for the Taniwha last year and looks a fine long-term prospect. At 22 he is young for a top level prop but has the physical capabilities and technique to go far. Outside backs Kiwi Duncan and Nathan Salmon are local boys getting a crack at NPC level.
COACH: DALE MacLEOD
CAPTAIN: MATT MATICH
WEBSITE: northlandrugby.co.nz
PHONE: 09 438 4743
TICKETS: www.eventfinda.co.nz
TAB ODDS: $101.00
KEY PLAYERS: The Māori All Blacks combination of halfback Sam Nock and first-five Rivez Reihana have skills and Super Rugby Pacific experience. Experienced first-five Dan Hawkins is a reliable squad player. Northland have depth at lock with Liam Hallam-Eames, Sam Caird, Bodene Davis and Allan Craig. Dynamic runner Tevita Latu moves north from Southland and
SEASON PROSPECTS: Former Taniwha assistant coach Dale MacLeod takes over from John Leslie, after just one season in charge. MacLeod has coached Southland and worked with Moana Pasifika and Tonga. His focus is on building up the academy talent pathway in all parts of the far-flung union and ensuring a competitive Taniwha side takes the field.
Richard Watt again has a well-balanced squad with notable match winners spread throughout the squad. Expect another run at the finals.
LEROY CARTER scores another try for the Steamers.
Northland halfback SAM NOCK during last year’s match between Auckland and Northland at Eden Park
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NPC TEAM PREVIEWS …continued
HEADING
TARANAKI
CHAMPIONS IN 2023: The Taranaki Bulls won the NPC title for just the second time in a major boost for rugby in the union. There was a consistency to their performance right throughout the campaign, with wins over Tasman, Canterbury and Hawke’s Bay in the final, the obvious standouts.
KEY PLAYERS: First-five Josh Jacomb had a stellar year for Taranaki in 2023 then stepped up to make four appearances for the Chiefs in Super Rugby Pacific. Chiefs midfielder Daniel Rona is top quality while All Blacks lock Josh Lord is likely to be available this NPC season. Super Rugby Pacific hookers Ricky Riccitelli and Bradley Slater will contest the starting
role. Fullback/wing Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens is an attacking threat.
YOUNG GUNS: Chiefs under-20s hooker JJ Pokai is a highly regarded young rake who should thrive training with Riccitelli and Slater. Lock Jackson Morgan, loose forward Arese Poliko, utility back Ethan Reti and outside back Josh Setu all had a taste of NPC rugby last season and will look to establish themselves in 2024.
SEASON PROSPECTS: Coach Neil Barnes has the luxury of having most of his champion squad back from last season – with the addition of some highly promising local players who have come through the union’s development pathway. Support for Taranaki rugby is on a roll with big crowds and media support last season so expect more of the same in 2024. Winning back-to-back titles is not out of the realms of possibility.
WELLINGTON
SEMI-FINALS IN 2023: The champions of 2022 looked odds-on to repeat the dose last year when they finished top of the round robin games after nine wins and just the one defeat. The Lions then reached the semi-finals, only to fail to play to their usual high standards and suffered defeat to a fired-up Hawke’s Bay side.
KEY PLAYERS: When it comes to passion for the jersey and aggression in the tackle, it is hard to go past Du’Plessis Kirifi. The ultimate lead-from-the-front captain is hugely important to the Lions, on and off the field. Fleet-footed fullback/first-five Reuben Love had a standout campaign with the Hurricanes and will be an attacking threat from all over the park. Centre Peter Umaga-Jensen is another key leader.
YOUNG GUNS: No 8 Peter Lakai made quite an impact in last year’s NPC but is now set to become one of the dominant loose forwards in the country. New Zealand Under-20s winger Sam Solomon is just 19 but is already being talked about as a player who can step up to higher honours. Halfback Mitch McLeod has impressed at club level and thoroughly deserves an opportunity.
SEASON PROSPECTS: Head coach Alando Soakai takes over from Tamati Ellison who has joined the All Blacks coaching group. There is no doubt the Lions will start as one of the favourites to take out the NPC title with a powerful, athletic forward pack and star-studded backline bristling with Super Rugby Pacific talent.
wellingtonlions.co.nz
www.flicket.co.nz
Taranaki midfielder DANIEL RONA in action.
Wellington Lions centre PETER UMAGA-JENSEN takes on the Canterbury defence.
COACH: ALANDO SOAKAI
NPC TEAM PREVIEWS
COACH: BROCK JAMES
CAPTAIN: TOM PARSONS
WEBSITE: hbmagpies.co.nz
TICKETS: hbmagpies.flicket
PHONE: 06 835 7617
TAB ODDS: $9.00
COACH: MIKE ROGERS
CAPTAIN: BRAYDON IOSE
WEBSITE: turbosrugby.co.nz
TICKETS: ticketek.co.nz
PHONE: 06 357 2633
TAB ODDS: $51.00
HEADING
HAWKE’S BAY
RUNNERS-UP IN 2023: Hawke’s Bay Magpies produced some outstanding rugby to surge all the way into their first NPC final – and won back the Ranfurly Shield from Wellington for good measure. In the round robin games, the Magpies dropped three games to finish outside the top four but defeated Bay of Plenty and Wellington to contest the final against eventual champions Taranaki.
KEY PLAYERS: The Magpies always have a tough forward pack and this campaign will be no different. A good mix of Super Rugby Pacific players in hooker Jacob Devery, flankers Devan Flanders and Hugh Renton, prop Pouri Rakete-Stones and lock Isaia Walker-Leawere, are joined by lock Tom Parsons returning from Japan. Star halfback Folau Fakatava, first-five/fullback Harry Godfrey, and wingers Neria Fomai and Anzelo Tuituvuki, also have Super Rugby Pacific experience.
YOUNG GUNS: Hawke’s Bay Academy players Konradd Newland, Joshua Smith and Tom Allen were in the New Zealand Under-20 squad that competed at The Rugby Championship. All three are highly regarded and add to the depth of the Magpies squad.
SEASON PROSPECTS: There is something about the Ranfurly Shield that brings out the very best in Hawke’s Bay teams. Expect that to continue as the Magpies look to make their home ground of McLean Park a graveyard for challengers. King Country and Whanganui were the early season luckless challengers with Southland next on August 17. The Magpies will have to do it without five
MANAWATŪ
THIRTEENTH IN 2023: While there were plenty of promising signs – particularly the number of homegrown players used – to finish in 13th place with just two wins from 10 games was a disappointing result. The Turbos never gave up throughout and were rewarded with a totally unexpected victory at Eden Park against Auckland. But to not have another win in the final five games was a tame end to the season.
KEY PLAYERS: Turbos captain and No 8 Braydon Iose was in the All Blacks frame this year and is motivated to use the NPC to improve areas of his game. Flanker TK Howden is another top ranked player in the pack. First-five Brett Cameron was another to perform well for the Hurricanes and combines well with excellent halfback Jordi Viljoen
of their impressive backline from last year, with
backs
YOUNG GUNS: Raymond Tuputupu made his Hurricanes debut this year. He is a physical hooker who is one to watch. New Zealand Under-20s captain Vernon Bason is another quality hooker who is athletic and a good leader. New Zealand Under-20s fullback Sam Coles is highly regarded while Tonga winger Taniela Filimone is a natural try-scorer with pace to burn.
SEASON PROSPECTS: Head coach Mike Rogers is looking forward to his second year in charge and has able assistants in Robbie Robinson and Hayden Triggs. The poor finish to last season has been a key learning ahead of the campaign with some new recruits adding experience to the squad. Improvement in all areas of the game is the core goal ahead of this NPC and there is optimism for a much better result overall in 2024.
halfback Brad Weber, utility
Ollie Sapsford, Caleb Makene, Chase Tiatia and wing Jonah Lowe all missing in 2024.
Manawatū winger TANIELA FILIMONE on attack for the Turbos.
GEOFF CRIDGE makes a break for the Magpies.
NPC TEAM PREVIEWS …continued
TASMAN
COACHES: GRAY CORNELIUS
CAPTAIN: QUINTEN STRANGE
WEBSITE: tasmanrugby.co.nz
PHONE: 03 548 7030
TICKETS: mako.flicket.co.nz
TAB ODDS: $9.00
SEVENTH IN 2023: It was a mix of very good and average for the Mako last season. They finished seventh in round robin play after six wins and four losses with a spate of injuries affecting selections at crucial times. Hopes were still high of a run to the final before they ran into a red-hot Taranaki team in the quarter-finals.
KEY PLAYERS: Tasman has managed to produce All Blacks in recent years at a startling rate and Noah Hotham is the latest. The rise and rise of the dynamic halfback to the very top is an inspiration for all his team mates so his game-time for the Mako will be influential. His New Zealand Under-20s and Crusaders team mate Macca Springer is another high riser with speed to burn and a nose for the try line.
YOUNG GUNS: Speedy wing Kyren Taumoefolau’s rugby career has gone in the opposite direction than most players. He was selected for Tonga at Rugby World Cup, then played a starring role for Moana Pasifika and now will make his NPC debut with Tasman. Tidy first-five Taine Robertson has experience with the Crusaders.
SEASON PROSPECTS: Head coach Gray Cornelius has sole charge of the team after sharing duties with Dan Perrin last year. The Mako will miss the experience and skill of midfielder Alex Nankivell and first five-eighth Mitch Hunt, who have moved overseas, but Cornelius is confident they have the talent coming through the development pathways in the union to again push for the title.
CO-COACHES: MATT SAUNDERS
JAMES WILSON
CAPTAIN: SEAN WITHERS
WEBSITE: rugbysouthland.co.nz
PHONE: 03 216 8694
TICKETS: www.ticketek.co.nz
TAB ODDS: $151.00
SOUTHLAND
FOURTEENTH IN 2023: The Stags managed just one win and a draw to go with eight losses from their 10 games. The one victory came on the final day of the season against 13th placed Manawatu. There were other games when the Stags did not take opportunities, particularly against Bay of Plenty after the Stags led 20 –10 at halftime.
KEY PLAYERS: Highlanders flanker Sean Withers has signed a three-year contract and will lead the Stags. He will add to an already strong pack, including Josh Bekhuis who has played a record 134 games in the maroon jersey, and new recruit Crusaders lock/loose forward Mitch Dunshea. Isaac Te Tamaki is back after a season away in France, with the former All Blacks Sevens star set to join
powerful runner Matt Whaanga in the midfield. Australian first-five/fullback Jake Strachan is a quality import.
YOUNG GUNS: Tall lock Woody Kirkwood and talented first-five Kaea Nikora-Balloch both performed well in the local club competition. Halfback Connor Collins has struggled for game time with Wellington so will bring his slick passing game to the Stags. Lachie Albert is another promising halfback adding to the depth in the position.
SEASON PROSPECTS: Newly installed co-caches Matt Saunders and James Wilson are enthusiastic about the squad they have to work with despite the poor performance from the Stags last year. There are positive indicators for a better campaign in 2024 with some strong player recruitment that will bolster the depth and quality of the squad.
Tasman halfback NOAH HOTHAM made his All Blacks debut in July.
Southland’s MATT WHAANGA charges forward against Manawatū.
FARAH PALMER CUP DRAW
HEARTLAND CHAMPIONSHIP DRAW
6th
Osborne Taonga challenge match (BOT)
AHIKOVI makes a break for Meads Cup winners South Canterbury against King Country.
WEST COAST celebrate winning the Lochore Cup last season.
