16 days later
Heard Auckland head coach Steven Bates coaching group has been moved on
Jono Hickey has been pushed into a role with the union so I guess Bates is looking for a new coaching team be interesting to where he’s goes ,could’nt be any worse than looking at Doug Sanft from Marist who had success with Manukau and would have a great understanding of what’s running in the Auckland comp
Taranaki needs to new head coach.
Two more seasons for Reon Graham
The weekly draw is in the article.
NPC draw. We will not be holding the Shield for long with home games against Canterbury, Waikato, Ta$man, Wellington and Auckland.
@SouthernMann said in NPC 2026:
NPC draw. We will not be holding the Shield for long with home games against Canterbury, Waikato, Ta$man, Wellington and Auckland.
How the hell do Canterbury get first shot?
Good to see Wellington have ditched Jerry Collins stadium and are back at the Cake Tin.
@Canes4life I am guessing Otago selected them for the chance of a good crowd.
Good to see Wellington have ditched Jerry Collins stadium and are back at the Cake Tin.
How the hell is that good? Stadium will look pretty much empty.
Good to see Wellington have ditched Jerry Collins stadium and are back at the Cake Tin.
How the hell is that good? Stadium will look pretty much empty.
They were getting way smaller crowds in Porirua. What they need to do is erect a couple stands in Petone or Hutt Rec like they did a few years back and play the games there. Better than Porirua which has shit access and is too far away from the Hutt Valley and the city for people to care.
Or at least share the love around.
@Canes4life yeah coz parking and access to the Caketin is easy???
@Canes4life yeah coz parking and access to the Caketin is easy???
The Cake Tin has plenty of faults but parking and access to that stadium isn’t one lol.
@Canes4life said in NPC 2026:
Good to see Wellington have ditched Jerry Collins stadium and are back at the Cake Tin.
How the hell is that good? Stadium will look pretty much empty.
They were getting way smaller crowds in Porirua. What they need to do is erect a couple stands in Petone or Hutt Rec like they did a few years back and play the games there. Better than Porirua which has shit access and is too far away from the Hutt Valley and the city for people to care.
Or at least share the love around.
While I'd be keen to walk to a game of NPC. With games in the Valley. We just could not handle the parking needs around Hutt Rec or Petone. Issues with the stands at the moment too?
@SouthernMann said in NPC 2026:
@Canes4life said in NPC 2026:
Good to see Wellington have ditched Jerry Collins stadium and are back at the Cake Tin.
How the hell is that good? Stadium will look pretty much empty.
They were getting way smaller crowds in Porirua. What they need to do is erect a couple stands in Petone or Hutt Rec like they did a few years back and play the games there. Better than Porirua which has shit access and is too far away from the Hutt Valley and the city for people to care.
Or at least share the love around.
While I'd be keen to walk to a game of NPC. With games in the Valley. We just could not handle the parking needs around Hutt Rec or Petone. Issues with the stands at the moment too?
It’s the same in Porirua though, which is probably why they ended up ditching the venue.
@DurryMexted said in NPC 2026:
I always thought if they tidied up Rugby League park it would be unreal for afternoon games. Terraces and all
Not a bad shout, but I guess the same issue remains, parking would be a nightmare there wouldn't it?
@Canes4life said in NPC 2026:
@DurryMexted said in NPC 2026:
I always thought if they tidied up Rugby League park it would be unreal for afternoon games. Terraces and all
Not a bad shout, but I guess the same issue remains, parking would be a nightmare there wouldn't it?
Could use the parking at the old indoor sports centre, but yeah Newtown is generally bloody awful for parking
Bay of Plenty potential Shield challenge round 3 woohoo, haven't had one for a while. Probably wont get one unless this happens either
@SouthernMann said in NPC 2026:
NPC draw. We will not be holding the Shield for long with home games against Canterbury, Waikato, Ta$man, Wellington and Auckland.
As always will depend a lot on All Blacks selections. Pledger obviously a big a loss as it gets, but if (and it is a big if) we can slip past Canterbury, I think it is far from out the realms of possibility that we keep hold of it long-term.
@Landers92 April fools surely.
@MacDazzler would say so but it’s still a belter. Get it done I say.
@Landers92 Yeah, they should sell those anyway. Lets chip-in and get one for @nepia
@Landers92 Yeah, they should sell those anyway. Lets chip-in and get one for @nepia
They actually look way better than the actual common Central Vikings one from that dark ages era of rugby.
Northland had posted one earlier too
Northland Rugby Unveils New Logo for a New Era
Northland Rugby is pleased to announce the unveiling of its brand-new logo.
As the competition approaches the 50th year of the NPC in 2026, Northland Rugby engaged renowned American-based consultancy group Nakatomi-Gruber to help shape the next era of rugby in the region.
The rebrand process began in March 2025 and involved extensive reflection on what rugby in Northland represents. The goal was to create a symbol that unifies our clubs, honours our proud history, and confidently represents our future.
As part of this evolution, the iconic Kauri Tree has been retired and replaced with a bold new symbol — the Pine Tree.
Project Head Biff Tannen explained the thinking behind the change:
“In Northland, there are far more Pine Trees than Kauri trees, and it just really makes sense. They are everywhere. We felt it was a no-brainer.”
Nakatomi-Gruber are known for their work on major global rebrands, including Dunkin’ Donuts to Dunkin’, HBO GO to HBO Max (and later HBO), and the Sci Fi Channel’s transition to Syfy. It was this track record that attracted Northland Rugby to the group.
While the project comes with a price tag of $171,525 USD, the vision behind it is considered invaluable. Northland Rugby CEO Paul Lennane shared his candid reaction:
“Mate, are you kidding me? How did you even get this approved? Tell me this is not happening. Are you serious right now? … $171k? US? I need to sit down.”
The new Pine Tree logo will now stand tall as a modern symbol of Northland Rugby — representing strength, growth, inclusivity, and a deep connection to the region we proudly call home.
Josh Goodhue is returning to Northland for the 2026 Npc
Good pick up for the Taniwha hugely experienced and will be excellent sitting in behind the tighthead prop
Heremaia Murray just seeking clearance from the Reds which should be a formality also returning to the Taniwha
Would love to see Murray at centre at some stage during the season
10 days later
The Naki have just named their coach to relace Barnes. Jarrad Hoeata has got the gig, no real surprise he been forward coach and right hand man of Barnes the last few years.
@MacDazzler said in NPC 2026:
@Dan54 Surprised Leo Crowley wasn't brought in.
Who I was keen on, don't think he applied. Generally reasonably happy back on farm doing abit with Francis Douglas college I think. Hoeata will be ok I think.
@mariner4life said in NPC 2026:
pfffft hahahaha i am sure the Naki will be a really disciplined side.
Dicsipline ,schiscipline mate, it will be get stuck in and f*** the consequences I suspect!
@MacDazzler said in NPC 2026:
@Dan54 Surprised Leo Crowley wasn't brought in.
He is involved.
With Hoeata having Super Rugby Pacific commitments with the Chiefs through until June, vastly experienced local coach Leo Crowley has been appointed as a Resource Coach to lead the local programme until Hoeata returns to Taranaki full time. Over the next three months, Crowley will view CMK Premier Club Rugby matches, support locally based NPC athletes on their game, run wider training group sessions, and work closely with Hoeata and the management team on campaign planning.
@MacDazzler said in NPC 2026:
@Dan54 Surprised Leo Crowley wasn't brought in.
He is involved.
With Hoeata having Super Rugby Pacific commitments with the Chiefs through until June, vastly experienced local coach Leo Crowley has been appointed as a Resource Coach to lead the local programme until Hoeata returns to Taranaki full time. Over the next three months, Crowley will view CMK Premier Club Rugby matches, support locally based NPC athletes on their game, run wider training group sessions, and work closely with Hoeata and the management team on campaign planning.
The Naki union seem to be doing things right. I had wondered what they would do with Hoeata tied up with Chiefs, I used to seeing Barnes on sideline of games keeping an eye on things.
11 days later
North Harbour tight head prop Sam Davies has signed with Auckland for the 2026 Npc season
Oscar Crowley Andrea who was in the Auckland Npc last year is playing in the North Habour Club comp atm
Former Northland and Blues U20 loose forward Rory Woods has signed with the Manawatu Turbos for 2026
Woods who left Northland in 2024 to pursue a 7s career in Ireland played in one tournament for Ireland unfortunately doing his ACL which took him out of the 2025 season
Woods has since being playing for Garyowen FC in Limerick and by all reports ripping it up playing number 8
This is a very good pick up the Turbos and possibly the Hurricanes moving forward
I rate this kid should have been given more opportunities at the Taniwha