@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
@Steven-Harris So this must mean a potential player swap in the props for this season?
@UpTheHarbs possibly
@Steven-Harris said in NPC 2026:
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 8This 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
He was originally in the Welly academy as well and was highly touted.
@steven-harris on Rory Woods, I’m surprised he’s picked Manawatu as they’ve already got Howden, Iose and Bason. Better bet would have been to sign with Welly as they’ve lost their loosies to the ABs.
@Canes4life maybe Manawatu were the only ones to offer a full contract?
Jono Phillips lands head coach’s job at Ta$man -
@MacDazzler said in NPC 2026:
Anyone heard that Rory Scott and Taha Kemara might be going to Ta$man?
I think @chris mentioned Kemara going to Ta$man?
I went to watch another club rugby game today and Josh Taula was playing for Hamilton OB. I'm wondering if he has moved to the province to play for Waikato. We struggled with depth at lock with injuries last season.
Forgot to mention I spoke with Josh Moorby at Super Round and he said he's playing for Waikato again this year.
I cheekily asked him if he heard anything about Taha moving and he seemed surprised at the suggestion.
@Bovidae any young 10s around worth watching? Don't get any time to watch club or schoolboy in Waikato due to my own school commitments.
The two young 1st 5s would be Rangiwai Lunjevich (Hautapu) and Daniel Tickelpenny (Marist), although he seems to be playing more at fullback.
11 days later
Taranaki is very proactive with their squad announcements. All SR players are signed and they have named a wider training group, of which up to 11 players will be contracted.
It will be interesting to see what team is selected, and an indication of who might be in the frame for the NPC squad.
