Counties Manukau Rugby is gearing up for a milestone year following the release of the 2026 National Provincial Championship (NPC) draw, with the upcoming season marking 50 years of provincial rugby in Aotearoa.
For five decades, the NPC has been the heartbeat of rugby across the country—bringing communities together, fuelling fierce rivalries, and providing a platform for future All Blacks to rise. The 2026 season promises to celebrate that legacy, honouring past and present players while showcasing the proud history of the competition.
The Counties Manukau Steelers, who have made the quarter finals in back-to-back seasons, will host Taranaki in Round 1 at Navigation Homes Stadium on August 1 at 2.05pm
After a week two trip across the bridge to play North Harbour, Tasman comes to town on Sunday August 16 before back-to-back Sunday afternoon games on the road in Hamilton (v Waikato) and Wellington (v the Lions) in late August.
The Southland Stags make a visit to Navigation Homes Stadium on Sunday September 6 and then the Steelers take on near neighbours Auckland at Eden Park, who will be smarting after not making the playoffs last year.
The Steelers host Otago on Thursday September 17 and their final home game will be against Hawke’s Bay on Saturday October 3 after a trip up to Whangarei to play Northland.
“The NPC is always a very tough competition regardless of the draw. What I do like about this years draw is that we have a number of afternoon games which we love playing in. After a strong end to last year then falling short in the quarter final, we can’t wait to get back out there and make our people proud.” says Steelers Head Coach, Reon Graham
Chad Shepherd, CMRFU CEO adds “As we celebrate 50 years of the NPC, and there is no better place to be than at Navigation Homes Stadium. Our home games are where our community comes together, where our players draw their energy, and where we continue to build something special. After the momentum we created last season, we are committed to elevating the in-stadium experience even further - creating an environment that is vibrant, family friendly, and unmistakably Counties Manukau. We want our community to feel proud, connected, and part of every moment. When our stand and banks are full and our people are behind us, there is no better place in provincial rugby.”
In a major moment for the game, the NPC returns to free-to-air television for the first time in nearly 30 years. In addition, the live and uninterrupted coverage on Sky Sport, every match will stream free on TVNZ+, with select games broadcast live in prime time on TVNZ 1, bringing provincial rugby back into living rooms across the country.
Counties Manukau Rugby is calling on our people to stand proud and get in behind the red, white and black this season. Pack out Navigation Homes Stadium, bring the noise, and be part of the heartbeat that drives the Steelers forward. Together, let’s make 2026 a season to remember.
Counties Manukau Steelers 2026 NPC Schedule
- Saturday 1 August, 2.05pm – vs Taranaki (Navigation Homes Stadium)
- Thursday 6 August, 7.10pm – vs North Harbour (North Harbour Stadium)
- Sunday 16 August, 5.05pm – vs Tasman (Navigation Homes Stadium)
- Sunday 23 August, 2.05pm – vs Waikato (FMG Stadium)
- Sunday 30 August, 2.05pm – vs Wellington (Hnry Stadium)
- Sunday 6 September, 2.05pm – vs Southland (Navigation Homes Stadium)
- Saturday 12 September, 2.05pm – vs Auckland (Eden Park)
- Thursday 17 September, 7.10pm – vs Otago (Navigation Homes Stadium)
- Saturday 26 September, 2.05pm – vs Northland (Semenoff Stadium)
- Saturday 3 October, 5.05pm – vs Hawke’s Bay (Navigation Homes Stadium)
Keep an eye out for the release of the Farah Palmer Cup and Heartland Championship schedules in coming weeks.
