The 1976 season was the inaugural year of the National Provincial Championship (NPC), also known for sponsorship reasons as the Radio New Zealand National Championship, a provincial rugby union competition in New Zealand. Bay of Plenty were the winners of Division 1, while Taranaki and South Canterbury were the winners of Division 2 North Island and Division 2 South Island respectively.
Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TF | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Bay of Plenty | 10 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 195 | 112 | +83 | 25 | 17 |
2 | Manawatu (RS) | 10 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 142 | 104 | +38 | 17 | 15 |
3 | Auckland | 10 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 160 | 133 | +27 | 19 | 13 |
4 | Canterbury | 10 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 153 | 118 | +35 | 20 | 12 |
5 | Counties | 10 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 118 | 107 | +11 | 20 | 12 |
6 | Wellington | 10 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 165 | 122 | +43 | 20 | 11 |
7 | Otago | 10 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 106 | 148 | +42 | 11 | 10 |
8 | Hawke's Bay | 10 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 125 | 130 | −5 | 18 | 8 |
9 | Marlborough | 10 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 146 | 192 | −46 | 19 | 6 |
10 | Southland | 10 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 105 | 161 | −56 | 13 | 5 |
11 | North Auckland | 10 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 76 | 164 | −88 | 8 | 1 |
12 May 1976 |
Hawke's Bay | 7–10 | Auckland |
Try: R. L. Stuart Pen: R. K. Whinham | Try: T. M. Saseve Pen: S. L. Watt Drop: M. K. Sisam |
McLean Park, Napier Referee: W. L. Adlam (Wanganui) |
19 May 1976 |
Canterbury | 23–9 | Marlborough |
Try: S. C. Cartwright T. W. Mitchell M. R. MacEwan J. K. Phillips Con: M. D. Heffernan (2) Pen: M. D. Heffernan | Pen: S. W. P. Marfell (3) |
Lancaster Park, Christchurch Referee: D. H. Millar (Otago) |
7 June 1976 |
Manawatu | 23–13 | Wellington |
Tries: D.L. Rollerson (2), K. W. Granger Con: D.L. Rollerson | Tries: G.W. Skipper Pen: C.J. Currie (2) |
Showgrounds Oval, Palmerston North Referee: C. P. Gregan (Waikato) |
16 June 1976 |
Counties | 12–19 | Auckland |
Tries: L.J. Hughes, A.G. Dalton, Patrick Yates | Tries: T.G. Morrison (2) Con: S.L. Watts |
The Stadium, Pukekohe Referee: I. J. Clarke (Waikato) |
26 June 1976 |
North Auckland | 3–12 | Auckland |
Pen: S. Semenoff | Tries: D.L. Palmer Con: S.L. Watt |
Okara Park, Whangārei Referee: K. H. Lynch (Poverty Bay) |
26 June 1976 |
Counties | 4–15 | Wellington |
Tries: Patrick Yates | Tries: Grant Grifith Con: C.J. Currie |
The Stadium, Pukekohe Referee: M. G. Farnworth (Auckland) |
3 July 1976 |
Bay of Plenty | 9–10 | Counties |
Pen: T.J. Waaka (2) Drop: L.J. Brake | Tries: R.J. Palmer, H.J. Habraken Con: G.K. Taylor |
The Stadium, Rotorua Referee: D. Cooper (Poverty Bay) |
8 July 1976 |
Manawatu | 19–6 | North Auckland |
Tries: M.G. Watts, M.W. Donaldson, G.S. Bowater Con: D.L. Rollerson (2) | Pen: B.H. McCarroll (2) |
Showgrounds Oval, Palmerston North Referee: B. W. Duffy (Taranaki) |
10 July 1976 |
Wellington | 13–0 | North Auckland |
Tries: Stu Wilson, K.L. Phelan Con: C.J. Currie |
Athletic Park, Wellington Referee: B. Williams (West Coast) |
13 July 1976 |
Marlborough | 24–17 | North Auckland |
Tries: D.W. Neal (2), B.P. Dwyer Con: K.G. Sutherland (3) | Tries: P.R. Halse (2), D.A. Haynes Con: B.H. McCarroll |
Lansdowne Park, Blenheim Referee: N. C. Thomas (Manawatu) |
17 July 1976 |
Southland | 9–23 | Manawatu |
Tries: C.R. Davis Con: G.T. Valli | Tries: P.W. Broederlow, K.G. Maharey, M.A. Wright, D.L. Rollerson Con: D.L. Rollerson (2) |
Rugby Park, Invercargill Referee: L. Te Au (South Canterbury) |
20 July 1976 |
Marlborough | 15–25 | Auckland |
Tries: D.W. Neal, M.J. Best Con: K.G. Sutherland (2) | Tries: T.G. Morrison, H.K. Whiu, B.G. Ashworth, G.J. Rich Con: S.L. Watt (3) |
Lansdowne Park, Blenheim Referee: A. Creighton (Otago) |
24 July 1976 |
Hawke's Bay | 33–10 | Marlborough |
Tries: R.P. Hunter (3), I.G. Grant, R.P. Bremmer Con: R.D. Cox (2) | Tries: M.J. Best Pen: K.G. Sutherland |
Nelson Park, Hastings Referee: D. R. Buckland (Wellington) |
27 July 1976 |
Counties | 10–6 | Marlborough |
Tries: R.J. Palmer Pen: R.N. Lendrum | Tries: S.W.P. Marfell Con: K.G. Sutherland |
The Stadium, Pukekohe Referee: R. C. Francis (Wairarapa Bush) |
31 July 1976 |
Marlborough | 13–24 | Bay of Plenty |
Tries: P.G. Neal Pen: K.G. Sutherland (3) | Tries: E.J.T. Stokes (2), J.B. Spry, Allan McNaughton, Graham Moore Con: Gregory Rowlands |
Lansdowne Park, Blenheim Referee: N. B. Whittaker (Manawatu) |
4 August 1976 |
Wellington | 18–18 | Bay of Plenty |
Tries: G.W. Skipper Con: B.W. Cederwall | Pen: Gregory Rowlands (4), T.J. Waaka Drop: Gregory Rowlands |
Athletic Park, Wellington Referee: M. G. Farnworth (Auckland) |
7 August 1976 |
Manawatu | 9–28 | Bay of Plenty |
Pen: D.L. Rollerson (2), S.M. Murphy | Tries: E.J.T. Stokes, N.M. Taylor, J.T. Kamizona, L. Keepa Con: Gregory Rowlands (3) |
Showgrounds Oval, Palmerston North Referee: R. J. Watson (North Auckland) |
7 August 1976 |
Southland | 9–10 | Otago |
Pen: G.T. Valli (2) Drop: N.J. Polson | Tries: Kenneth Mitchell Pen: B.W. Wilson |
Rugby Park, Invercargill Referee: T. F. Doocey (Canterbury) |
11 August 1976 |
Otago | 6–18 | Hawke's Bay |
Pen: B.W. Wilson (2) | Tries: T.J. Carter, P.J. Ryan, D.S. McCarroll Con: R.D. Cox (3) |
Carisbrook Ground, Dunedin Referee: B. Williams (West Coast) |
11 August 1976 |
Manawatu | 15–10 | Canterbury |
Tries: P.W. Broederlow Con: D.L. Rollerson | Tries: Vance Stewart, M.D. Heffernan Con: M.D. Heffernan |
Showgrounds Oval, Palmerston North Referee: W. L. Adlam (Wanganui) |
14 August 1976 |
Southland | 6–7 | Hawke's Bay |
Pen: G.T. Valli (2) | Tries:R.L. Stuart Pen: R.D. Cox |
Rugby Park, Invercargill Referee: J. Walker (Otago) |
14 August 1976 |
North Auckland | 13–21 | Canterbury |
Tries: M.J. Gunson Pen: B.H. McCarroll (2), R.D. Laurie | Tries: S.C. Cartwright (2), J.K. Phillips, A.C.R. Jefferd Con: M.D. Heffernan |
Okara Park, Whangārei Referee: J. R. Innes (Counties) |
17 August 1976 |
Bay of Plenty | 12–6 | Canterbury |
Tries: Graham Moore Con: Gregory Rowlands | Pen: R.G. Wilson (2) |
The Domain, Tauranga Referee: K. H. Lynch (Poverty Bay) |
18 August 1976 |
Auckland (RS) | 9–9 | Southland |
Pen: S.L. Watt (3) | Tries: D.R. Saunders Con: G.T. Valli |
Eden Park, Auckland Referee: B. W. Duffy (Taranaki) |
21 August 1976 |
Auckland (RS) | 10–12 | Manawatu |
Tries: Andy Haden, T.G. Morrison Con: S.L. Watt | Tries: D.L. Rollerson Con: D.A. Hales |
Eden Park, Auckland Referee: C. P. Gregan (Waikato) |
21 August 1976 |
Canterbury | 13–6 | Hawke's Bay |
Tries: A.J. Wyllie, S.C. Cartwright Con: M.D. Heffernan | Pen: R.D. Cox (2) |
Lancaster Park, Christchurch Referee: G. L. Harrison (Wellington) |
21 August 1976 |
Bay of Plenty | 27–12 | Southland |
Tries: E.J.T. Stokes (2), P.M. Horrocks, A.C. Brown, Graham Moore Con: Gregory Rowlands, T.J. Waaka | Tries: L.M. Rutledge Con: G.T. Valli |
The Domain, Whakatane Referee: J. P. G. Pring (Auckland) |
24 August 1976 |
Counties | 12–14 | Manawatu |
Tries: Patrick Yates (2) Con: M.M. Codlin (2) | Tries: K.W. Granger, D.L. Rollerson, M.G. Watts Con: D.A. Hales |
The Stadium, Pukekohe Referee: L. Paul |
24 August 1976 |
North Auckland | 9–15 | Southland |
Tries: M.M. Dyer Con: B.H. McCarroll | Tries: L.M. Rutledge, A.A. McGregor Con: G.T. Valli (2) |
Okara Park, Whangārei Referee: K. H. Lawrence (Bay of Plenty) |
28 August 1976 |
Auckland | 28–31 | Bay of Plenty |
Tries: T.G. Morrison, D.N. Thorn, G.J. Rich Con: S.L. Watt (2) | Tries: A.C. Brown, N.M. Taylor, Graham Moore Con: Gregory Rowlands (2) |
Eden Park, Auckland Referee: D. H. Millar (Otago) |
28 August 1976 |
Hawke's Bay | 25–16 | North Auckland |
Tries: D.S. McCarroll (2), P.J. Durham (2), R.P. Hunter Con: R.D. Cox | Tries: H.K. Sowman, D.A. Haynes, M.J. Gunson Con: B.H. McCarroll (2) |
McLean Park, Napier Referee: A. Bailey (Wellington) |
28 August 1976 |
Otago | 16–6 | Counties |
Tries: T.J. Burcher Pen: B.W. Wilson (3) | Pen: M.M. Codlin (2) |
Carisbrook Ground, Dunedin Referee: A. R. Taylor (Canterbury) |
28 August 1976 |
Wellington | 14–15 | Canterbury |
Tries: Stu Wilson (2) Pen: R.S. Cleland (2) | Tries: P.A. Macfie, Don Stewart Con: M.D. Heffernan (2) |
Athletic Park, Wellington Referee: W. L. Adlam (Wanganui) |
1 September 1976 |
Southland | 10–19 | Counties |
Tries: M.A. Mitchell, G.T. Valli Con: G.T. Valli | Tries: R.N. Lendrum, Peter Clotworthy, J. Rawiri Con: R.N. Lendrum (2) |
Rugby Park, Invercargill Referee: S. C. Miller (South Canterbury) |
4 September 1976 |
Auckland | 16–26 | Otago |
Tries: G.L. Colling, G.J. Rich Con: S.L. Watt | Tries: L.A. Clark, M.W.R. Jaffray, A.C. Barton, B.W. Wilson Con: B.W. Wilson (2) |
Eden Park, Auckland Referee: P. A. McDavitt (Wellington) |
4 September 1976 |
Hawke's Bay | 13–25 | Wellington |
Tries: Junior Paraha, P.J. Durham Con: R.D. Cox | Tries: W.G. Proctor (2), Stu Wilson (2) Con: R.S. Cleland (3) |
Nelson Park, Hastings Referee: K. H. Lynch (Poverty Bay) |
4 September 1976 |
Canterbury | 6–11 | Counties |
Pen: M.D. Heffernan (2) | Tries: Patrick Yates (2) Drop: R.N. Lendrum |
Lancaster Park, Christchurch Referee: B. M. Dawson (Southland) |
4 September 1976 |
Marlborough | 28–12 | Southland |
Tries: B.R. Ford, R.E. Gordon, John Davie, D.W. Neal Con: K.G. Sutherland (3) | Tries: L.M. Rutledge (2) Con: G.T. Valli (2) |
Lansdowne Park, Blenheim Referee: J. G. MacDonald (North Otago) |
4 September 1976 |
North Auckland | 3–17 | Bay of Plenty |
Pen: R.D. Laurie | Tries: Graham Moore, N.M. Taylor, Gregory Rowlands Con: Gregory Rowlands |
Okara Park, Whangārei Referee: C. P. Gregan (Waikato) |
8 September 1976 |
North Auckland | 3–3 | Otago |
Pen: R.D. Laurie | Pen: B.W. Wilson |
Okara Park, Whangārei Referee: R. J. Watson (North Auckland) |
12 September 1976 |
Canterbury | 16–7 | Southland |
Tries: G.E. Brain Pen: M.D. Heffernan (4) | Tries: C.R. Davis Drop: B.J. McKechnie |
Lancaster Park, Christchurch Referee: D. H. Millar (Otago) |
12 September 1976 |
Manawatu(RS) | 15–3 | Hawke's Bay |
Tries: M.G. Watts, A.C. Innes Con: D.L. Rollerson (2) | Pen: R.D. Cox |
Showgrounds Oval, Palmerston North Referee: J. P. G. Pring (Auckland) |
12 September 1976 |
Wellington | 9–12 | Auckland |
Tries: G.W. Skipper Con: R.S. Cleland | Tries: T.G. Morrison, Andy Haden Con: S.L. Watt (2) |
Athletic Park, Wellington Referee: N. C. Thomas (Manawatu) |
13 September 1976 |
Bay of Plenty | 19–6 | Otago |
Tries: J.T. Kamizona, P.M. Horrocks, L.J. Brake Con: Gregory Rowlands (2) | Pen: B.W. Wilson (2) |
The Stadium, Rotorua Referee: W. L. Adlam (Wanganui) |
15 September 1976 |
Counties | 15–6 | North Auckland |
Tries: E.S. McRobbie, R.N. Lendrum Con: M.M. Codlin (2) | Pen: Ross McAllister (2) |
The Stadium, Pukekohe Referee: B. W. Duffy (Taranaki) |
16 September 1976 |
Southland | 16–13 | Wellington |
Tries: J.W. Ellis, R.A. Ramsey, D.R. Saunders Con: G.T. Valli (2) | Tries: G.W. Skipper, W.G. Proctor Con: R.S. Cleland |
Rugby Park, Invercargill Referee: B. Williams (West Coast) |
18 September 1976 |
Auckland | 19–9 | Canterbury |
Tries: D.N. Thorn, J.S. McLachlan Con: S.L. Watt | Pen: M.D. Heffernan (3) |
Eden Park, Auckland Referee: N. B. Whittaker (Manawatu) |
18 September 1976 |
Otago | 7–29 | Wellington |
Tries: J.S. Colling Pen: B.W. Wilson | Tries: I.N. Stevens (2), P.B. Quinn, S.S. Wilson Con: C.J. Currie (2) |
Carisbrook Ground, Dunedin Referee: L. Te Au (South Canterbury) |
18 September 1976 |
Marlborough | 13–12 | Manawatu |
Tries: John Davie, B.R. Ford Con: K.G. Sutherland | Pen: D.L. Rollerson (3) Drop: B. Wright |
Lansdowne Park, Blenheim Referee: G. L. Harrison (Wellington) |
18 September 1976 |
Bay of Plenty | 10–7 | Hawke's Bay |
Tries: Gregory Rowlands Pen: Gregory Rowlands (2) | Tries: D.S. McCarroll Pen: R.D. Cox |
The Stadium Rotorua Referee: J. R. Innes (Counties) |
22 September 1976 |
Otago | 20–14 | Marlborough |
Tries: T.J. Burcher, A.C. Barton, M.W.R. Jaffray Con: B.W. Wilson | Tries: B.R. Ford, B.A. Kenny Pen: K.G. Sutherland (2) |
Carisbrook Ground, Dunedin Referee: B. M. Dawson (Southland) |
25 September 1976 |
Canterbury | 34–12 | Otago |
Tries: D.J. Stewart (2), John Munro, A.C.R. Jefferd, J.C. Ashworth Con: M.D. Heffernan (4) | Tries: R.A. Roy Con: B.W. Wilson |
Lancaster Park, Christchurch Referee: A. Bailey (Wellington) |
25 September 1976 |
Wellington | 16–14 | Marlborough |
Tries: S.S. Wilson, W.G. Proctor Con: C.J. Currie | Tries: A.R. Sutherland (3) Con: K.G. Sutherland |
Athletic Park, Wellington Referee: R. C. Francis (Wairarapa Bush) |
25 September 1976 |
Hawke's Bay | 6–19 | Counties |
Pen: R.K. Whinham (2) | Tries: H.P. Milner (2), Patrick Yates, O.T. Burnside Drop: R.N. Lendrum |
McLean Park, Napier Referee: P. A. McDavitt (Wellington) |
Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TF | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Taranaki | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 209 | 49 | +160 | 28 | 16 |
2 | Wanganui | 8 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 216 | 87 | +129 | 31 | 14 |
3 | King Country | 8 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 110 | 144 | −34 | 9 | 9 |
4 | Poverty Bay | 8 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 92 | 115 | −23 | 11 | 8 |
5 | Waikato | 8 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 173 | 76 | +97 | 28 | 8 |
6 | Wairarapa Bush | 8 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 98 | 107 | −9 | 13 | 8 |
7 | East Coast | 8 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 41 | 214 | −173 | 6 | 4 |
8 | Thames Valley | 8 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 70 | 128 | −58 | 6 | 3 |
9 | Horowhenua | 8 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 94 | 183 | −89 | 15 | 2 |
8 May 1976 |
Horowhenua | 11–12 | East Coast |
Tries: M.D. Nutting, L.R. Robinson Pen: L.R. Robinson | Pen: V.J. Takarangi (4) |
Park Domain Oval, Levin Referee: C. J. Pedley (Wanganui) |
7 June 1976 |
Wanganui | 12–32 | Taranaki |
Tries: R.B. Dallison Con: R.B. Barrell | Tries: A.I. Scown (2), J. O'Sullivan, R.P. Wharehoka, Herbie Kowhai Con: Paul Martin (2), S.C. Davidson |
Spriggens Park, Wanganui Referee: N. C. Thomas (Manawatu) |
16 June 1976 |
Waikato | 23–3 | Thames Valley |
Tries: P.C. Gilbert (2), A.L. Clark, R.G. Myers Con: A.W. Baker (2) | Pen: W.G. Bax |
Rugby Park, Hamilton Referee: H. K. Innes (North Auckland) |
19 June 1976 |
Wanganui | 45–4 | Horowhenua |
Tries: A.B. Middleton (2), R.B. Barrell (2), F.W. Hill, R.B. Dallison, R.R.W. Manson Con: R.B. Barrell (4) | Tries: M.G. Brodie |
Spriggins Park, Wanganui Referee: K. H. Lawrence (Bay of Plenty) |
26 June 1976 |
Thames Valley | 4–12 | East Coast |
Tries: D.O. Strange | Tries: T.M. Keelan, W. Truman, J. McClutchie |
Rugby Park, Waihi Referee: G. R. Urbahn (North Auckland) |
3 July 1976 |
East Coast | 0–22 | Poverty Bay |
Tries: G.R. Newlands Pen: G.B. Ross (5) |
Uawa Domain, Tolaga Bay Referee: L. R. Woodgate (Bay of Plenty) |
14 July 1976 |
Thames Valley | 9–9 | King Country |
Pen: W.G. Bax (3) | Try: M.R. Kidd Con: J.R. Barr |
Sports Domain, Te Aroha Referee: I. A. Burrell (Bay of Plenty) |
24 July 1976 |
Wanganui | 28–9 | King Country |
Tries: R.J. Murray, R.B. Dallison, P.A. Bailey, R.B. Stafford, A.B. Middleton Con: R.B. Barrell (4) | Pen: J.R. Barr (3) |
Spriggens Park, Wanganui Referee: C. Anderson (Nelson Bays) |
28 July 1976 |
King Country | 6–3 | Wairarapa Bush |
Tries: P. Bowen Con: J.R. Barr | Pen: N.F. Kjestrup |
The Domain, Taumarunui Referee: G. Klatt (Counties) |
31 July 1976 |
Waikato | 7–8 | Wairarapa Bush |
Tries: K.M. Greene Pen: A.W. Baker | Tries: K.W. Carter (2) |
Rugby Park, Hamilton Referee: B. Marsh (Hawke's Bay) |
7 August 1976 |
Horowhenua | 11–16 | Thames Valley |
Tries: M.D. Nutting, M.G. Brodie Pen: M.G. Brodie | Tries: Pita Cherrington, D.O. Strange Con: K.D. Moloney |
Park Domain Oval, Levin Referee: I. W. Diprose (Buller) |
10 August 1976 |
Wairarapa Bush | 20–11 | Thames Valley |
Tries: A.J. O'Neill Con: N.F. Kjestrup | Tries: D.O. Strange, D.G. McMillan Pen: A.H. Fisher |
Memorial Park, Masterton Referee: A. Bailey (Wellington) |
12 August 1976 |
Poverty Bay | 13–6 | Thames Valley |
Tries: G.B. Ross, M. Whitehead Con: G.B. Ross | Pen: K.D. Moloney (2) |
Rugby Park, Gisborne Referee: L. Watkins (Hawke's Bay) |
14 August 1976 |
Wairarapa Bush | 18–4 | East Coast |
Tries: A.J. O'Neill, R.E. Robertson Con: N.F. Kjestrup (2) | Tries: R.N. Falcon |
Rugby Park, Pahiatua Referee: W. J. Bringans (Wellington) |
14 August 1976 |
Taranaki | 16–6 | King Country |
Tries: J. O'Sullivan, G.N.K. Mourie Con: S.C. Davidson | Tries: M.R. Kidd Con: N.W. Pye |
Rugby Park, New Plymouth Referee: N. C. Thomas (Manawatu) |
17 August 1976 |
Thames Valley | 12–20 | Wanganui |
Pen: W.G. Bax (4) | Tries: R.R.W. Manson, R.B. Dallison, V.B. Patrick Con: R.B. Barrell |
The Domain, Paeroa Referee: E. G. Pennell (Auckland) |
18 August 1976 |
King Country | 9–8 | Poverty Bay |
Tries: D.M. Flavell Con: N.W. Pye | Tries: P.J. Duncan, G.W. Allen |
Island Reserve, Ōtorohanga Referee: L. R. Woodgate (Bay of Plenty) |
19 August 1976 |
East Coast | 3–54 | Wanganui |
Pen: H.T. Roberts | Tries: R.J. Murray (3), V.B. Patrick (2), Douglas Patchett, R.R.W. Manson, J.E. Knofflock, penalty try Con: R.B. Barrell (6) |
Whakarua Park, Ruatoria Referee: K. H. Lynch (Poverty Bay) |
21 August 1976 |
Poverty Bay | 7–17 | Wanganui |
Tries: R.A. Newlands Pen: John Whittle | Tries: J.E. Knofflock, Douglas Patchett Pen: R.B. Barrell (2) |
Rugby Park, Gisborne Referee: P. A. Arthur (Auckland) |
21 August 1976 |
King Country | 13–47 | Waikato |
Tries: M.R. Kidd, J.W. Tarrant Con: J.R. Barr | Tries: R.B. Litt (2), K.J. Magill, M.B. Taylor, A.L. Clark, R.G. Myers, P.C. Gilbert Con: A.W. Baker (5) |
The Domain, Taumarunui Referee: H. L. Miller (Counties) |
21 August 1976 |
Taranaki | 6–3 | Horowhenua |
Pen: S.C. Davidson (2) | Pen: M.G. Brodie |
Rugby Park, New Plymouth Referee: C. Aitken (Nelson Bays) |
26 August 1976 |
East Coast | 0–41 | Taranaki |
Tries: S.B. Brophy, D.G. Avison, R.B. McEldowney, I.M. Eliason, J. O'Sullivan, A.I. Scown Con: D.G. Avison (4) |
Whakarua Park, Ruatoria Referee: G. Way (Thames Valley) |
28 August 1976 |
Poverty Bay | 6–43 | Taranaki |
Pen: G.B. Ross (2) | Tries: R.J. Fraser (2), S.B. Brophy (2), R.P. Wharehoka Con: D.G. Avison |
Rugby Park, Gisborne Referee: I. Burrell (Bay of Plenty) |
28 August 1976 |
Horowhenua | 12–23 | Wairarapa Bush |
Tries: R.C. Pulowski, M.G. Brodie Con: M.G. Brodie (2) | Tries: Michael Barnes (2), B.J. McConnochie, B.B. Patrick Con: N.F. Kjestrup (2) |
Park Domain Oval, Levin Referee: L. D. Daines (Marlborough) |
28 August 1976 |
Wanganui | 21–7 | Waikato |
Tries: R.R.W. Manson, G.D. Mitchinson Con: R.B. Barrell (2) | Tries: Michael Deane Pen: A.W. Baker |
Spriggins Park, Wanganui Referee: T. F. Doocey (Canterbury) |
4 September 1976 |
Poverty Bay | 15–14 | Waikato |
Tries: Nigel Shanks, S.J. Spence Con: John Whittle (2) | Tries: C. Ormsby, R.G. Myers Drop: B. Taylor (2) |
Rugby Park, Gisborne Referee: N. B. Whittaker (Manawatu) |
4 September 1976 |
Taranaki | 42–10 | Wairarapa Bush |
Tries: S.B. Brophy (2), J. O'Sullivan (2), G.N.K. Mourie, D.S. Loveridge, I.M. Eliason Con: D.G. Avison (4) | Tries: N.P. Sargent Pen: N.F. Kjestrup (2) |
Rugby Park, New Plymouth Referee: C. J. Pedley (Wairarapa Bush) |
7 September 1976 |
East Coast | 0–39 | Waikato |
Tries: M.B. Taylor (2), R.B. Litt (2), K.J. Magill, P.C. Gilbert, G.L. Irwin, D.R. McGlashan Con: A.W. Baker (2) |
Whakarua Park, Ruatoria Referee: V. Thurston (Hawke's Bay) |
8 September 1976 |
King Country | 29–23 | Horowhenua |
Tries: M.R. Kidd (3), Graham Potaka, N.W. Pye, D.M. Flavell Con: M.J. Lang (3) | Tries: P.L. Martin (2), M.D. Nutting, J.W. Luoni Con: M.G. Brodie (2) |
Rugby Park, Te Kūiti Referee: C. W. Alford (King Country) |
11 September 1976 |
Waikato | 33–7 | Horowhenua |
Tries: C. Ormsby (2), K.M. Greene (2), J.W. O'Rourke Con: R.B. Litt (2) | Tries: M.D. Nutting Pen: M.G. Brodie |
Rugby Park, Hamilton Referee: P. R. Harpur (King Country) |
11 September 1976 |
Wairarapa Bush | 3–6 | Poverty Bay |
Pen: N.F. Kjestrup | Tries: G.R. Newlands Con: John Whittle |
Memorial Park, Masterton Referee: J. G. O. Stubbs (King Country) |
15 September 1976 |
Horowhenua | 23–15 | Poverty Bay |
Tries: M.D. Nutting (3), G.H. Hobson Con: M.G. Brodie (2) | Tries: G.W. Thompson, B.H. Sherriff Con: G.B. Ross (2) |
Park Domain Oval, Levin Referee: J. Luckin (Taranaki) |
16 September 1976 |
Thames Valley | 9–20 | Taranaki |
Tries: Huia Martin Con: W.G. Bax Pen: W.G. Bax (3) | Tries: D.S. Loveridge, J. O'Sullivan Pen: D.G. Avison (3) Drop: I.R. Snook |
Rugby Park, Waihi Referee: K. H. Lawrence (Bay of Plenty) |
18 September 1976 |
Wairarapa Bush | 13–19 | Wanganui |
Tries: B.B. Patrick Pen: N.F. Kjestrup (3) | Tries: R.B. Barrell, R.J. Murray Con: R.B. Barrell Pen: R.B. Barrell (3) |
Memorial Park, Masterton Referee: L. Auckram (Horowhenua) |
18 September 1976 |
Waikato | 3–9 | Taranaki |
Pen: A.W. Baker | Tries: G.N.K. Mourie Con: D.G. Avison |
Rugby Park, Hamilton Referee: R. J. Watson (North Auckland) |
18 September 1976 |
King Country | 25–10 | East Coast |
Tries: B.W. Donovan (2), M.R. Kidd, R.J. Takiari Con: M.J. Lang (3) | Tries: J. Morice, H. Reedy Con: H.T. Roberts |
Island Reserve, Ōtorohanga Referee: L. R. Woodgate (Bay of Plenty) |
Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TF | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | South Canterbury | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 103 | 39 | +64 | 14 | 8 |
2 | Buller | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 64 | 40 | +24 | 9 | 6 |
3 | Nelson Bays | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 72 | 77 | −5 | 11 | 6 |
4 | Mid Canterbury | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 50 | 55 | −5 | 6 | 5 |
5 | West Coast | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 59 | 63 | −4 | 6 | 3 |
6 | North Otago | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 41 | 115 | −74 | 6 | 2 |
7 June 1976 |
Buller | 9–14 | Nelson Bays |
Tries: C.F. Cochrane Con: G.W. Hart | Tries: S.W. Robertson, P.A. Burgess, R. Neighbours Con: M. Hodgson |
Victoria Square, Westport Referee: J. G. MacDonald (North Otago) |
17 July 1976 |
Nelson Bays | 17–14 | Mid Canterbury |
Tries: C.C. Haigh (2) Pen: W.B. Lucre (3) | Tries: Peter MacGregor, M.H.L. Tapley Pen: M.H.L. Tapley (2) |
Trafalgar Park, Nelson Referee: L. Auckram (Horowhenua) |
21 July 1976 |
Buller | 6–7 | Mid Canterbury |
Pen: G.W. Hart (2) | Tries: M.H.L. Tapley Pen: M.H.L. Tapley |
Victoria Square, Westport Referee: T. K. Armstrong (Canterbury) |
24 July 1976 |
West Coast | 9–9 | Mid Canterbury |
Tries: G.J. Cook Con: R.F. Nelson | Pen: M.H.L. Tapley |
Cass Square, Hokitika Referee: P. R. Harpur (King Country) |
31 July 1976 |
West Coast | 6–16 | Buller |
Pen: R.F. Nelson | Tries: C.A. Fussell, P.G. Alexander Con: G.W. Hart |
Rugby Park, Greymouth Referee: G. Way (Thames Valley) |
7 August 1976 |
Nelson Bays | 24–3 | North Otago |
Tries: S.W. Robertson, W.B. Lucre, C.C. Haigh, G. Organ Con: W.B. Lucre | Pen: P.R. Whyte |
Rugby Park, Motueka Referee: R. A. Brown (Wairarapa Bush) |
14 August 1976 |
Mid Canterbury | 17–13 | North Otago |
Tries: A.J. Grieve (2), M.H.L. Tapley Con: M.H.L. Tapley | Tries: R.J. May, P.R. Whyte Con: P.R. Whyte |
Showgrounds, Ashburton Referee: L. M. Craven (Marlborough) |
14 August 1976 |
South Canterbury | 15–9 | West Coast |
Tries: R.S. Heron Con: D.A. Nicol | Tries: C.R. Skates Con: R.F. Nelson |
Fraser Park, Timaru Referee: K. McLoughlin (Otago) |
17 August 1976 |
North Otago | 16–7 | West Coast |
Tries: P. Johnson, P.R. Whyte, W.J. Cooper Con: P.R. Whyte (2) | Tries: B.G. Davidson Pen: R.F. Nelson |
Centennial Park, Oamaru Referee: M. Jarvis (Southland) |
21 August 1976 |
Buller | 14–7 | South Canterbury |
Tries: A.M. Mundy (2), J.R. Dickson Con: G.W. Hart | Tries: R.S. Heron Pen: D.A. Nicol |
Victoria Square, Westport Referee: R. C. Francis (Wairarapa Bush) |
24 August 1976 |
Nelson Bays | 10–23 | South Canterbury |
Tries: G.J. Lummis Pen: W.B. Lucre (2) | Tries: P.J. Grant, R.S. Heron, A.M. McLaren Con: D.A. Nicol |
Trafalgar Park, Nelson Referee: B. G. Whale (Wairarapa Bush) |
4 September 1976 |
Mid Canterbury | 3–10 | South Canterbury |
Pen: M.H.L. Tapley | Tries: R.S. Heron Pen: D.A. Nicol |
Showgrounds, Ashburton Referee: A. Creighton (Otago) |
4 September 1976 |
Nelson Bays | 7–28 | West Coast |
Tries: C.C. Haigh Pen: W.B. Lucre | Tries: G.J. Cook (2), J.A. Steffan Con: R.F. Nelson (2) |
Trafalgar Park, Nelson Referee: A. W. Lilley (Mid Canterbury) |
11 September 1976 |
South Canterbury | 48–3 | North Otago |
Tries: R.S. Heron (2), G.D. Hannan (2), I.D. Palmer, A.M. McLaren, N.F. Richards, Paul Hewitson Con: D.A. Nicol (5) | Pen: P.R. Whyte |
Fraser Park, Timaru Referee: M. Jarvis (Southland) |
18 September 1976 |
North Otago | 6–19 | Buller |
Tries: Richard McNamara Con: B. Simpson | Tries: A.M. Mundy (2), L.W. Kearns Con: T.G. Aldridge |
Centennial Park, Oamaru Referee: A. Gormack (Southland) |
As North Auckland came last in Division 1, the unbeaten winners of Division 2 (North Island), Taranaki, were promoted to Division 1 to replace them.
South Canterbury won Division 2 (South Island), giving them a promotion play-off against Southland; they lost the game 24–11 remained in Division 2.
The provinces of the Colony of New Zealand existed as a form of sub-national government. Initially established in 1846 when New Zealand was a Crown colony without responsible government, two provinces were first created. Each province had its own legislative council and governor. With the passing of the New Zealand Constitution Act 1852 the provinces were recreated around the six planned settlements or "colonies". By 1873 the number of provinces had increased to nine, but they had become less isolated from each other and demands for centralised government arose. In 1875 the New Zealand Parliament decided to abolish the provincial governments, and they came to an end in November 1876. They were superseded by counties, which were later replaced by territorial authorities.
The National Provincial Championship, often simply called the NPC, is an annual round-robin rugby union competition in men's domestic New Zealand rugby. First played during the 2006 season, it is the second highest level of competition in New Zealand alongside the Ranfurly Shield. It is organised by New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and since 2021, it has been known as the Bunnings NPC after its headline sponsor. A concurrent women's tournament is also held, the Farah Palmer Cup.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) is the governing body of rugby union in New Zealand. It was founded in 1892 as the New Zealand Rugby Football Union (NZRFU), 12 years after the first provincial unions in New Zealand. In 1949 it became an affiliate to the International Rugby Football Board, now known as World Rugby, the governing body of rugby union for the world. It dropped the word "Football" from its name in 2006. The brand name New Zealand Rugby was adopted in 2013. Officially, it is an incorporated society with the name New Zealand Rugby Union Incorporated.
The Canterbury Rugby Football Union is the governing body for rugby union in a portion of the Canterbury region of New Zealand. Its colours are red and black in a hooped design. The CRFU govern the running of the Canterbury representative team which have won New Zealand's first-tier domestic competition National Provincial Championship 14 times including a "six-peat" from 2008 to 2013 – with five in the National Provincial Championship, two in the Air New Zealand Cup, five in the ITM Cup and one in the Mitre 10 Cup. Their most recent victory was the 2017 Mitre 10 Cup. Canterbury also acts as a primary feeder to the Crusaders, who play in the Super Rugby competition.
The following lists events that happened during 1900 in New Zealand.
The following lists events that happened during 1908 in New Zealand.
The 2006 Air New Zealand Cup was the inaugural season of the National Provincial Championship, contested by teams from New Zealand. The season ran from July to October 2006. At the end of the regular season, the top six teams were joined in the quarter-finals by the top team from each of the repechage routes, with the winners going through to the semi-finals. The winner of each semi-final qualified for the final, which was contested between Waikato and Wellington; Waikato won 37–31 to claim the first Air New Zealand Cup title.
The Tasman Rugby Union is the governing body for rugby union in Tasman Bay / Te Tai-o-Aorere, a bay at the north end of the South Island in New Zealand. Headquartered in Nelson, TRU is New Zealand's newest provincial union, founded in 2006 with the amalgamation of the existing Marlborough and Nelson Bays sub unions.
Rugby union has been played in New Zealand since 1870 and is the most popular sport in the country as well as being its national sport.
The Waikato Rugby Union (WRU) is the official governing body of rugby union in the Waikato area in the North Island of New Zealand. Headquartered in Hamilton, WRU was founded in 1921.
The National Provincial Championship, often simply called the NPC, was an annual promotion and relegation rugby union competition in men's domestic New Zealand rugby. First played during the 1976 season, it was the highest level of competition in New Zealand until Super Rugby launched in 1996. It was organised by New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and ceased following the 2005 season.
The Heartland Championship competition, known for sponsorship reasons as the Bunnings Warehouse Heartland Championship, is a domestic rugby union competition in New Zealand. It was founded in 2006 as one of two successor competitions to the country's former domestic competition, the National Provincial Championship (NPC). The country's 27 provincial teams were split into two separate competitions. Thirteen of the original teams, plus one merged side created from two other teams, entered the new top-level professional competition, the Air New Zealand Cup. The remaining 12 sides entered the new Heartland Championship, whose teams contest two distinct trophies, both named after famous New Zealand players:
The following lists events that happened during 1890 in New Zealand.
The 2009 Air New Zealand Cup was the 33rd provincial rugby union competition, the fourth since the competition's reconstruction in 2006, involving the top 14 provincial unions in New Zealand. It ran for 15 weeks from 30 July to 7 November. It was also the last edition of the provincial competition to use the Air New Zealand Cup name, as the competition's sponsorship contract with Air New Zealand ended after that season. The 2010 competition will be held under a new name, the ITM Cup.
The 1978 season was the third year of the National Provincial Championship (NPC), a provincial rugby union competition in New Zealand. Wellington were the winners of Division 1.
The 1979 season was the fourth year of the National Provincial Championship (NPC), a provincial rugby union competition in New Zealand. Counties were the winners of Division 1.
The 2010 ITM Cup season was the fifth season of New Zealand's provincial rugby union competition since it turned professional in 2006. The regular season began on July 29, when Taranaki hosted Northland. It involved the top fourteen rugby unions of New Zealand. For sponsorship reasons, the competition was known as the ITM Cup and it was the first season under the lead sponsor. The winner of the competition, Canterbury was promoted along with the top seventh placed teams to the Premiership, the bottom seventh placed teams were relegated to the Championship.
The 1998 New Zealand rugby league season was the 91st season of rugby league that had been played in New Zealand. The main feature of the year was the National Provincial competition that was run by the New Zealand Rugby League. Auckland won the National Provincial Competition by defeating Canterbury 44-8 while Waikato ended the season holding the Rugby League Cup.
The 2018 Mitre 10 Cup season was the thirteenth season of New Zealand's provincial rugby union competition since it turned professional in 2006. The regular season began on August 16, when North Harbour hosted Northland. It involved the top fourteen rugby unions of New Zealand. For sponsorship reasons, the competition was known as the Mitre 10 Cup and it was the third season under the lead sponsor. The winner of the Championship, Waikato was promoted to the Premiership, the seventh placed Premiership team, Taranaki was relegated to the Championship.
Taranaki are a New Zealand professional rugby union team based in New Plymouth, New Zealand. The union was originally established in 1889, with the National Provincial Championship established in 1976. They now play in the reformed National Provincial Championship competition. They play their home games at TET Stadium & Events Centre in Inglewood and Yarrow Stadium in the Taranaki region. The team is affiliated with the Chiefs Super Rugby franchise. Their home playing colours are amber and black.