Fans turn out and tune is as Hilux NPC marks 50 years

The Hilux NPC is enjoying a remarkable surge in audience numbers as the competition celebrates its 50th year, with a significant number of fans turning up and tuning in as provincial rugby enjoys a major lift in both attendance and broadcast audiences.

More than 70,000 fans have passed through the gates across the opening two rounds, with every Provincial Union hosting a home match. That represents an increase of more than 79 per cent compared with the first two rounds of the 2025 competition.

That momentum is also being reflected in broadcast audiences. The new broadcasting partnership between Sky and TVNZ has also delivered high audiences numbers, with 1.16 million viewers tuning in across Sky and TVNZ 1, while more than one million streams of NPC matches have been recorded across Sky Sport Now, Sky Go and TVNZ+.

Round three continues the celebration of 50 years of provincial rugby with Front Row Round, putting the spotlight on the props and hookers who have helped build the competition and the often unseen work at scrum, lineout and breakdown that can determine the outcome of a match. Provincial teams around the country are celebrating the front rowers of the past and present who have worn their colours.  

There is no shortage of action to accompany the celebrations. Northland host Taranaki in Whangārei tonight before Canterbury put the Ranfurly Shield on the line against Bay of Plenty on Saturday, just six days after claiming it from Otago. It will be Canterbury's first defence of its latest Shield tenure and adds another chapter to an already compelling start to the season.  

Also on Saturday, competition leaders Hawke's Bay take their unbeaten start to Eden Park to face Auckland, while on Sunday unbeaten Waikato head south to meet Southland. Hawke's Bay, Waikato and Canterbury were the only three unbeaten teams remaining after the opening two rounds, highlighting just how quickly the competition has tightened.  

With bigger crowds, growing broadcast audiences, the Ranfurly Shield already changing hands and some of provincial rugby's biggest rivalries still ahead, the Hilux NPC's 50th year is building significant momentum. 

View the full draw here: Hilux NPC

The Hilux Heartland Championship kicks off across the country tomorrow, with all six Round One matches taking place on Saturday. View the full draw here: Hilux Heartland Championship

The Farah Palmer Cup presented by Hilux gets underway on 29 August. View the full draw here:​​​​​​​ Farah Palmer Cup presented by Hilux