Farah Palmer Cup
In 2016, the Women’s Provincial Championship was renamed the Farah Palmer Cup in recognition of one of the most iconic figures in women’s rugby.
Professor Dame Farah Palmer is a global women’s rugby icon, having played 35 Test matches for the Black Ferns and representing Otago, Waikato and Manawatū at provincial level. In 2014, Dame Farah was inducted to the World Rugby Hall of Fame. In 2025, she was confirmed as one of New Zealand Rugby's three representatives on the World Rugby Council.
The Farah Palmer Cup is contested across two divisions, a Premiership Division and a Championship division made up of 6 teams. A round robin tournament across each division with opponents playing those in their respective division. Following the Round Robin stage, the top four teams compete for the Premiership title (Semi Finals and Final) and Championship Title (Semi Finals and Final).
The 2025 Farah Palmer Cup was contested in two divisions, a Premiership Division comprising 7 teams and a Championship division made up of 6 teams. Each division played a Round Robin against opponents in their respective division. Following the Round Robin stage, the top four teams competed for the FPC Premiership title (Semi Finals & Final) and FPC Championship Title (Semi Finals & Final). A total of 42 matches played over 9 weeks.
From 2026, the competition will transition to 12 teams with two pools of six teams. While promotion and relegation will not occur in 2026, both pools will be reset to ensure balance and competitive integrity.
Alongside the Farah Palmer Cup, teams also compete for the JJ Stewart Trophy, named after the former All Blacks coach and strong supporter of women’s rugby in New Zealand. This challenge trophy, much like the Ranfurly Shield, must be defended by the current trophy holders in each of their home matches during the regular season.
Find out more information about the Farah Palmer Cup, including draws and recent news.
