New Zealand NPC 2026 sees Canadian players and Taranaki title bid

The 2026 National Provincial Championship (NPC) in New Zealand began with Waikato defeating Bay of Plenty 38‑26. The competition has drawn interest for the twelve Canadian internationals who have played in the NPC, including Tyler Ardron, Adam Kleeberger and Hubert Buydens, whose careers span from the mid‑1990s to recent seasons.

Taranaki enter the season as the second‑favorite behind Canterbury, with bookmakers offering odds of 9/2 against Canterbury's 5/2. The region, NPC champions in 2023, finished fifth in 2025 and now boasts a squad blending experience and new talent such as Suli Pahulu and Chris Vunipola. Head coach Jarrod Hoeata and All Black star Beauden Barrett are expected to lead Taranaki’s challenge for the 2026 title.