Highlanders Across the Provinces: Your NPC Round 1 Preview

Welcome to your weekly NPC Preview! 

We know you’ve been missing rugby just like us and the wait is nearly over – this weekend the 50th anniversary Bunnings NPC season gets underway. Highlanders supporters will once again be able to follow their favourite Highlanders players representing 13 of the 14 provinces across New Zealand.  

Round one offers a storyline close to all Highlanders hearts – the 250th game between Otago and Southland, which also happens to be the infamous Stag Day in Southland.  

While the Super Rugby Pacific season has concluded the NPC provides opportunities for players to gain valuable game time, return from injuries, continue their development and show they are ready for the next level of rugby come the Super Rugby Pacific season. With 44 players selected for higher duties in the All Blacks squad to South Africa there will be even more opportunity for players’ to put their hands up 

Congratulations to the three capped Highlanders, and one soon to be Highlander, who have been selected for the All Blacks' ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour’ to South Africa: 

• Ethan de Groot  

• Fabian Holland  

• Josh Jacomb  

• Timoci Tavatavanawai 

Players to watch in Round 1: 

Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (Taranaki) 

Fresh off another impressive Super Rugby Pacific campaign, one of the competition's most dangerous attacking players. 

Sean Withy (Southland) 

Returns as Stags’ captain and one of the NPC's premier loose forwards. 

Lucas Casey (Otago) 

Will be expected to play a leading role for Otago following his breakout Highlanders season.  

Adam Lennox (Taranaki) 

One of the competition's most exciting halfbacks coming fresh off the Māori All Blacks tour of Japan.  

Round 1: Stag Day 

A feature match in Round 1 for Highlanders Fans is the iconic ‘Stag Day’ Match where Southland host  in Invercargill. There are few NPC rivalries that carry as much weight as the one between the neighbouring  of Otago and Southland. This year's Stag Day carries even greater significance, marking the 250th meeting between the two provinces. Thousands of supporters are expected to descend on Rugby Park fort his historic occasion.  

Both Otago and Southland have  significant numbers of Highlanders squad members.  

Standout Highlanders for Southland to watch are Sean Withy, Jack Taylor, Mitchell Dunshea and Mika Muliana (recently returned from the U20 World Cup in South Africa) 

Standout Highlanders for Otago to watch are Henry Bell, Jake Te Hiwi, Jona Nareki, Josh Whaanga, Saula Ma’u, Will Stodart and Lucas Casey.  

Matches in Round 1  

• Thursday, 30 July
  • Waikato vs Bay of Plenty – 7:10pm (FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton)
• Friday, 31 July
  • Tasman vs North Harbour – 7:10pm (Trafalgar Park, Nelson)
• Saturday, 1 August
  • Counties Manukau vs Taranaki – 2:05pm (Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe)
  • Southland vs Otago – 5:05pm (Rugby Park, Invercargill)
  • Canterbury vs Auckland – 7:10pm (One NZ Stadium, Christchurch)
• Sunday, 2 August
  • Northland vs Manawatū – 2:05pm (Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei)
  • Wellington vs Hawke's Bay – 5:05pm (Hnry Stadium, Wellington
    

• Sky Coverage: Every match is broadcast live on Sky's subscription television and streaming platforms.

With Highlanders players spread across the country, the NPC promises plenty for supporters to follow over the coming months. From returning All Blacks and emerging talent to one of provincial rugby's great rivalries, round 1 provides an exciting start to another NPC campaign - especially for Highlanders fans.