Format of NPC to be retained

The format of the men’s national provincial competition (NPC) will remain unchanged for at least another year.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has been pushing for change since late last year, but ran out of time to convince key stakeholders to pull the trigger on change for the 2021 season.

‘‘We had been active in suggesting that change was positive for a number of different reasons for 2021. However, there is strong consideration for that change to be made in 2022 onwards,’’ NZR boss Mark Robinson said yesterday.

The NZR Players’ Association and broadcaster Sky are two key stakeholders who must give the green light for change. NZR and the provincial unions have been entertaining a major revamp since early November, including potentially splitting the 14-team competition into North and South pools.

The current format, which includes a premiership and championship with a promotion-relegation system, has been in play since 2011, but a review into the provincial game, known as the Nga Miro Report, recommended changes.

Canterbury coach Reuben Thorne and Wellington counterpart Leo Crowley have both expressed a desire for the premiership and championship model to be axed, meaning all 14 teams are eligible to win the title.

Status quo confirms promotion for Hawke’s Bay into the premiership, while demoted North Harbour will replace the Magpies in the championship.

As confirmed last December, the Farah Palmer Cup, which operated in a North-South format last year, will revert to its old model this year, and the Heartland Championship will return in its usual form after a year off.