An accessible, family-friendly approach is the aim of the game for the Counties Manukau Steelers’ 2026 NPC campaign.
According to the team’s recently released schedule, there will be more afternoon matches at Navigation Homes Stadium. This should help Counties Manukau Rugby Football Union (CMRFU) to nurture its grass roots, CEO Chad Shepherd expects.
“Our home games are where our community comes together, where our players draw their energy, and where we continue to build something special. We are committed to elevating the in-stadium experience – creating an environment that is vibrant [and] family-friendly,” he says.
“We want our community to feel proud, connected, and part of every moment. When our stand and banks are full and our people are behind us, there is no better place in provincial rugby.”
Kicking off on August 1 at 2.05pm, the Steelers’ regular season begins and ends in Pukekohe, facing (respectively) Taranaki and Hawke’s Bay.
However, effectively every game can be at home, even when the team is on the road – for the first time in 30 years, NPC clashes will screen free to air. In addition to live games on Sky Sport, the competition will stream on TVNZ+ with some games also on TVNZ 1.
Recently re-signed Steelers’ coach, Reon Graham, is also pleased about the number of afternoon fixtures, but there will be no easy road to the top of the table.
“The NPC is always a very tough competition regardless of the draw. After a strong end to last year, then falling short in the quarterfinal, we can’t wait to get back out there and make our people proud.”
The Farah Palmer Cup and Heartland Championship schedules will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Child’s play
Underlining its commitment to grow talent locally, CMRFU is continuing the Junior Rugby Fee Subsidy Programme, intended to make rugby more affordable.
Launched in 2024, the initiative has supported thousands of junior registrations, resulting in a five per cent increase in player numbers and more teams being formed, the union’s head of community, Matt Megaw, confirmed.
“We’ve delivered $155,000 back to the community and that’ll top $200,000 by the end of the year. Being able to use it on junior rugby specifically is going to support those families in some way.”
This year, the programme is being extended to include all 16 junior clubs across the region, giving more children the opportunity to play rugby and experience its benefits, from building confidence and teamwork to staying active, Megaw said.
“Fees are a barrier, especially in our region. They’re completely zero-fees this year, [this] empowers clubs to make those calls, and kids can just walk in and play – that’s what it’s all about.”
