After playing through two Covid-disrupted seasons, change is in the air for the 2022 season with the Premiership and Championship divisions now a thing of the past. The two divisions have been replaced by two pools (odds and evens) with one champion to be crowned on Saturday 22 October. Read HERE for a full preview of the 2022 season.
Round one sees several classic rivalries resume with the highlight being the ‘Battle of the Bridge’ between Auckland and North Harbour on Saturday night at Eden Park.
Find your key match information and team lists below. NOTE: Teams are added as they are named. All matches are live on Sky Sport NZ.
Manawatū v Canterbury
Friday 5 August
7.05pm, Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North
Counties Manukau v Otago
Saturday 6 August
2.05pm, Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe
Waikato v Hawke’s Bay
Saturday 6 August
4.35pm, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Auckland v North Harbour
Saturday 6 August
7.05pm, Eden Park, Auckland
Taranaki v Northland
Sunday 7 August
2.05pm, Pukekura Park, New Plymouth
Tasman v Southland
Sunday 7 August
2.05pm, Landsdowne Park, Blenheim
Wellington v Bay of Plenty
Sunday 7 August
4.35pm, Sky Stadium, Wellington