The Air New Zealand Cup was previously named the National Provincial Championship, its abbreviation of NPC, or for sponsorship reasons as the Air New Zealand NPC.

The Air New Zealand Cup is held annually. 14 provincial teams participate, and they each play ten round-robin games; this means that each side misses playing three others.

Table points are earned for winning, drawing, losing by seven points or less, and by scoring four or more tries.

The top eight teams at the end of the round robin then play a quarter-finals round, followed by semi-finals, and then the final.

To get ready for the Air New Zealand Cup, start supporting your favourite team by purchasing their rugby gear.

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