Canterbury NPC 2026 finals campaign

The story so far

Canterbury opened this stretch with a 34-21 win over Southland at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch, though All Blacks lock Jamie Hannah was lost to a concussion during the match.^{26 Sep} Canterbury finished top of the National Provincial Championship table, which gave them a home quarterfinal against Waikato.^{4 Oct} Canterbury beat Waikato 62-26 in that quarterfinal, with hooker Brodie McAlister scoring a first-half hat-trick.^{11 Oct} Canterbury then beat Taranaki 38-28 in the semifinal, holding on against a spirited comeback attempt from the visitors.^{18 Oct} The defending champions will face Northland in the final in Christchurch, seeking consecutive titles, after Northland beat Otago 38-19 to reach it.^{18, 21, 26 Oct}

Latest

Chay Fihaki, George Bell and Jamie Hannah are set to return to the Canterbury side for the final.^{21 Oct} The final is part of the competition's 50th anniversary season, and Northland reached it by beating Otago 38-19.^{26 Oct}

What's next

Canterbury host Northland in the NPC final at One NZ Stadium on Labour Day, Monday.^{18, 21, 26 Oct}

Key moments

1. 26 SepCanterbury beat Southland 34-21, but Jamie Hannah was concussed.
2. 4 OctCanterbury finish top of the NPC table and host Waikato.
3. 11 OctCanterbury thrash Waikato 62-26; McAlister scores first-half hat-trick.
4. 18 OctCanterbury beat Taranaki 38-28 to reach the NPC final.
5. 21 OctFihaki, Bell and Hannah return for the final; Canterbury seek consecutive titles.
6. 26 OctNorthland beat Otago 38-19 to set up the Christchurch final.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.