NPC 2025 playoffs

The story so far

The NPC quarter-final pitted third-placed Bay of Plenty against sixth-placed Tasman at Tauranga Domain, following the end of the regular season.^{11 Oct 2025} Canterbury beat Counties Manukau after extra time in their quarter-final to reach the semifinals.^{12 Oct 2025} Otago beat Bay of Plenty 41-17 in the semifinal at Forsyth Barr Stadium, their first final since 1998.^{17 Oct 2025} Canterbury also reached the final, which was set to be played against Otago at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch.^{18, 25 Oct 2025} At halftime in the final, Otago led Canterbury 14-10 and were seeking a double by winning the Ranfurly Shield.^{25 Oct 2025}

Latest

The newest development is the reveal that a national sprint champion performed inside Canterbury's mascot costume when Larry the Lamb won a half-time race at the final.^{29 Oct 2025}

Key moments

1. 12 Oct 2025Canterbury beat Counties Manukau after extra time, reaching the NPC semifinals.
2. 17 Oct 2025Otago beat Bay of Plenty 41-17, reaching their first final since 1998.
3. 18 Oct 2025Canterbury secured a place in the final against Otago.
4. 25 Oct 2025Otago held a 14-10 halftime lead in the final at Apollo Projects Stadium.
5. 29 Oct 2025Canterbury mascot Larry the Lamb won a half-time race; a sprint champion was inside.

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