The NPC was introduced in 1976 to provide a meaningful national competition and revitalise provincial rugby.

Previously, individual unions arranged their own interprovincial fixtures on an ad-hoc basis with the Ranfurly Shield the only national trophy worth fighting for.

First won by Bay of Plenty in 1976, the NPC took a while to make its mark. Bob Howitt’s Rugby Annual was scathing in some of its criticisms, calling for more ‘oomph’ in the championship to lift excitement levels.

However, by the 1990s it had become an integral part of New Zealand’s rugby landscape.

The Wellington Lions have won the tile 6 times including 1978, 1981, 1986, 2000, 2022 and 2024.