Provincial rugby has rebranded in a year full of anniversaries, but left some fans surprised at the sudden change.
Before the NPC draw this week, a new logo appeared on Bunnings Provincial Rugby social media channels that featured the outline of a shield with a parallelogram in the middle.
Both features of the logo have thin horizontal lines in a range of colours.
A New Zealand Rugby (NZR) spokesperson said the new logo is part of the overarching brand and was released in time for the NPC schedule announcement.
“The logo itself represents the NPC, Farah Palmer Cup and Heartland Championship,” the spokesperson said.
“Each competition will have its own logo and an associated colour palette.
A new logo appeared on Bunnings Provincial Rugby social media channels this week. Photo / Bunnings Provincial Rugby
“The shapes of each logo are represented in this overarching provincial rugby logo, with the team colours of the [provincial unions] in each competition represented here too.”
Reaction to the logo was mixed, with commenters on the Facebook post describing it as a “new cat door” while others questioned what it was supposed to be.
The logo specifically for the NPC has been released as well, with retro lettering and an acknowledgment of this being the competition’s 50th year.
“Our NPC logo and associated colours have evolved several times throughout the history of our domestic competitions,” the spokesperson said.
“In late 2025, we began exploring a brand refresh, with the aim of creating a long-lasting look and feel, while acknowledging two significant milestones marked this year: 50 years of the NPC and 20 years of the Heartland Championship.”
The NZR spokesperson said it is still in the early stages of developing elements of the brand and aspects will continue to evolve throughout the season.
The NPC has had its logo updated for its 50th season. Photo / NZ Rugby
Each competition is expected to have its own logo.
The release of the NPC draw this week revealed the Wellington Lions will return to the now named Hnry Stadium in Wellington city after moving to Porirua Park last season because the team struggled to fill the larger venue.
The regular season kicks off on July 31 and runs through to October 4, with the grand final to be held on the weekend of October 24.
