This years senior National Provincial Championships to be held at Parrs Park Oratia Auckland, will see not only the four league competing for representative honours but also two matches between Victorian Amateur Under 18's against New Zealand Under 20's.

The four senior leagues from Auckland, Canterbury, Waikato and Wellington will compete for national honours for the first time since September 2007. The past three tournaments have seen Auckland as victors and a healthy reserve grade competition has been an advantage they have secured over the same period.

The teams have a good quality of coaching staff with all inolved enjoying a back ground at an international level.

Andrew Congalton, New Zealand captain at both the 2005 and 2008 International Cups will take on the Auckland coaching position, whilst his predecessor from the 2002 campaign, John Jackson has the reigns at Wellington.

Jim Lucy with three International Cups under his belt in a coaching and adminstration level will target Waikato towards winning their first game at NPC level and new Canterbury coach Jason Ball was a team mate of those involved with the 2002 International Cup.

Meanwhile Victorian Amatuers have commenced an inaugural competition involving the Under 18 grade and will send a representative team from the age group to play New Zealand Under 20's in two matches over the weekend.

Teams will compete for the VAFA, AFL New Zealand Cup for what is hoped to be an ongoing association.

AFL Oceania Manager Andrew Cadzow will be present at the games as well as school tournaments leading to the Hawks Cup.

For a full itinerary for the weekend click here.

Further NPC Details