2026 NRFL Leagues
| Season | 2026 |
|---|---|
← 2025 2027 → | |
The 2026 NRFL Leagues is the 62nd and 60th seasons respectively of the NRFL Championship and NRFL Conference, football competitions in New Zealand. Established in 1965, currently twelve teams compete in the Championship while 8 teams compete in the Northern and Southern sections of the Conference League.
Northern League
The Northern League sits above the two NRFL Divisions and is also overseen by Northern Region Football, despite being run by New Zealand Football as part of the New Zealand National League.
Twelve teams are competing in the league – the top ten teams from the previous season and the two teams promoted from the NRFL Championship. The promoted teams are Manukau United and Melville United.[1] Manukau United return after a two-year absence, while Melville United return after one. They replaced Manurewa and West Coast Rangers (both relegated after a three-year Northern League spell).[2]
Northern League table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Auckland United | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 3 | Winner of Northern League and qualification to National League Championship |
| 2 | Auckland City | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | +3 | 3 | Qualification to National League Championship |
| 3 | Fencibles United | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 3 | |
| 4 | Auckland FC Reserves[a] | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 3 | |
| 5 | Birkenhead United | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 3 | |
| 6 | East Coast Bays | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| 7 | Tauranga City | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| 8 | Eastern Suburbs | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | −1 | 0 | |
| 9 | Manukau United | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | −1 | 0 | |
| 10 | Bay Olympic | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | −2 | 0 | |
| 11 | Melville United | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | −3 | 0 | Relegation to NRFL Championship |
| 12 | Western Springs | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | −3 | 0 |
Updated to match(es) played on 22 March 2026. Source: NRF
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored; 4) Goals against; 5) Head to head; 6) Disciplinary record; 7) Coin toss[4]
Notes:
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored; 4) Goals against; 5) Head to head; 6) Disciplinary record; 7) Coin toss[4]
Notes:
- ^ Auckland FC Reserves gain automatic entry into the National League Championship phase and cannot be relegated due to the A-League Men requirements.[3]
Championship
| Season | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Dates | March 2026 – September 2026 |
← 2025 2027 → | |
Each team can field a maximum of six foreign players as well as one additional foreign player who has Oceania Football Confederation nationality.
Championship teams
Twelve teams are competing in the league – nine teams from the previous season, the two teams relegated from the 2025 Northern League and one team promoted from the NRFL Conference. The relegated teams were Manurewa and West Coast Rangers,[5] while the promoted team is Taupo.[6] Manukau United were promoted alongside Melville United, while Ngaruawahia United were relegated.[7]
| Team | Location | Stadium | 2024 season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge | Cambridge | John Kerkhof Park | 4th |
| Ellerslie | Ellerslie, Auckland | Michaels Avenue | 9th |
| Hamilton Wanderers | Chartwell, Hamilton | Porritt Stadium | 5th |
| Hibiscus Coast | Whangaparaoa, Auckland | Stanmore Bay Park | 6th |
| Manurewa | Manurewa, Auckland | War Memorial Park | 11th in Northern League (relegated) |
| Mount Albert-Ponsonby | Mount Albert, Auckland | Anderson Park | 11th |
| North Shore United | Devonport, Auckland | Allen Hill Stadium | 8th |
| Northern Rovers | Glenfield, Auckland | McFetridge Park | 3rd |
| Onehunga Mangere United | Māngere Bridge, Auckland | Māngere Domain | 7th |
| Takapuna | Takapuna, Auckland | Taharoto Park | 10th |
| Taupo | Tauhara, Taupō | Crown Park | 1st in Southern Conference (promoted via play-offs) |
| West Coast Rangers | Whenuapai, Auckland | Fred Taylor Park | 12th in Northern League (relegated) |
Championship personnel and kits
| Team | Manager | Captain |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge | Jordan Shaw[8] | |
| Ellerslie | Ben Fletcher[9] | Seb Poelman[10] |
| Hamilton Wanderers | Joseph Hinds[11] | |
| Hibiscus Coast | Nathan Cranney[12] | |
| Manurewa | Tashreeq Davids[13] | |
| Mount Albert-Ponsonby | Sammy Negash[14] | Lewis Black |
| North Shore United | Dave Fahy[15] | |
| Northern Rovers | Daniel Donegan[16] | |
| Onehunga Mangere United | Paul Marshall[17] | |
| Takapuna | Daniel Semp[18] | |
| Taupo | ||
| West Coast Rangers | Chad Coombes[19] |
Championship table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northern Rovers | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | +4 | 3 | Promotion to Northern League |
| 2 | Takapuna | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 3 | +2 | 3 | |
| 3 | Taupo | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 3 | |
| 4 | North Shore United | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 3 | |
| 5 | Ellerslie | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | |
| 6 | Manurewa | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | |
| 7 | Hamilton Wanderers | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| 8 | West Coast Rangers | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| 9 | Hibiscus Coast | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | −1 | 0 | |
| 10 | Cambridge | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 5 | −2 | 0 | |
| 11 | Mount Albert-Ponsonby | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | −2 | 0 | |
| 12 | Onehunga Mangere United | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 | −4 | 0 | Relegation to NRFL Conference |
Updated to match(es) played on 21 March 2026. Source: Northern Region Football[20]
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored; 4) Goals against; 5) Head to head; 6) Disciplinary record; 7) Coin toss[21]
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored; 4) Goals against; 5) Head to head; 6) Disciplinary record; 7) Coin toss[21]
Championship results table
Northern Conference
| Season | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Dates | March 2026 - September 2026 |
← 2025 2027 → | |
Northern Conference teams
Eight teams are competing in the league – seven teams from the previous season and the champions of the 2025 NRF League One. The promoted team is Te Atatu.[22] Franklin United were relegated.[23]
| Team | Location | Stadium | 2025 season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albany United | Albany, Auckland | Rosedale Park | 6th |
| Beachlands Maraetai | Beachlands, Auckland | Te Puru Park | 7th |
| Bucklands Beach | Bucklands Beach | Lloyd Elsmore Park | 3rd |
| Central United | Sandringham, Auckland | Kiwitea Street | 2nd |
| Metro | Mount Albert, Auckland | Phyllis Street Reserve | 5th |
| Northland | Morningside, Whangarei | Morningside Park | 1st |
| Te Atatu | Te Atatū Peninsula, Auckland | Te Atatū Peninsula Park | 1st in NRF League One (promoted) |
| Waitemata | Te Atatū South, Auckland | McLeod Park | 4th |
Northern Conference table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Albany United | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Qualification for Conference play-offs |
| 2 | Beachlands Maraetai | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 3 | Bucklands Beach | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 4 | Central United | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 5 | Metro | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 6 | Northland | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 7 | Te Atatu | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 8 | Waitemata | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Relegation to NRF League One |
First match(es) will be played: March 2026. Source: Northern Region Football[24]
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored; 4) Goals against; 5) Head to head; 6) Disciplinary record; 7) Coin toss[21]
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored; 4) Goals against; 5) Head to head; 6) Disciplinary record; 7) Coin toss[21]
Northern Conference results table
Southern Conference
| Season | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Dates | March 2026 - September 2026 |
← 2025 2027 → | |
Southern Conference teams
Eight teams are competing in the league – six teams from the previous season, one team relegated from the NRFL Championship and one team from WaiBOP League One. The relegated team is Ngaruawahia United,[7] while the promoted side is yet to be confirmed. West Hamilton United were relegated.
| Team | Location | Stadium | 2025 season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claudelands Rovers | Claudelands, Hamilton | Galloway Park | 4th |
| Matamata Swifts | Matamata | Matamata Domain | 6th |
| Ngaruawahia United | Ngāruawāhia | Centennial Park, Ngāruawāhia | 12th in Championship (relegated) |
| Ngongotahā Lakes[A] | Ngongotahā, Rotorua | Tamarahi Reserve | 7th |
| Northern United | Rototuna North, Hamilton | Korikori Park | 2nd |
| Otumoetai | Matua, Tauranga | Fergusson Park | 3rd |
| Papamoa | Papamoa Beach, Papamoa | Gordon Spratt Reserve | 5th |
| TBC | TBC | TBC | TBC |
- ^ Ngongotaha AFC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Lakes FC at the end of the 2022 season to have a combined team for the 2023 season onwards.[25]
Southern Conference table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Claudelands Rovers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Qualification for Conference play-offs |
| 2 | Matamata Swifts | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 3 | Ngaruawahia United | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 4 | Ngongotahā Lakes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 5 | Northern United | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 6 | Otumoetai | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 7 | Papamoa | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 8 | TBC | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Relegation to WaiBOP League One |
First match(es) will be played: March 2026. Source: Northern Region Football[26]
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored; 4) Goals against; 5) Head to head; 6) Disciplinary record; 7) Coin toss[21]
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored; 4) Goals against; 5) Head to head; 6) Disciplinary record; 7) Coin toss[21]
Southern Conference results table
Women's Premiership
The NRFL Women's Premiership acts as a qualifier for the New Zealand Women's National League.
Eight teams are competing in the league – the top seven teams from the previous season and the promoted side from the 2025 NRFL Championship. The promoted team is Franklin United as winners of the NRFL Championship.[27] They replaced Northern Rovers.[28]
Women's Premiership table
2026 New Zealand Women's National League
Women's Championship
| Season | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Dates | April 2026 – September 2026 |
← 2025 2027 → | |
Women's Championship teams
Eight teams are competing in the league – six teams from the previous season, the one team relegated from the 2025 NRFL Premiership, Hibiscus Coast,[29] and one team promoted from the NRF Women's Conference as play-off winners. The promoted team is Uni-Mount Bohemian.[30] Melville United were promoted,[31] while Central United were relegated.[30]
| Team | Location | Stadium | 2025 season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birkenhead United | Beach Haven, Auckland | Shepherds Park | 4th |
| Cambridge | Cambridge | John Kerkhof Park | 5th |
| Franklin United | Drury | Drury Sports Grounds | 2nd |
| Hibiscus Coast | Whangaparāoa, Auckland | Stanmore Bay Park | 8th in NRFL Women's Premiership (relegated) |
| Northern Rovers | Glenfield, Auckland | McFetridge Park | 7th |
| Onehunga Mangere United | Māngere Bridge, Auckland | Māngere Domain | 6th |
| Onehunga Sports | Onehunga, Auckland | Waikaraka Park | 3rd |
| Uni-Mount Bohemian | Mount Wellington, Auckland | Bill McKinlay Park | 1st in NRF League One (promoted via play-offs) |
Women's Championship table
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Birkenhead United | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Promotion to NRFL Women's Premiership |
| 2 | Cambridge | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 3 | Franklin United | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 4 | Hibiscus Coast | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 5 | Northern Rovers | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 6 | Onehunga Mangere United | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 7 | Onehunga Sports | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 8 | Uni-Mount Bohemian | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Relegation to NRF Women's Conference/WaiBOP W-League |
First match(es) will be played: April 2026. Source: Northern Region Football[32]
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored; 4) Goals against; 5) Head to head; 6) Disciplinary record; 7) Coin toss[21]
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored; 4) Goals against; 5) Head to head; 6) Disciplinary record; 7) Coin toss[21]
Women's Championship results table
References
- ^ "Manukau United and Melville United secure returns to Dettol Northern League". friendsoffootballnz.com. 31 August 2025. Retrieved 30 December 2025.
- ^ "Western Springs make history with title-winning Northern League season". friendsoffootballnz.com. 31 August 2025. Retrieved 30 December 2025.
- ^ "National League Regulations 2022: Article 12". New Zealand Football. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
- ^ "National League Regulations 2026". New Zealand Football. Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- ^ "Western Springs win Northern League title". NZ Sports Wire. 3 October 2025. Retrieved 18 February 2026.
- ^ "Taupo clinch promotion to Lotto NRFL Men's Championship with play-off win". friendsoffootballnz.com. 20 September 2025. Retrieved 18 February 2026.
- ^ a b "Manukau United and Melville United secure returns to Dettol Northern League". friendsoffootballnz.com. 31 August 2025. Retrieved 18 February 2026.
- ^ "Cambridge appoint Jordan Shaw as head coach for club's 75th anniversary season". friendsoffootballnz.com. 28 October 2022. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
- ^ "Ben Fletcher signs on for fourth season as Ellerslie's NRFL Championship coach". friendsoffootballnz.com. 14 January 2025. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
- ^ "NRFL MENS PLAYER SIGNINGS". Ellerslie AFC Instagram. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
- ^ "Hamilton Wanderers sign English midfielder Jay Glover for new season". friendsoffootballnz.com. 4 March 2025. Retrieved 4 March 2025.
- ^ "Nathan Cranney to lead Hibiscus Coast for another NRFL Men's Championship". friendsoffootballnz.com. 11 February 2025. Retrieved 24 February 2025.
- ^ "Manurewa re-appoint Tashreeq Davids for next season's Championship campaign". friendsoffootballnz.com. 18 November 2025. Retrieved 8 January 2026.
- ^ "Sammy Negash joins Mt Albert Ponsonby for new men's Championship campaign". friendsoffootballnz.com. 20 November 2024. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
- ^ "Dave Fahy to lead North Shore United's next NRFL Championship campaign". friendsoffootballnz.com. 17 October 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
- ^ "Northern Rovers appoint Daniel Donegan as men's head coach for next season". friendsoffootballnz.com. 18 October 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
- ^ "Paul Marshall returns to Onehunga Mangere United as head coach". friendsoffootballnz.com. 5 December 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
- ^ "Takapuna's Daniel Semp appointed for second season as men's first team coach". friendsoffootballnz.com. 30 October 2024. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
- ^ "Here's an early Christmas present for all to share". West Coast Rangers. 22 December 2023. Retrieved 29 March 2024 – via Instagram.
- ^ Northern Region Football
- ^ a b c d "LOTTO NRFL Regulations 2026". Northern Region Football. Retrieved 8 January 2026.
- ^ "PREVIEW: Te Atatu to return to Lotto NRFL Northern Conference at first attempt". friendsoffootballnz.com. 29 August 2025. Retrieved 18 February 2026.
- ^ "Franklin United confirms coaching appointments". Counties Sports Hub. 19 January 2026. Retrieved 18 February 2026.
- ^ Northern Region Football
- ^ "Clubs form partnership to compete in new Lotto NRFL Southern Conference". friendsoffootballnz.com. 11 December 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
- ^ Northern Region Football
- ^ "Coasting to victory". Northern Region Football. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
- ^ "Title-winners end season with 3-0 win at relegated Tauranga City". friendsoffootballnz.com. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
- ^ "High-flying sides to meet in promotion series for NRFL Women's Championship". friendsoffootballnz.com. 13 September 2025. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
- ^ a b "Uni-Mount Bohemians seal promotion to Lotto NRFL Women's Championship". friendsoffootballnz.com. 21 September 2025. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
- ^ "Melville cement their first women's northern league championship title". Melville United AFC. 27 August 2025. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
- ^ Northern Region Football