News

The biggest structural change to Counties Manukau club rugby in nearly two decades will take place next season with a major change to men’s rugby.

Counties Manukau Rugby’s Community Rugby Committee has decided to change the men’s competition structure from the current model of premier, premier reserves and championship grades to a return to the three-division format of eight teams in each grade with promotion and relegation.

That means a current championship team will have the ability to move into the McNamara Cup (first division) next season, while a second championship side will move into the Bob Chandler Cup (second division) as well.

Teams will be given a year of grace to settle into the new grades before automatic promotion and relegation will take place in 2026.

Counties Manukau Head of Community Rugby, Matt Megaw, shared his enthusiasm about engaging with clubs on the future direction of the senior men’s competition. “Connecting with the clubs has been invaluable as we plan the way forward,” he said. “The Club Leaders meeting fostered a robust discussion around various competition formats, and the feedback from clubs made it clear that change is needed.” He added, “We’re excited about the direction we’re taking and look forward to seeing these changes take shape as we work to strengthen our competition.”