Auckland Storm gear up for a fresh Farah Palmer Cup era

The Auckland Storm are limbering up for a Farah Palmer Cup season that looks a little different, and full of promise.

As NZ Rugby confirmed, the 2026 competition moves to a 12-team model split into two pools of six, contesting Premiership and Championship honours. There is no promotion or relegation this year, with both pools reset to keep things balanced and competitive. Hannah Porter, NZR Head of Women's High Performance, said the change reflects the game's growth, noting the competition "continues to evolve in step with the growth of women's rugby."

The season schedule released by NZ Rugby has the campaign kicking off on 29 August 2026, with more than half of the matches staged as double-headers alongside National Provincial Championship fixtures. Interim General Manager Community Carl Moon welcomed that, saying "double-headers lift the matchday environment, with fans having the opportunity to watch the best of women's and men's provincial rugby in one day."

There is an early marquee assignment for the Storm. The same NZ Rugby preview confirms that in Week 2 the Auckland side heads south to face Waikato at FMG Stadium Waikato, with the JJ Stewart Trophy on the line, in a repeat of last season's Premiership semi-final.

That history gives the fixture real spice. The Storm know they can trouble the champions, having beaten Waikato 31-28 in the opening round of the 2025 season, a result reported by allblacks.com. They will also remember the flip side, falling to Waikato in the 2025 semi-final, so a trip to Hamilton to challenge for the JJ Stewart Trophy is exactly the kind of early test this group will relish.

Auckland has long been one of the powerhouses of women's provincial rugby, and the club's skill, speed and physicality are qualities the Auckland Rugby Union proudly highlights. With a fresh format to attack and silverware to chase from the very start, the Storm have every reason to be excited about what 2026 holds.

Roll on 29 August. Storm supporters will not have to wait long to see their side back in action.