The NPC is back for its 50th season, with Richie Mo'unga leading the homecomings

There is nothing quite like the start of provincial rugby, and this year carries an extra sparkle. New Zealand's national provincial championship celebrates its 50th season in 2026, and the footy is back this week.

The curtain-raiser is a good one. As rugbypass has the fixtures, Waikato host Bay of Plenty at FMG Stadium Waikato on Thursday night to get the season underway, before a full Round 1 that includes Tasman v North Harbour, Counties Manukau v Taranaki, Southland v Otago, Canterbury v Auckland, Northland v Manawatu and Wellington v Hawke's Bay.

Writing for 1News, Patrick McKendry marked the half-century with real affection. "The NPC, as it was called (and still is, mostly), was once the envy of the rugby world for its quality, the way it attracted and engaged supporters, and the way it prepared its players for the international arena," he wrote. Five decades on, it remains the place where local pride is worn on the sleeve and future All Blacks cut their teeth.

The headline homecoming belongs to Richie Mo'unga. The much-loved first five-eighth has returned to New Zealand, and rugbypass reported he has been named on the Canterbury bench, wearing the No.22 jersey, for Saturday's opener against Auckland. It will be his first game at Christchurch's new One New Zealand Stadium, and a lovely full-circle moment for a player who began his journey in the red and black.

Mo'unga has always been open about what the province means to him. "I can't wait to pull on the red and black jersey again and represent the province that's given me so much," he said when his return was announced by Canterbury Rugby.

There is a nice competitive twist too. As Planet Rugby explained, Mo'unga needs to play at least one NPC game for Canterbury to work his way back towards All Blacks eligibility later in the year, so every minute in the provincial jersey matters.

He will not be short of quality around him. rugbypass notes Andrew Knewstubb starts at first five, Chay Fihaki is at fullback, newly capped All Black Jamie Hannah packs down in the second row, Torian Barnes wears No.8 and Brodie McAlister captains the side from hooker.

Fifty seasons in, with homegrown heroes coming back and fresh faces to discover, the NPC still does what it has always done best. Grab a jacket, find your team, and enjoy the ride.