About the Farah Palmer Cup
The history and features of the competition and media information.
Key Information
In 2016, the Women’s Provincial Championship was renamed the Farah Palmer Cup in recognition of one of the most iconic figures in women’s rugby.
Farah Palmer is a global women’s rugby icon, having played 35 Test matches for the Black Ferns and represented Otago, Waikato and Manawatu at provincial level. In 2014, Palmer was inducted to the World Rugby Hall of Fame.
She said it was a huge privilege to have the women’s provincial championship named after her: “It’s very humbling to have the competition named in my honour. I had to have a real think about accepting it because rugby is a team sport and there are lots of women and men who have gone before me that really helped women’s rugby develop. But then I thought it is a great honour and I am happy to be acknowledged this way.”
Teams
Auckland Storm, Bay of Plenty Volcanix, Counties Manukau Heat, Canterbury, North Harbour Hibiscus, Northland Kauri, Manawatū Cyclones, Otago Spirit, Waikato, Hawke's Bay Tuis, Tasman Mako and the Wellington Pride.
The 2025 Farah Palmer Cup was contested in two divisions, a Premiership Division comprising 7 teams and a Championship division made up of 6 teams. Each division played a Round Robin against opponents in their respective division. Following the Round Robin stage, the top four teams competed for the FPC Premiership title (Semi Finals & Final) and FPC Championship Title (Semi Finals & Final). A total of 42 matches played over 9 weeks.
From 2026, the competition will transition to 12 teams with two pools of six teams. While promotion and relegation will not occur in 2026, both pools will be reset to ensure balance and competitive integrity.