About the JJ Stewart Trophy
Key information
- Current Holder: Manawatū Cyclones
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How they won it: Defeated Auckland, 38-41 in round five at Eden Park.
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Recent holders: Waikato and Auckland.
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Next challenge: 2027 FPC season.
Waikato successfully defended the trophy throughout the 2025 season, against Canterbury, Counties Manukau and Manawatū.
But in round two of the current season, Auckland snuck a one-point win to secure the Trophy. The Storm then defended in round three against Counties Manukau Heat.
And in the final round of the regular season, Manawatū took the match to extra time with a try and conversion after the siren had sounded. The Cyclones kept their composure and slotted a penalty in the 86th minute to win the match. Cue the celebrations.
The Trophy's Story
Named After a Pioneer
The trophy is named in honour of John Joseph “JJ” Stewart (1923–2002), a notable New Zealand rugby union coach, administrator, secondary school teacher and strong supporter of women’s rugby in New Zealand. Stewart served as All Blacks coach from 1973 to 1976 and contributed as a provincial coach in Taranaki and Wanganui, a selector, and a member of the Rugby Football Union council.
The Challenge System
The JJ Stewart Trophy is contested in a challenge-based system, like the Ranfurly Shield. The current holder must defend it against challengers at home games, during the regular season. If the challenger wins, they take possession and then defend it at upcoming home games during the regular season, creating a continuous, travelling trophy that moves whenever a challenger succeeds.
After a period of dominance by Canterbury, from 2017 to 2024, the JJ Stewart Memorial Trophy moved several times in 2024, ending the season in Waikato. Waikato successfully defended the Trophy three times during the regular season before going on to win the Premiership.
The significance of the JJ Stewart Trophy reflects the growth of women’s rugby in New Zealand, and the 2026 season will show who writes the next chapter in this trophy’s journey.