Rugby Southland is excited to announce the full 2026 home and away schedule for the SBS Bank Southland Stags in the National Provincial Championship, with the season once again kicking off in thrilling fashion with the much-anticipated annual Stag Day clash against great southern rivals Otago.

The Stags will open their 2026 campaign at home on Saturday, August 1st, hosting Otago at Rugby Park Stadium with a 5:05pm kick-off. Stag Day has become one of the most anticipated events on the Southland sporting calendar, bringing together the community for a huge opening-round atmosphere in Invercargill.

This year’s fixture will carry even greater significance, marking the 250th clash between Southland and Otago in one of New Zealand rugby’s longest-standing provincial rivalries. First contested more than a century ago, the rivalry has produced generations of memorable encounters and remains one of the most fiercely contested fixtures in provincial rugby.

To celebrate the milestone, the Stags will wear special one-off commemorative jerseys for the match, which will later be auctioned to fans and supporters, giving them the chance to own a unique piece of Southland rugby history.

Following strong support in recent years, Rugby Southland is again looking to build on the energy and excitement that Stag Day generates, with fans encouraged to pack Rugby Park and create another memorable start to the season.

“We’re looking forward to kicking off the 2026 NPC campaign at home with Stag Day,” said Rugby Southland CEO Hua Tamariki. “The rivalry between our two teams spans nearly 140 years and stands as the longest-running and most historic provincial rugby rivalry in New Zealand. Reaching 250 fixtures is a significant milestone, and we’re privileged to host and celebrate this next chapter in front of the best fans in the country at the beginning of August.”

Jack King, Rugby Southland’s Head of Commercial and Business Development, also shared his excitement about the milestone match.

“Stag Day has developed a real pulse in the heart of the South,” said King. “The Southland-Otago rivalry is something special, and the 250th meeting between the two sides makes this year’s occasion even bigger. With the community behind us, we’re looking forward to creating another unforgettable event here at home.”

The Stags will play five home games in Invercargill during the 2026 NPC season, welcoming some exciting opposition to Rugby Park. Home fixtures include clashes against Waikato, Hawke's Bay, Bay of Plenty, and Northland throughout the campaign.

Southland’s 2026 home schedule is:

• Saturday, August 1st – 5:05 pm: vs Otago (Stag Day)
• Sunday, August 16th – 2:05 pm: vs Waikato
• Thursday, August 27th – 7:10 pm: vs Hawke’s Bay
• Sunday, September 13th – 5:05 pm: vs Bay of Plenty
• Friday, October 2nd – 7:10 pm: vs Northland

The final home game of the season promises to be a standout occasion, with the Stags hosting Northland under lights on a Friday night. In a match the union are calling “Battle of the Mainland”, the matchup brings together the northernmost and southernmost teams in the competition for a fiery end of round-robin showdown

With a family-friendly atmosphere expected, the match will also carry added significance with both sides competing for the Hetaraka ‘Peter’ Te Tai Trophy, adding another layer of pride and rivalry to the occasion.

Away from home, the Stags will travel the length of the country for a challenging set of fixtures, including matches against Manawatū in Palmerston North, Tasman in Blenheim, Counties Manukau in Pukekohe, Taranaki in New Plymouth, and a South Island showdown with Canterbury in Christchurch.

The Stags’ away schedule includes:

• Sunday, August 9th – 5:05 pm: at Manawatū
• Saturday, August 22nd – 1:05 pm: at Tasman
• Sunday, September 6th – 2:05 pm: at Counties Manukau
• Sunday, September 20th – 5:05 pm: at Taranaki
• Saturday, September 26th – 5:05 pm: at Canterbury

Fans can expect another exciting and competitive NPC season, with the SBS Bank Southland Stags continuing to build a strong competitive roster, whilst strengthening the connection between the team and our Southland community.

Tickets for ‘Stag Day’, the ‘Battle of the Mainland’, and all other home fixtures at Rugby Park will be available soon, and supporters are encouraged to get behind the Stags and help create an electric atmosphere in Invercargill throughout the 2026 campaign.

The 2026 NPC finals series will kick off with the quarterfinals from October 9-11, followed by the semi-finals on October 16-18, before the competition culminates in the Grand Final on October 24 or 25.

Article added: Wednesday 25 March 2026