NPC final: Canterbury beat Northland 43–24 to retain rugby title

Canterbury overturned a 21–10 halftime deficit to beat Northland 43–24 in the NPC rugby final at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch on October 26, 2026. The defending champions won their 16th title in front of a sold-out home crowd.

Northland were playing in their first NPC final and led until two tries from replacement hooker George Bell put Canterbury ahead. Replacement winger Isaac Hutchinson then scored twice after Northland had drawn level at 24–24.

Bell turns the match after Northland’s strong first half

Dominic Gardiner scored Canterbury’s opening try, grounding the ball over Northland’s goal line from close range. But Canterbury lost Andrew Knewstubb for ten minutes when a review of his tackle led to a yellow card. Northland scored in the next passage of play and added two more tries before halftime.

The second-half recovery began with Canterbury driving forward from a throw-in after Northland’s Sam Nock received a yellow card. Northland resisted the initial push, but Canterbury’s second shove carried Bell over for his first try.

Bell scored again in the 54th minute, taking a short pass and forcing his way through a gap to the right of the posts. That put Canterbury ahead, though Rivez Reihana’s subsequent kick brought Northland level at 24–24.

Hutchinson’s double puts Canterbury clear

Canterbury regained the lead through a sustained attack lasting 25 phases, repeatedly keeping possession after tackles. Hutchinson finished it in the 63rd minute by diving under two covering defenders.

Northland twice failed to turn opportunities close to Canterbury’s goal line into points. Hutchinson added his second try in the 74th minute after a break through the defence and further involvement from Gardiner.