Hawkes Bay rugby union sit top of the NPC table, and this update brings the picture up to date as of 22 September 2026. Five wins from five have put the Magpies clear at the summit heading into round six. Otago come to Napier third in the standings, having lost for the first time this season, a defeat that has left them chasing rather than leading. It sets up a genuine top-three contest at McLean Park.
Hawkes Bay host Otago in top-of-the-table NPC battle
Hawkes Bay welcome Otago to McLean Park for round six of the National Provincial Championship, a fixture that carries real weight at the top of the table. It’s a meeting between two of the competition’s in-form sides, even though Otago currently sit third. Napier expects another big performance. The Magpies have yet to drop a match all season.
Otago have been in good form too, as we noted in our earlier report on how the competition was taking shape. Round six gives both sides a chance to test themselves against a genuine title rival. The season now moves into its second half.
Hawkes Bay rugby union lead NPC standings ahead of round six
Hawkes Bay rugby union hold top spot in the NPC with 25 points from five wins out of five, a perfect record that has opened real distance between them and the chasing pack. Otago sit third on 21 points, having lost just one match all season.
Five straight wins breed confidence. Otago have lost only once all year, and that single defeat still leaves them well placed in third. A loss at McLean Park would open a gap at the top, one that would be hard to close before the play-offs.
Historical record favours Hawkes Bay against Otago
History favours Hawkes Bay too. The Magpies have won six of the last seven meetings between the two sides, a record built on tight, physical provincial contests stretching back several seasons.
Hawkes Bay have also won the last two meetings in a row, giving them real momentum heading into round six. Otago will hope to end that run in Napier. They arrive as the side chasing a win, not defending one.
What happens next
Hawkes Bay play Otago at McLean Park in round six of the NPC. Both sides want to strengthen their place inside the top three. Win, and Hawkes Bay stretch their lead at the top. It would extend an unbeaten start to six games.
Our original NPC preview covers the fuller build-up from when the two sides first met this season. This update carries the story forward to round six. The table and head-to-head record stand as they are on 22 September 2026.
