The New Zealand Rugby League was formed in 1909 with an aim to have a central governing body for rugby in New Zealand. As soon as it was formed the provinces of Taranaki, Nelson, Invercargill, Wanganui, Auckland, Marlborough, Rotorua, Southland, Hawke's Bay, and South Auckland joined the union.
Under the NZRL, the game flourished even more and spread to the other parts of the country. The Auckland Rugby League is a partner of the NZRL. It is the governing body for rugby in and around Auckland.
The NZRL hosts a variety of tournaments all round the year. The biggest of them all is the Bartercard Cup. Besides this, it also hosts tournaments at the provincial level in the regions of Otago, Southland, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Marlborough, Auckland Region, Canterbury, Manawatu, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Nelson/ Northland, Taranaki, Coastline, Wellington and West Coast.
The New Zealand rugby team is administered by the NZRL. The New Zealanders are often referred to as the Kiwis, after their national bird.
Some of the teams which take part in the Northland competition are Auckland Lions, Tamaki Leopards, Waitakere Rangers and Harbour League. Teams from the Aukland circle include Hibiscus Coast Raiders, Northcote Tigers, Glenora Bears and Mt Albert Lions. The top teams in the Waico bay area are Turangawaewae, Pikiao, Taniwharau and Ngaruawahia Panthers. Otumoetai and Otumoetai are two top teams in the Coastline area. The top teams in the Bay of Plenty area are Ngongotaha Chiefs, Rotorua Central Lions, Taupo Phoenix and Forestlands Falcons.
Bartercard Cup: The Bartercard Cup, previously known as the Lion Red Cup, is the No.1 league in New Zealand. Organized by the NZRL, the tournament has been running for the last seven years. Currently there are 10 teams in the league. They are:
- Auckland Lions
- Tamaki Leopards
- Counties Manukau Jetz
- Waitakere Rangers
- Harbour League
- Northern Storm
- Waicoa Bay Stallions
- Wellington Orcas
- Canterbury Bulls
- Central Falcons
The NZRL also engages in various educational programs. It has a coach training module through which many young and talented coaches come up.
