A blockbuster year of women's rugby will continue in August with the Farah Palmer Cup presented by Bunnings Warehouse kicking off.  

While the Black Ferns are in England defending the Rugby World Cup, the country’s brightest developing talent will be on display across nine weeks of fierce competition.  

Defending premiership winners Waikato will kick the season off with an almighty battle against Auckland while championship winners (promoted to the premiership), Manawatū will face a tough challenge against Canterbury. 

Bay of Plenty Volcanix kick off their first game in Round 1 on Sunday, August 10 against Counties Manukau at Navigation Stadium. 

Bay of Plenty Rugby is looking for a new head coach for the Volcanix.  Photo/BOP Rugby.

It's a home game for the Volcanix in Round 2, when they play Manawatū Cyclones at Tauranga Domain on Saturday, August 16.  Following this they will play Auckland Storm at Eden Park on Saturday, August 23, and Waikato Women at Whakatane Rugby Park on Saturday, September 6. 

The Volcanix return to the Tauranga Domain on Saturday September 13 where they will play Hawke's Bay Tui. They then head to Apollo Projects Stadium in Round 7 to play Canterbury Women on Saturday, September 20. 

Bay of Plenty Volcanix playing Auckland at Tauranga Domain on Saturday, September 14, 2024.  Photo/BOP Rugby.

The first defence of the JJ Stewart Trophy will be when Waikato play at home against Counties Manukau in round two. 

"With all eyes on women’s rugby in 2025, the Farah Palmer Cup will showcase the next generation of developing players," said New Zealand Rugby Head of Women High Performance Hannah Porter. 

"Following the record number of women taking the field in 2024, the Farah Palmer Cup remains a crucial pathway, giving players the chance to represent their whānau, clubs and communities on the national stage." 

The Farah Palmer Cup presented by Bunnings Warehouse finals will see the Championship Final played on the weekend of September 20/21, while the Premiership Final will take place on the weekend of October 4/5. 

All double headers (24 matches played alongside Bunnings Warehouse NPC fixtures,) and all competition play off matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sport, the remaining 12 fixtures will be live streamed by New Zealand Rugby. Sky Open will also broadcast one match per week free to air with a live start.

Farah Palmer Cup presented by Bunnings Warehouse teams:

Premiership  
Auckland  
Bay of Plenty
Canterbury
Counties Manukau
Hawke’s Bay
Manawatū
Waikato

Championship
Northland
North Harbour
Otago
Taranaki
Tasman
Wellington  

Click here for the 2025 Farah Palmer Cup draw.