Opinion
Hilux NPC
The three performers of the week from Hilux NPC round one
2
Manawatu 
Tasman Mako 
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Southland Stags
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Southland Rugby Team
The Southland rugby team, which is also known as the Southland Stags, is a professional rugby team from New Zealand that competes in the Bunnings NPC. The team is also affiliated with the Highlanders Super Rugby franchise.
Read on to discover even more about the Southland rugby team. On this page you'll find a detailed history of the side and a breakdown of their current squad. You'll also be able to see the team's latest results and upcoming fixtures.
The history of the Southland rugby team dates back to the formation of the Southland rugby union way back in 1887. However, the modern Southland rugby team that we watch today was established in 1976, when the National Provincial Championship was formed. Today, this competition is known as the Bunnings NPC.
The Southland rugby team has competed in the Bunnings NPC every year since the tournament was created. However, during this time, the team has never been crowned as the overall winners of the competition. That said, they have picked up several pieces of silverware during this time. They were crowned National Provincial Championship Second Division South Island winners in 1982 and 1984. Plus, they were the winners of the National Provincial Championship Second Division in 1989, 1994 and 1996.
Today, the Southland rugby team competes in the championship division of the Bunnings NPC. They play their home games at Rugby Park Stadium, which has a capacity of 18,000.
Despite the fact that the Southland rugby team plays in the championship division of the Bunnings NPC, several international players still regularly feature for the side. Notable stars of Southland rugby include Ethan de Groot, Talemaitoga Tuapati and Tony Lamborn, who have all been capped at international level.
In addition to this, the Southland rugby squad also includes five players who are contracted to play Super Rugby Pacific. Four of these stars play for the Highlanders, while Tom Ross represents the Brumbies.
