The season commenced on 14 March with the start of the Phelan Shield and ended on 5 September with the Fox Memorial Grand Final.
The season followed the same format as 2008, with a qualification series in the first half of the year giving sixteen teams the opportunity to enter the Fox Memorial competition.
Minor premiers the Manukau Magpies defeated the Waiheke Rams in the final to win the Shield.
The grand final was held on 5 September and saw minor premiers the Howick Hornets defeat the Glenora Bears 19–12 to win the Cup.
[2] Lion Red Fox Memorial Player of the Year: Phillip Kahui (Mt Albert) George Rainey Medal Fox Memorial Team of the Year: Fullback: James Blackwell (Otahuhu) Winger: Phillip Kahui (Mt Albert) Centre: Toshio Laiseni (Papakura) Standoff: Zensei Inu (Te Atatu) Halfback: Aaron Woodhouse (Manurewa) Prop: Dylan Davis (Marist) Hooker: Zac Tippins (Te Atatu) 2nd Row: Sala Faalogo (Mt Albert) Lock: Tui Samoa (East Coast Bays) Mandron Masonry Phelan Shield Player of the Year: Itaifale Tolefoa (Navy/North Shore Dolphins) SAS Sharman Cup Player of the Year: Aaron Booth (Glenora Bears) Māori Television Rookie of the Year: Stephen Shennan (Te Atatu Roosters) Premiership Coach of the Year: Brent Gemmell (Mt Albert)