[2] The NZRL was founded on 25 April 1910 in preparation for a tour of Great Britain that same year.

Previously, there was also a National 20's Competition launched in 2021 as a new pathway for developing elite talent.

In 2010 the competition replaced the Bartercard Premiership following a Sparc funded review and restructure of the New Zealand Rugby League.

Since 2019, the competition has consisted of a four-team national premiership and an eight-team national championship (split into North and South Island Conferences) with a promotion and relegation between the two divisions.

Throughout New Zealand, the sport is administered by seven zones and fifteen districts and has seven Affiliates.