The current trophy awarded to the winner is the ASB Bank Cup.
In 2012 a combined Kumeu and Helensville team called the Western Pioneers won a premiership when they defeated Silverdale at North Harbour Stadium.
The biggest rivalry in the competition is between Westlake Boys' High School and Rosmini College.
In recent seasons Manurewa High School (from Counties Manukau) and Whangarei Boys High school (from Northland) have joined the NHSS 1st XV competition.
The current holder of the shield is Westlake Boys' High School.
The eight schools that currently compete in the NHSS 1st XV competition, and their number of championship wins, are: Westlake BHS (17), Rosmini College (8), Massey High School (6), Rangitoto College (2), Takapuna Grammar (2), Mahurangi College (0), Whangarei BHS (0), Manurewa High School (0).
As at 2024, the following Colleges/High Schools - bar the last two - now compete in the NHSS 1B competition alongside 2nd XV teams from Massey, Rangitoto, Rosmini and Westlake Boys': Birkenhead, Glenfield, Kaipara, Long Bay, Northcote, Orewa, Whangaparaoa, Hato Petera.
The girls' equivalent to 1st XV secondary school rugby is the 12-a-side Youth 17 competition.