There are currently 39 registered clubs incorporated and secondary schools affiliated with the Northland Rugby Union, most of which have teams at both senior and junior levels.

In the 1971 challenge Northland won 17-12 in a narrow match played in front of 47,000 people at Eden Park, Auckland.

What followed was the refusal that the union wouldn’t put the shield on the line for its final home matches of the season against Southland and Otago.

[35] Northland began their professional era playing in the inaugural Air New Zealand Cup competition.

Along with Auckland and North Harbour, Northland is part of the Blues Super Rugby franchise.

Blue bar denotes Championship division Northland has produced 32 All Blacks to date.