Toyota Hilux Secures Naming Rights for New Zealand Rugby’s Domestic Competitions

New Zealand Rugby has announced a partnership with Toyota Hilux, naming the automotive icon as the official partner for the National Provincial Championship, the Farah Palmer Cup, and the Heartland Championship for the 2026 season.

The partnership aims to strengthen the commercial visibility of the competitions through field markings, LED signage, and on-ground activations at selected matches throughout the season.

This partnership brings together two enduring institutions, both of which are marking their 50th anniversaries this year. The collaboration is designed to integrate the Hilux brand deeply across New Zealand’s domestic rugby landscape, leveraging the shared heritage and community standing that both the brand and the sport have cultivated over the past five decades.

Commenting on the partnership, New Zealand Rugby’s chief commercial officer, Chris Brown, said: “Our domestic competitions represent the heartbeat of rugby in New Zealand, and we’re incredibly pleased to welcome Hilux as the naming rights partner.”

“Toyota has already become a valued member of the New Zealand Rugby whānau through its partnership with our national teams, and we’re excited to build on that relationship with their support of the competitions that are the foundation of our game,” Brown stated.

Noting the significance of the timing, Toyota New Zealand assistant VP for marketing, Sustainability and Technology, Susanne Hardy, added: “Few brands and sporting competitions can say they’ve been part of New Zealand life for 50 years.”

“Hilux and the NPC have both earned their place through generations of trust, loyalty and support from communities across the country.

“As we celebrate those milestones together in 2026, we’re proud to see the Hilux name alongside competitions with such a rich history.

“It’s an opportunity to honour what these competitions have contributed to New Zealand while helping support their future for the next generation of players and fans,” Hardy said.

The domestic season is set to launch shortly, with the Hilux National Provincial Championship commencing on 30 July 2026, with all matches to be broadcast via SKY and TVNZ+.

This will be followed by the commencement of the Hilux Heartland Championship on 15 August, and the Farah Palmer Cup presented by Hilux on 29 August.

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