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2025 NRFL Leagues

NRFL Leagues
Season2025
2024
2026

The 2025 NRFL Leagues is the 61st and 59th seasons respectively of the NRFL Championship and NRFL Conference, football competitions in New Zealand. Established in 1965, currently twelve teams compete in the Championship while 8 teams compete in the Northern and Southern sections of the Conference League.

Northern League

The Northern League sits above the two NRFL Divisions and is also overseen by Northern Region Football, despite being run by New Zealand Football as part of the New Zealand National League.

Twelve teams are competing in the league – the top ten teams from the previous season, one team promoted from the NRFL Championship and Auckland FC Reserves. The promoted team is Fencibles United.[1] It is both Auckland FC Reserves's and Fencibles United's first season in the National League. They replaced Melville United and Hamilton Wanderers (both relegated after a four-year Northern League spell).

Northern League table

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 Auckland City 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Winner of Northern League and qualification to National League Championship
2 Auckland FC Reserves[a] 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Qualification to National League Championship
3 Auckland United 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Bay Olympic 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 Birkenhead United 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
6 East Coast Bays 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 Eastern Suburbs 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
8 Fencibles United 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
9 Manurewa 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 Tauranga City 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
11 West Coast Rangers 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Relegation to NRFL Championship
12 Western Springs 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
First match(es) will be played: 15 March 2025. Source: NRF
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored; 4) Goals against; 5) Head to head; 6) Disciplinary record; 7) Coin toss[3]
Notes:
  1. ^ Auckland FC Reserves gain automatic entry into the National League Championship phase due to the A-League Men requirements.[2]

Championship

NRFL Championship
Season2025
Dates22 March 2025 –
30 August 2025
2024
2026

Each team can field a maximum of five foreign players as well as one additional foreign player who has Oceania Football Confederation nationality. Over the course of the season, each team must also ensure players aged 20 or under account for 7% of available playing minutes.[4]

Championship teams

Twelve teams are competing in the league – nine teams from the previous season, the two teams relegated from the 2024 Northern League and one team promoted from the NRFL Conference. The relegated teams were Melville United and Hamilton Wanderers,[5] while the promoted team is Cambridge.[6] Fencibles United were promoted, while Metro and Franklin United were relegated.[7][8]

Team Location Stadium 2024 season
Cambridge Cambridge John Kerkhof Park 1st in Southern Conference (promoted via play-offs)
Ellerslie Ellerslie, Auckland Michaels Avenue 7th
Hamilton Wanderers Chartwell, Hamilton Porritt Stadium 12th in Northern League (relegated)
Hibiscus Coast Whangaparaoa, Auckland Stanmore Bay Park 4th
Manukau United Māngere East, Auckland Centre Park 2nd
Melville United Hamilton Lake, Hamilton Gower Park 11th in Northern League (relegated)
Mount Albert-Ponsonby Mount Albert, Auckland Anderson Park 8th
Ngaruawahia United Ngāruawāhia Centennial Park, Ngāruawāhia 3rd
North Shore United Devonport, Auckland Allen Hill Stadium 9th
Northern Rovers Glenfield, Auckland McFetridge Park 5th
Onehunga-Mangere United Māngere Bridge, Auckland Māngere Domain 6th
Takapuna Takapuna, Auckland Taharoto Park 10th

Championship personnel and kits

Team Manager Captain Kit manufacturer Shirt sponsor
Cambridge New Zealand Jordan Shaw[9] Lotto Sport Italia Wash 'N' Dry
Ellerslie New Zealand Ben Fletcher[10] Seb Poelman[11] Lotto Sport Italia None
Hamilton Wanderers Wales Joseph Hinds[12] Dynasty Sport Bayleys
Hibiscus Coast New Zealand Nathan Cranney[13] Dynasty Sport Barfoot & Thompson
Manukau United Joma Munchy Mart
Melville United Joma NZ Roadside Assistance
Mount Albert-Ponsonby New Zealand Sammy Negash[14] Lewis Black Lotto Sport Italia Woodview Construction
Ngaruawahia United New Zealand Mark Cossey[15] Joma None
North Shore United New Zealand Dave Fahy[16] Nike Atlas Concrete
Northern Rovers New Zealand Daniel Donegan[17] Lotto Sport Italia Edge Mortgages
Onehunga-Mangere United New Zealand Paul Marshall[18] Nike None
Takapuna New Zealand Daniel Semp[19] Lotto Sport Italia Harcourts Cooper & Co

Championship table

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 Cambridge 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Promotion to Northern League
2 Ellerslie 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 Hamilton Wanderers 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Hibiscus Coast 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 Manukau United 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
6 Melville United 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 Mount Albert-Ponsonby 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
8 Ngaruawahia United 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
9 North Shore United 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 Northern Rovers 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
11 Onehunga-Mangere United 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
12 Takapuna 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Relegation to NRFL Conference
First match(es) will be played: 22 March 2025. Source: Northern Region Football[20]
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored; 4) Goals against; 5) Head to head; 6) Disciplinary record; 7) Coin toss[4]

Championship results table

Home \ Away CAM ELL HAM HBC MAN MEL MAP NGA NSU NTR OHM TAK
Cambridge
Ellerslie
Hamilton Wanderers
Hibiscus Coast
Manukau United
Melville United
Mount Albert-Ponsonby
Ngaruawahia United
North Shore United
Northern Rovers
Onehunga-Mangere United
Takapuna
First match(es) will be played: 22 March 2025. Source: UltimateNZSoccer
Legend: Blue = home team win; Yellow = draw; Red = away team win.

Northern Conference

NRFL Northern Conference
Season2025
Dates29 March 2025 - 6 September 2025
2024
2026

Northern Conference teams

Eight teams are competing in the league – five teams from the previous season, two teams relegated from the 2024 Championship, and one team promoted from the NRF League One. The relegated teams are Metro and Franklin United, while the promoted team is Central United.[21] Beachlands Maraetai, Te Atatu and Oratia United were relegated.[21]

Team Location Stadium 2024 season
Albany United Albany, Auckland Rosedale Park 4th
Beachlands Maraetai Beachlands, Auckland Te Puru Park 6th[a]
Bucklands Beach Bucklands Beach Lloyd Elsmore Park 5th
Central United Sandringham, Auckland Kiwitea Street 1st in NRF League One (promoted)
Franklin United Drury Drury Sports Grounds 12th in Championship (relegated)
Metro Mount Albert, Auckland Phyllis Street 11th in Championship (relegated)
Northland Morningside, Whangarei Morningside Park 3rd
Waitemata Te Atatū South, Auckland McLeod Park 2nd
  1. ^ Beachlands Maraetai were relegated at the end of the 2024 season, however, Waiheke United withdrew in March 2025 and Beachlands were reprieved of relegation.[22][23]

Northern Conference table

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 Albany United 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Qualification for Conference play-offs
2 Beachlands Maraetai 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 Bucklands Beach 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Central United 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 Franklin United 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
6 Metro 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 Northland 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
8 Waitemata 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Relegation to NRF League One
First match(es) will be played: 29 March 2025. Source: Northern Region Football[24]
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored; 4) Goals against; 5) Head to head; 6) Disciplinary record; 7) Coin toss[4]

Northern Conference results table

Home \ Away ALB BLM BUC CEN FRA MET NOR WTM
Albany United
Beachlands Maraetai
Bucklands Beach
Central United
Franklin United
Metro
Northland
Waitemata
First match(es) will be played: 29 March 2025. Source: UlitmateNZSoccer
Legend: Blue = home team win; Yellow = draw; Red = away team win.

Southern Conference

NRFL Southern Conference
Season2025
Dates29 March 2025 - 30 August 2025
2024
2026

Southern Conference teams

Eight teams are competing in the league – five teams from the previous season, and three teams from WaiBOP League One. Otorohanga won WaiBOP League One but declined promotion allowing Northern United and Matamata Swifts to be promoted. Waikato Unicol pulled out before the start of the season and were replaced by West Hamilton United. Cambridge won the league and play-off gaining promotion, while Te Awamutu were relegated.[21]

Team Location Stadium 2024 season
Claudelands Rovers Claudelands, Hamilton Galloway Park 3rd
Matamata Swifts Matamata Matamata Domain 3rd in WaiBOP League One (promoted)
Ngongotahā Lakes[A] Ngongotahā, Rotorua Tamarahi Reserve 7th
Northern United Rototuna North, Hamilton Korikori Park 2nd in WaiBOP League One (promoted)
Otumoetai Matua, Tauranga Fergusson Park 4th
Papamoa Papamoa Beach, Papamoa Gordon Spratt Reserve 6th
Taupo Tauhara, Taupō Crown Park 2nd
West Hamilton United Melville, Hamilton Mahoe Park 9th in WaiBOP League One (promoted)[B]
  1. ^ Ngongotaha AFC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Lakes FC at the end of the 2022 season to have a combined team for the 2023 season onwards.[25]
  2. ^ Waikato Unicol withdrew before the start of the 2025 season and were replaced by West Hamilton United.[21][26]

Southern Conference table

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 Claudelands Rovers 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Qualification for Conference play-offs
2 Matamata Swifts 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 Ngongotahā Lakes 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Northern United 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 Otumoetai 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
6 Papamoa 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 Taupo 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
8 West Hamilton United 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Relegation to WaiBOP League One
First match(es) will be played: 29 March 2025. Source: Northern Region Football[27]
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored; 4) Goals against; 5) Head to head; 6) Disciplinary record; 7) Coin toss[4]

Southern Conference results table

Home \ Away CLR MAT NGO NTU OTU PAP TAU WHU CLR MAT NGO NTU OTU PAP TAU WHU
Claudelands Rovers
Matamata Swifts
Ngongotahā Lakes
Northern United
Otumoetai
Papamoa
Taupo
West Hamilton United
First match(es) will be played: 29 March 2025. Source: UltimateNZSoccer
Legend: Blue = home team win; Yellow = draw; Red = away team win.

Women's Premiership

The NRFL Women's Premiership acts as a qualifier for the New Zealand Women's National League.

Eight teams are competing in the league – the top seven teams from the previous season and the promoted side from the 2024 NRFL Championship. The promoted team is FC Tauranga Moana as winners of the NRFL Championship.[28] They replaced Hamilton Wanderers.[29]

Women's Premiership table

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 Auckland United 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Winner of NRFL Premiership and qualification to National League Championship
2 Eastern Suburbs 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Qualification to National League Championship
3 Ellerslie 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 FC Tauranga Moana 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 Fencibles United 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
6 Hibiscus Coast 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 West Coast Rangers 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
8 Western Springs 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Relegation to NRFL Women's Championship
First match(es) will be played: 21 March 2025. Source: Northern Region Football
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored; 4) Goals against; 5) Head to head; 6) Disciplinary record; 7) Coin toss[30]

Women's Championship

NRFL Women's Championship
Season2025
Dates30 March 2025 –
20 July 2025
2024
2026

Women's Championship teams

Eight teams are competing in the league – six teams from the previous season, the one team relegated from the 2024 NRFL Premiership, Hamilton Wanderers,[31] and one team promoted from the WaiBOP W-League as play-off winners. The promoted team is Cambridge.[31] FC Tauranga Moana were promoted, while Manukau United were relegated.[31][32]

Team Location Stadium 2024 season
Birkenhead United Beach Haven, Auckland Shepherds Park 5th
Cambridge Cambridge John Kerkhof Park 1st in WaiBOP W League (promoted via play-offs)
Central United Sandringham Kiwitea Street 7th
Franklin United Drury Drury Sports Grounds 2nd
Hamilton Wanderers Chartwell, Hamilton Porritt Stadium 8th in NRFL Women's Premiership (relegated)
Melville United Melville, Hamilton Gower Park 4th
Northern Rovers Glenfield, Auckland McFetridge Park 6th
Onehunga Sports Onehunga, Auckland Waikaraka Park 3rd

Women's Championship table

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1 Birkenhead United 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Promotion to NRFL Women's Premiership
2 Cambridge 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 Central United 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Franklin United 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 Hamilton Wanderers 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
6 Melville United 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 Northern Rovers 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
8 Onehunga Sports 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Relegation to NRF Women's Conference/WaiBOP W-League
First match(es) will be played: 30 March 2025. Source: Northern Region Football[33]
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored; 4) Goals against; 5) Head to head; 6) Disciplinary record; 7) Coin toss[34]

Women's Championship results table

Home \ Away BIR CAM CEN FRA HAM MEL NTR OHS BIR CAM CEN FRA HAM MEL NTR OHS
Birkenhead United
Cambridge
Central United
Franklin United
Hamilton Wanderers
Melville United
Northern Rovers
Onehunga Sports
First match(es) will be played: 30 March 2025. Source: Northern Region Football
Legend: Blue = home team win; Yellow = draw; Red = away team win.

Notes

References

  1. ^ "Fencibles United clinch Championship title and promotion to Northern League". friendsoffootballnz.com. 25 August 2024. Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  2. ^ "National League Regulations 2022: Article 12". New Zealand Football. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
  3. ^ "National League Regulations 2025: Article 29 - NL Format". New Zealand Football. Retrieved 5 February 2025.
  4. ^ a b c d "LOTTO NRFL Regulations 2025: Appendix 1, Article 7 - Declaration of Winner". Northern Region Football. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
  5. ^ "Fixtures schedule revealed for 2025 Lotto NRFL Men's Championship". friendsoffootballnz.com. 5 March 2025. Retrieved 5 March 2025.
  6. ^ "Cambridge seal promotion with play-off win against Waiheke United". friendsoffootballnz.com. 21 September 2024. Retrieved 5 March 2025.
  7. ^ "Fencibles United clinch Championship title and promotion to Northern League". friendsoffootballnz.com. 25 August 2024. Retrieved 5 March 2025.
  8. ^ "Promotion and Relegation: NRFL and WaiBOP Leagues". WaiBOP Football. 15 January 2025. Retrieved 5 March 2025.
  9. ^ "Cambridge appoint Jordan Shaw as head coach for club's 75th anniversary season". friendsoffootballnz.com. 28 October 2022. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  10. ^ "Ben Fletcher signs on for fourth season as Ellerslie's NRFL Championship coach". friendsoffootballnz.com. 14 January 2025. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
  11. ^ "NRFL MENS PLAYER SIGNINGS". Ellerslie AFC Instagram. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
  12. ^ "Hamilton Wanderers sign English midfielder Jay Glover for new season". friendsoffootballnz.com. 4 March 2025. Retrieved 4 March 2025.
  13. ^ "Nathan Cranney to lead Hibiscus Coast for another NRFL Men's Championship". friendsoffootballnz.com. 11 February 2025. Retrieved 24 February 2025.
  14. ^ "Sammy Negash joins Mt Albert Ponsonby for new men's Championship campaign". friendsoffootballnz.com. 20 November 2024. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
  15. ^ "Former All White Mark Cossey to coach Ngaruawahia United next season". friendsoffootballnz.com. 14 December 2024. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
  16. ^ "Dave Fahy to lead North Shore United's next NRFL Championship campaign". friendsoffootballnz.com. 17 October 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  17. ^ "Northern Rovers appoint Daniel Donegan as men's head coach for next season". friendsoffootballnz.com. 18 October 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  18. ^ "Paul Marshall returns to Onehunga Mangere United as head coach". friendsoffootballnz.com. 5 December 2023. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  19. ^ "Takapuna's Daniel Semp appointed for second season as men's first team coach". friendsoffootballnz.com. 30 October 2024. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
  20. ^ Northern Region Football
  21. ^ a b c d "Promotion and Relegation: NRFL and WaiBOP Leagues". WaiBOP Football. 15 January 2025. Retrieved 2 February 2025.
  22. ^ "Champions Waiheke United withdraw from NRFL Men's Northern Conference". friendsoffootballnz.com. 5 March 2025. Retrieved 5 March 2025.
  23. ^ "A New Strategy for Long-Term Success". Waiheke United AFC. 5 March 2025. Retrieved 5 March 2025 – via Facebook.
  24. ^ Northern Region Football
  25. ^ "Clubs form partnership to compete in new Lotto NRFL Southern Conference". friendsoffootballnz.com. 11 December 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  26. ^ "Withdrawals and new entries force changes to Lotto NRFL Southern Conference". friendsoffootballnz.com. 24 December 2024. Retrieved 2 January 2025.
  27. ^ Northern Region Football
  28. ^ "Coasting to victory". Northern Region Football. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
  29. ^ "Title-winners end season with 3-0 win at relegated Tauranga City". friendsoffootballnz.com. 3 September 2022. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
  30. ^ "LOTTO NRFL Regulations 2024: Appendix 2, Article 7 - Declaration of Winner". Northern Region Football. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  31. ^ a b c "Cambridge clinch promotion to Lotto NRFL Women's Championship with draw". friendsoffootballnz.com. 30 September 2024. Retrieved 22 February 2025.
  32. ^ "PREVIEW: Pride on the line as Lotto NRFL Women's Championship nears end". friendsoffootballnz.com. 7 September 2024. Retrieved 22 February 2025.
  33. ^ Northern Region Football
  34. ^ "LOTTO NRFL Regulations 2025: Appendix 2, Article 7 - Declaration of Winner". Northern Region Football. Retrieved 14 January 2025.