Auckland Rugby has unveiled its first squad of the 2026 National Provincial Championship (NPC) season, with co-captains Joshua Fusitua and Stephen Perofeta leading a refreshed side determined to restore the province to its former standing.
The campaign begins on Saturday in Christchurch, where Auckland will take on traditional rivals Canterbury in what Head Coach Steven Bates hopes will mark the beginning of a new chapter after two disappointing seasons.
Bates enters his second year at the helm with a squad blending experienced campaigners and emerging talent, built around a renewed emphasis on pride, connection and the responsibility of representing one of New Zealand’s most successful rugby unions.
The appointment of Fusitua and Perofeta as co-captains reflects Auckland’s desire to combine homegrown leadership with top-level experience.
For Fusitua, the captaincy represents the culmination of a rugby journey that began in Auckland schools and clubs before progressing through the province’s representative pathway.
The powerful prop has long been regarded as one of Auckland’s most respected forwards and now takes on the responsibility of leading the province he has represented throughout his career.
Alongside him is former All Black Stephen Perofeta, who returns after injury ruled him out of the 2025 NPC campaign.
Widely recognised as one of New Zealand’s most gifted playmakers, Perofeta brings invaluable experience and composure to a young Auckland side eager to climb back into championship contention.
Steven Bates says the past two seasons have fallen short of Auckland Rugby’s expectations, but believes the hard work undertaken during the off-season has laid the foundation for sustained improvement.
He says the current squad understands both the privilege and responsibility of wearing the famous blue and white hoops and has embraced the challenge of rebuilding Auckland’s identity.
The coaching group has focused on creating a culture centred on accountability, connection and relentless preparation, with players determined to honour the legacy of one of New Zealand rugby’s most decorated unions.
The starting XV features a strong forward pack led by Fusitua alongside experienced campaigners Soane Vikena, Angus Ta’avao-Matau, Tai Cribb and Joshua Beehre.
The loose forwards of Che Clark, Sam Hainsworth-Fa’aofo and Titi Nofoagatoa will be tasked with matching Canterbury’s traditionally physical approach at the breakdown.
In the backs, James Arscott directs play from halfback, while Perofeta returns at first five-eighth to steer the attack.
Outside him, Auckland has named an exciting backline featuring Xavier Tito-Harris, experienced midfielder Pita Ahki, Xavi Taele, Codemeru Vai and Rico Simpson, providing pace and creativity across the park.
The bench also boasts significant experience, including All Black prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi, alongside impact players Nathaniel Pole, Ben Ake, Harvey Cordukes, Randall Baker, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Garouw Basson and promising outside back Payton Spencer.
During the 2026 NPC season the Auckland squad will base itself at Ponsonby Rugby Club, strengthening its connection with the grassroots game while preparing for weekly fixtures.
The move is part of a broader effort to reconnect the provincial side with Auckland’s rugby community following recent seasons that have failed to meet expectations both on and off the field.
Following this weekend’s trip to Christchurch, Auckland supporters will have the opportunity to welcome the team home when they host Wellington on Saturday 8 August.
The fixture will be played at Western Springs Stadium as part of the MediaWorks Throwback Festival, combining provincial rugby with a family-friendly entertainment experience.
The event will feature live music, fan zones, children’s activities, the George FM VIP Party Zone, the Mai FM Bullrush Battle and The Rock Tailgate Party Zone, as Auckland Rugby looks to strengthen its connection with supporters across Tāmaki Makaurau.
The immediate focus, however, remains Canterbury.
Opening-round matches often provide an early indication of a team’s championship credentials, and Auckland will be looking to make a statement against one of the competition’s traditional heavyweights.
For a province with a proud rugby history and a record of producing All Blacks, expectations remain high.
With new leadership, a healthy squad and a renewed sense of purpose, Auckland Rugby hopes the 2026 NPC season will signal the beginning of its return to the top of New Zealand provincial rugby.
Auckland Team to Play Canterbury
Starting XV
- Joshua Fusitua (Co-Captain)
- Soane Vikena
- Angus Ta’avao-Matau
- Tai Cribb
- Joshua Beehre
- Che Clark
- Sam Hainsworth-Fa’aofo
- Titi Nofoagatoa
- James Arscott
- Stephen Perofeta (Co-Captain)
- Xavier Tito-Harris
- Pita Ahki
- Xavi Taele
- Codemeru Vai
- Rico Simpson
Reserves
- Nathaniel Pole
- Ben Ake
- Ofa Tu’ungafasi
- Harvey Cordukes
- Randall Baker
- Issak Fines-Leleiwasa
- Garouw Basson
- Payton Spencer
Match Details
Canterbury v Auckland
Saturday 1 August
One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch
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