The 2026 NRFL Leagues is the 62nd and 60th 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.
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 â the top ten teams from the previous season and the two teams promoted from the NRFL Championship. The promoted teams are Manukau United and Melville United. Manukau United return after a two-year absence, while Melville United return after one. They replaced Manurewa and West Coast Rangers (both relegated after a three-year Northern League spell).
Each team can field a maximum of six foreign players as well as one additional foreign player who has Oceania Football Confederation nationality.
Twelve teams are competing in the league â nine teams from the previous season, the two teams relegated from the 2025 Northern League and one team promoted from the NRFL Conference. The relegated teams were Manurewa and West Coast Rangers, while the promoted team is Taupo. Manukau United were promoted alongside Melville United, while Ngaruawahia United were relegated.
Eight teams are competing in the league â seven teams from the previous season and the champions of the 2025 NRF League One. The promoted team is Te Atatu. Franklin United were relegated.
Eight teams are competing in the league â six teams from the previous season, one team relegated from the NRFL Championship and one team from WaiBOP League One. The relegated team is Ngaruawahia United, while the promoted side is yet to be confirmed. West Hamilton United were relegated.
The NRFL Women's Premiership acts as a qualifier for the New Zealand Women's National League.
Eight teams are competing in the league â the top seven teams from the previous season and the promoted side from the 2025 NRFL Championship. The promoted team is Franklin United as winners of the NRFL Championship. They replaced Northern Rovers.
Eight teams are competing in the league â six teams from the previous season, the one team relegated from the 2025 NRFL Premiership, Hibiscus Coast, and one team promoted from the NRF Women's Conference as play-off winners. The promoted team is Uni-Mount Bohemian. Melville United were promoted, while Central United were relegated.