Matt Whaanga, of Southland, makes a break during an NPC match between Otago and Southland last year. Photo: Getty Images
The NPC will begin on August 9 with defending champions Taranaki hosting Counties-Manukau at Yarrow Stadium.
The following day, Otago and Southland will clash in Stag Day in Invercargill.
The Otago-Canterbury derby is in Dunedin on September 7.
Hawke’s Bay will put the Ranfurly Shield on the line against Southland at McLean Park on August 17.
North Otago get their campaign under way with a fixture against Horowhenua-Kapiti the same day.
