The Farah Palmer Cup will be reduced to 12 teams next year following a New Zealand Rugby review.
The Taranaki Whio, who have not won a game in two seasons, will drop out of the competition and play in the Northern Regions development competition.
The FPC will continue as the Premiership and Championship, each division featuring six teams. Promotion-relegation will be removed for 2026 but the two divisions will be "reset to ensure balance and competitive integrity".
The Otago Spirit won the Championship after going unbeaten this season and should be elevated to the Premiership. — Allied Media
