Rugby NPC quarter-finals: It’s do or fly time for the Hawke’s Bay Magpies

'It’s like two different seasons,' coach Brock James says of the team's performances.

By Doug Laing · NZ Herald

Published: Friday, 9 October 2026 at 12:29 AM

Key Things to Know

Hawke's Bay faces Otago in an NPC quarter-final clash at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday.
The Magpies qualified in sixth position after suffering four consecutive defeats heading into the playoffs.
Centre Bailyn Sullivan returns to the starting lineup after missing out last weekend due to illness.

The Story in 60 Seconds

The Hawke’s Bay Magpies will face Otago in Dunedin on Saturday in the National Provincial Championship quarter-finals. After qualifying in sixth place following four consecutive losses, head coach Brock James' side aims to salvage their campaign at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Hawke’s Bay enters the knockout fixture having retained most of their forward pack, though No 8 Tiaki Fabish misses out. In the backline, centre Bailyn Sullivan returns to the starting lineup, shifting Nic Benn to the wing and Neria Fomai to the reserves.

Read the full article on NZ Herald

Rugby NPC quarter-finals: It’s do or fly time for the Hawke’s Bay Magpies

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