Taranaki (National Provincial Championship)

Taranaki is a rugby union province based in the Taranaki region of New Zealand. They compete in the National Provincial Championship (NPC), the premier domestic rugby competition in New Zealand. The team is governed by the Taranaki Rugby Football Union. Their home ground is Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth.

Taranaki's colours are amber and black. They are nicknamed the "Bulls". The province has a long history in New Zealand rugby, dating back to the late 19th century. While they have often been competitive, they have historically struggled to consistently challenge for the NPC title. They achieved their first NPC Premiership title in 2014, defeating Tasman in the final.

Taranaki has produced a number of notable All Blacks, including players like Graham Mourie and Conrad Smith. They serve as a vital development pathway for aspiring professional rugby players in the region. The team's performance in the NPC directly impacts the development of talent and the overall strength of New Zealand rugby. The Taranaki Rugby Football Union also oversees the development of rugby at the grassroots level, including school and club rugby.