Following a thorough review, the Auckland Rugby League are pleased to confirm the format for the 2023 Fox Memorial Premiership and Sharman Cup.

2023 will work as a bridge between the 2022 shortened season and by 2025 will see the return to a more exclusive Fox Memorial Premiership competition.  This gives all Clubs the opportunity to increase participation and develop their team’s depth with a long-term view.

The review process began in July, kicking off with a survey to Premier coaches and managers that participated in the 2022 competition. This was followed with the formation of three unique competition variations by ARL.  Club chairs and key stakeholders, such as the Warriors, NZRL, referees, and other partners have had the opportunity to critique, favour, and provide feedback over the last 4 months.

The final stage was to engage current players and participants of the Men’s Premier competition, through the form of a focus group, providing the opportunity to identify any issues or objections from their perspective.

Working with other rugby league organisations has provided the opportunity for ARL and rugby league to align competition calendars for the 2023 season. Following this extensive consultation with all relevant stakeholders, we had the unenviable task of bringing all the feedback together. 

ARL CEO, Rebecca Russell said, “It was great that we were able to get our competition underway amidst the uncertainty brought on by Covid-19 in the pre-season. It quickly became clear that a tiered Premiership competition structure was needed to consistently bring competitive games to our community.”

“It has been an in-depth and lengthy process working closely with our stakeholders to get to this stage, but we are happy to be able to confirm the competition format to give clubs and players some certainty heading into 2023.”

After a lot of deliberation and discussion we are pleased to confirm the following format for the 2023 season.

Article added: Thursday 10 November 2022