The ITM Cup has been shaken up numerous times in the past few years but it will retain the same format this season with Premiership and Championship divisions with seven teams in each. Counties were promoted to the Premiership this season, while Hawke's Bay have dropped down to the Championship.
Each team will play everyone in their division plus four crossover matches with the top four from each competition moving in to the semifinals, which will take place in mid-October.
Otago
Established: 1881
Ranfurly Shield tenures: Four
NPC Titles: Two; Last title in 1998
Last year's finish: Beaten Championship finalists
Coach: Tony Brown
Key figure: Japanese international halfback Fumiaki Tanaka isn't the biggest bloke on the field but he plays the game at an electric pace, which suits the Otago ethos under coach Tony Brown.
Rising star: Hooker Liam Coltman was talked about as an All Blacks bolter this year after some sprightly showings for the Highlanders and there's a good chance he will carry that form through to the ITM Cup.
Prospects: After being knocked over at the final hurdle last year, Otago will have an eye on the Championship final again this season.
Squad list: Lee Allan, Sam Anderson-Heather, Hugh Blake, Peter Breen, Michael Collins, Liam Coltman, Tom Donnelly, Tony Ensor, Gareth Evans, Matt Faddes, Tom Franklin, Fa'asiu Fuatai, Paul Grant (c), TJ Ioane, Scott Manson, Craig Millar, Kieran Moffat, Charlie O'Connell, Hayden Parker, Buxton Popoali'i, Josh Renton, Willis Scott, Aki Seuili, Ben Smith, Jayden Spence, Fumiaki Tanaka, Ezra Taylor, Tama Tuitirangi, Teihorangi Walden.
Southland
Established: 1887
Ranfurly Shield tenures: Seven
NPC Titles: None
Last year's finish: Beaten Championship semifinalists
Coach: David Henderson
Key figure: Few players are more proud of their province than big prop Jamie Mackintosh. He may have had an off year with the Highlanders but the former All Black always find a bit extra when he plays in the maroon of Southland.
Rising star: Halfback Tayler Adams made his Southland debut as an 18-year-old last year as the Cowan brothers left for greener pastures. With another year of development behind him, Adams should be an eye-catching prospect this season.
Prospects: Finding their way back to the Championship playoffs will be Southland's main objective and they have the personnel to make it happen.
Squad list: Tayler Adams, Nicholas Barrett, Joshua Bekhuis, Tim Boys, Tim Cornforth, Naulia Dawai, Elliott Dixon, Scott Eade, Michael Fatialofa, David Hall, Willis Halaholo, John Hardie, Keanu Kahukura, Nemia Kenatale, Juan Koen, Jamie Mackintosh, Marty McKenzie, Bryan Milne, Tukiterangi Raimona, Robbie Robinson, Craig Smith, Hale T-Pole, Talemaitoga Tuapati, Cardiff Vaega, Gareth Williams-Spiers.
Auckland
Established: 1883
Ranfurly Shield tenures: 16
NPC Titles: 16; Last title in 2007
Last year's finish: Beaten Premiership finalists
Coach: Wayne Pivac
Key figure: After being axed by the All Blacks, halfback Piri Weepu will bring boatloads of experience to the Auckland outfit. Weepu only played once for his adopted province last season but will be gainfully employed in this year's ITM Cup.
Rising star: Prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi is about as big as they come on a rugby field at 1.95m and 129kgs. The 21-year-old made his Auckland debut last season and collected a handful of appearances for the Blues in his maiden Super Rugby campaign this year. Opposing front-rowers should be weary of his size and power.
Prospects: Auckland made the final last year and anything less than the semifinals of the Premiership this year would be a disappointment.
Squad list: Vince Aso, Luke Braid, Sean Brookman, Joe Edwards, So'otala Fa'aso'o, Malakai Fekitoa, Simon Hickey, Tom McCartney, Pauliasi Manu, George Moala, Liaki Moli, Wayne Ngaluafe, Hadleigh Parkes (c), Junior Poluleuligaga, Sean Polwart, Sam Prattley, Peter Saili, Tenina Sauileoge, Saleaula Silipa, Gafatasi Su'a, Angus Ta'avao, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Nathan Vella, Lolagi Visinia, Piri Weepu, Jack Whetton.
Bay of Plenty:
Established: 1911
Ranfurly Shield tenures: One
NPC Titles: One; 1976
Last year's finish: Sixth in the Premiership
Coach: Kevin Schuler
Key figure: Openside flanker Tanerau Latimer is possibly New Zealand rugby's fittest man and gets through a power of work every time he sets foot on the field. Expect more of the same this year.
Rising star: Right wing Kimami Sitauti spent time in Auckland as a youngster but moved to Australia in his teens and has represented Australia at under-20 and sevens levels. Sitauti, 22, was part of the Melbourne Rebels squad this year and has plenty of pace.
Prospects: Staying in the Premiership will be an achievement for the Steamers.
Squad list: Carl Axtens, Johan Bardoul, Sam Beard, Kieran Black, Tim Bond, Sam Cane, Kalem Chan Boon, Matt Clutterbuck, Dan Deveraux, Nic Evemy, Samisoni Fisilau, Josh Hall, Kane Hames, Nathan Harris, Maru Henry, Josh Hohneck, Steve Honey, Mike Kainga, Tanerau Latimer, Kenny Lynn, Brett Mather, Keepa Mewett, Tino Nemani, Elijah Nicholas, Chris Noakes, Brodie Retallick, Culum Retallick, Willie Ripia, Joe Royal, Solomona Sakalia, Kimami Sitauti, Josh Sole, Pingi Ta'alapitaga, Joe Tupe.
Canterbury:
Established: 1879
Ranfurly Shield tenures: 14
NPC Titles: 10; Defending champions
Last year's finish: Premiership winners
Coach: Scott Robertson
Key figure: George Whitelock has been a warrior for Canterbury and the Crusaders during the past couple of years and there will be plenty more where that came from this season. The one-test All Black gets through big minutes and never shirks the grunt work from blindside flanker.
Rising star: Big lock Joel Everson has an impressive frame and at 2.04m should be a menace in the lineouts this year. A Crusaders wider training group member, look for him to make big strides.
Prospects: For the past five years Canterbury have ruled provincial rugby and their fanbase wouldn't be happy with anything less than a title in 2013.
Squad list: Dominic Bird, Tyler Bleyendaal, Jed Brown, Dan Carter, Wyatt Crockett, Ryan Crotty, Marcel Cummings-Toone, Mitchell Drummond, Andy Ellis, Joel Everson, Paea Fa'anunu, Corey Flynn, Owen Franks, Robbie Fruean, Ben Funnell, Mitch Graham, Willi Heinz, Luke Katene, Milford Keresoma, Nepo Laulala, Nasi Manu, Richie McCaw, Johnny McNicholl, Joe Moody, Patrick Osborne, Kieran Read, Luke Romano, Colin Slade, Matt Symons, Jordan Taufua, Codie Taylor, Tom Taylor, Matt Todd, Belgium Tuatagaloa, Adam Whitelock, George
Whitelock (c), Luke Whitelock, Sam Whitelock.
Counties Manukau
Established: 1955
Ranfurly Shield tenures: None
NPC Titles: One; 1979
Last year's finish: Championship winners; promoted to Premiership
Coach: Tana Umaga
Key figure: Hooker Hikawera Elliot wanted to stay within the Chiefs catchment area after he broke ties with Hawke's Bay and the former All Black landed in Counties. With Mahonri Schwalger out with injury, Elliot will be an important figure in the Steelers forward pack.
Rising star: Giant wing Frank Halai hasn't played a lot of 15-a-side rugby but showed great promise with the Blues this year. The former New Zealand sevens rep has plenty of pace and is a potent finisher out wide.
Prospects: Under Tana Umaga Counties played an exciting brand of rugby last year but the Premiership semifinals may be a bridge too far for them this year.
Squad list: Sam Aiono, Bundee Aki, Ki Anufe, Adam Cathcart, Hikawera Elliot, Jarrod Firth, Kane Hancy, Frank Halai, Baden Kerr, Fritz Lee, Rey Lee-Lo, Tyrone Lefau, Simon Lemalu, Sikeli Nabou, Tim Nanai-Williams, August Pulu, Tony Pulu, Ronald Raaymakers, Mahonri Schwalger, Mark Selwyn, Sherwin Stowers, Suliasi Taufalele, Matt Talaese, Ahsee Tuala, Jimmy Tupou, Ryan Wilson, Maama Vaipulu.
Harbour
Established: 1985
Ranfurly Shield tenures: One
NPC Titles: None
Last year's finish: Seventh in the Championship
Coach: Liam Barry
Key figure: Exciting midfielder Francis Saili will likely train with the All Blacks but get released to play for Harbour when not required by the national side. After an impressive campaign for the Blues this year he will want to build on that in the ITM Cup.
Rising star: Halfback Bryn Hall enjoyed his first season with the Blues this year and managed one cap against the Crusaders. The former New Zealand under-20s co-captain made his Harbour debut last season and is a useful goalkicker.
Prospects: Making the playoffs in the Championship would be a dream result for Harbour.
Squad list: Ben Afeaki, Pita Ah Ki, Cory Aporo, Jon Elrick, Vili Fihaki, Irwin Finau, Bryn Hall, Brenton Helleur, Zac Judge, Tevita Li, Michael Little, Sione Mafileo, Jordan Manihera, Brandon Nanson, Ray Niuia, Josh Olsen, James Parsons, Greg Pleasants-Tate, David Raikuna, Malakai Ravulo, Codey Rei, Frances Saili, Tua Saseve, James Semple, Chris Smith, Leigh Thompson, Nafi Tuitavake, Jona Tuitoga, Scott Uren, Alex Woonton.
Hawke's Bay
Established: 1884
Ranfurly Shield tenures: Three
NPC Titles: None
Last year's finish: Seventh in the Premiership; relegated to Championship
Coach: Craig Philpott
Key figure: Veteran loose forward Karl Lowe always seems to save his best for when he pulls on the black and white hoops of Hawke's Bay. Lowe is closing in on 100 games for the province and should tick past the milestone this season.
Rising star: Flanker Brendon O'Connor missed last year's ITM Cup through injury but after relocating to Hawke's Bay the Blues tearaway will be keen to leave his mark on the domestic landscape.
Prospects: The Magpies will threaten the Championship crown and anything less than making the semifinals would be a huge shock.
Squad list: Mark Abbott, Michael Allardice, Jody Allen, Mark Atkins, Adrian Barone, Trent Boswell-Wakefield, Adam Bradey, Richard Buckman, Mike Coman, Israel Dagg, Chris Eaton, Brendon Edmonds, Ben Franks, Zac Guildford, Andrew Horrell, Willie Ioane, Gillies Kaka, Max Lahiff, Tony Lamborn, Penikolo Latu, Regis Lespinas, Karl Lowe, Jesse MacDonald, Alby Mathewson, Bronson Neera, Brendon O'Connor, Tom Parsons, Ged Robinson, Johan Schoonbee, Trinity Spooner-Neera, Mikey Vuicakau, Telusa Veainu, Ihaia West.
Manawatu
Established: 1886
Ranfurly Shield tenures: One (Plus one as Manawhenua)
NPC Titles: One; 1980
Last year's finish: Sixth in the Championship
Coach: Jason O'Halloran
Key figure: Nick Crosswell is a hard-hitting flanker who is always at the heart of the action for the Turbos. He's had Super Rugby stops at the Hurricanes, Highlanders and the Chiefs and the Feilding High School-educated 27-year-old will be a vital man for Manawatu.
Rising star: First-five Jade Te Rure should get a decent opportunity to try and make the No 10 jersey his own with Aaron Cruden on All Blacks duty. The New Zealand under-20s pivot is an exciting runner.
Prospects: Manawatu take a homegrown approach to the ITM Cup and finding their way to the Championship semifinals would be a nice surprise.
Squad list: Heiden Bedwell-Curtis, Jared Brock, Hubert Buydens, Tomasi Cama, Nick Crosswell, Aaron Cruden, Jason Emery, Chris Eves, Ma'afu Fia, Michael Fitzgerald, Rob Foreman, Nathan George, Callum Gibbins, Hamish Gosling, Nick Grogan, Damian Horgan, Antonio Kirikiri, Lewis Marshall, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Hamish Northcott, James Oliver, Willie Paia'aua, Aaron Smith, Nick Stirzaker, Dan Squire, Fraser Stone, Tevita Taufu'i, Jade Te Rure, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Newton Tudreu, Papa Wharewera.
Northland
Established: 1920 (As North Auckland)
Ranfurly Shield tenures: Four
NPC Titles: None
Last year's finish: Fifth in the Championship
Coach: Derren Witcombe
Key figure: Rene Ranger turned down the chance to play for the All Blacks in a bid to captain Northland and spend more time with his family before he moves to France. A dangerous utility, Ranger's backline presence will be key to the Taniwha's fortunes.
Rising star: Former Fijian international Rupeni Caucaunibuca's star has risen and fallen in the past decade so it will be interesting to see if he can tune up the band one more time for a final rise. After shedding some unwanted kilos, the 33-year-old, who set Super Rugby alight for a couple of years in the early 2000s, is back in shape and ready to rock.
Prospects: Northland will be shooting for the top four in the Championship and getting their would see their campaign given a big tick.
Squad list: Robbie Abel, Derek Carpenter, Rupeni Caucaunibuca, Justin Davies, Warren Dunn, Latiume Fosita, Roy Griffin, Dan Hawkins, Willgriff John, Mateo Malupo, Whiria Meltzer, David Morgan, Matt Moulds, Tom Murday, Bronson Murray, Jake Paringatai, Owen Pihema, Dan Pryor, Jack Ram, Rene Ranger (c), Ben Seymour, Mac Sykes, Viliami Tahitu'a, Tane Takulua, Jone Tori, Scott Vessey, Will Whetton, Bryce Williams, Matt Wright, Ross Wright.
Taranaki
Established: 1889
Ranfurly Shield tenures: Five
NPC Titles: None
Last year's finish: Beaten Premiership semifinalists
Coach: Colin Cooper
Key figure: Big lock James Broadhurst is finally playing to the potential he looks to have. Big, strong and a dynamic carrier with ball in hand, the Hurricanes second-rower will be expected to win plenty of ball in the air for Taranaki with Jason Eaton overseas.
Rising star: Former Gisborne Boys' High School student Beaudein Waaka is an intriguing name on the Taranaki squad list. A schoolboy pivot, Waaka can also play at fullback and is a promising talent.
Prospects: Taranaki have been threatening to do something special for the past few years but haven't found a way to climb the mountain. They will be there at the business end of the competition.
Squad list: Kurt Baker, Beauden Barrett, Kane Barrett (c), James Broadhurst, Mitchell Brown, Daniel Brooks, Carl Carmichael, Shane Cleaver, Frazier Climo, Ryan Cocker, Mitchell Crosswell, Jamison Gibson-Park, Berny Hall, Jarrad Hoeata, Chris King, Sione Lea, James Marshall, Rhys Marshall, Rick McKenna, Waisake Naholo, Jackson Ormond, Ope Peleseuma, Chris Smylie, Nemia Soqeta, Seta Tamanivalu, Andre Taylor, Blade Thomson, Doug Tietjens, Isaia Tuifua, Timo Tutavaha, Beaudein Waaka.
Tasman
Established: 2006
Ranfurly Shield tenures: None
NPC Titles: None
Last year's finish: Beaten Championship semifinalists
Coach: Kieran Keane
Key figure: Utility back Robbie Malneek has been a constant in Tasman colours in recent seasons. The joint venture's leading try-scorer with 19, Malneek can cover wing, fullback and first-five if required.
Rising star: After not being able to find a way in with Wellington, talented pivot Hayden Cripps took his talents to the South Island and aligned with Tasman last year. Look for the 22-year-old to steer the Makos around the park this season.
Prospects: Tasman forced their way in to the semifinals in the Championship last season and more of the same would be a realistic approach this time around.
Squad list: Alex Ainley, Tevita Cavubati, Shane Christie, Hayden Cripps, Kieron Fonotia, Vernon Fredericks, Billy Guyton, Siua Halanukonuka, Bryce Heem, Tevita Koloamatangi, James Lowe, Quentin MacDonald, Robbie Malneek, Tom Marshall, Reuben Northover, Tim Perry, Gary Redmond, Mitchell Scott, Francis Smith, Liam Squire, George Stowers, Mark Swanepoel, Andrew Symons, Mike Wells, Joe Wheeler, Kaide Whitin.
Waikato
Established: 1921
Ranfurly Shield tenures: Nine; Current holders
NPC Titles: Two; Last title in 2006
Last year's finish: Fifth in the Premiership
Coach: John Walters
Key figure: Vice-captain Jackson Willison has been around the traps for a couple of seasons now and should hold things together nicely in Waikato's backline.
Rising star: He's already a well-known quantity but a motivated Ben Tameifuna is a scary prospect. The giant prop showed what he can do at the back end of this year's Super Rugby competition and he should run over plenty more people in the ITM Cup.
Prospects: The Ranfurly Shield holders will give this season a pass mark if they can end the year with the Log o' Wood in the trophy cabinet. Premiership-wise they will be on the fringe of a semifinal spot.
Squad list: Brian Alainu'uese, Paul Alo-Emile, Fraser Armstrong, Jono Armstrong, Adam Burn, Sam Christie, Dylan Collier, Whetu Douglas, Vance Elliott, Hame Faiva, Romana Graham, Rory Grice, Marnus Hanley, Wharenui Hawera, Zak Hohneck, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Sam Kilgour, Jack Lam, Semisi Masirewa, Liam Messam, Chris Middleton, Tim Mikkelson, Brayden Mitchell, Kylem O'Donnell, Trent Renata, Nick Ross, Toby Smith, Latu Talakai, Ben Tameifuna, Save Tokula, Matt Vant Leven (c), Watene Waenga, Joe Webber, Jackson Willison (vc).
Wellington
Established: 1879
Ranfurly Shield tenures: 10
NPC Titles: Four; Last title in 2000.
Last year's finish: Beaten Premiership semifinalists
Coach: Chris Boyd
Key figure: Another axed All Black, Victor Vito, will be looking to put some hurt on the ITM Cup this year. Vito will pack down at No 8 for Chris Boyd's side and will be a menacing prospect with ball in hand.
Rising star: Outside back Matt Proctor is due to have a breakout competition after showing his wares last season in his rookie campaign.
Prospects: Wellington have an outrageously talented and experienced forward pack, which should carry them to the playoffs. From there it will be down to halfback Frae Wilson and No 10 Lima Sopoaga to guide them to glory.
Squad list: Tim Bateman, Dane Coles, Ambrose Curtis, Ross Filipo, Afa Fa'atau, Kaipati Gaualofa, Reggie Goodes, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Adam Hill, Joe Hill, Cory Jane, Alapati Leiua, Faifili Levave, Genesis Mamea, Motu Matu'u, Api Naikatini, Charlie Ngatai, Tomasi Palu, Matt Proctor, TJ Perenara, Mark Reddish, Ardie Savea, Julian Savea, John Schwalger, Brad Shields, Eric Sione, Conrad Smith, Eugene Smith, Lima Sopoaga, Jeremy Thrush, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Shaun Treeby, Victor Vito, Frae Wilson.
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