The Otago Spirit will have to suit up early this season in a competition which has been re-named after one of the sport's most popular female figures.
The women's provincial competition will be called the Farah Palmer Cup, is recognition of the former Black Ferns captain.
Palmer, who made her international debut while playing for Otago, and is a columnist for the Otago Daily Times, said it was very humbling to be associated with provincial women's rugby in New Zealand.
"Playing provincial rugby is where my love of the game began, and although my name is on the cup, it's one small way of acknowledging all trailblazers in women's rugby who have challenged assumptions, invested in the game and pursued their rugby aspirations as players, coaches, administrators and leaders,'' she said.
The competition starts on August 6, two weeks earlier than last year, as the playing schedule is moved to be more in line with the Black Ferns' playing schedule.
There are six games for each side in the nine-team competition. Hawkes Bay has pulled out and been replaced by North Harbour.
Otago does not play Waikato and Bay of Plenty in the championship and has three home games against Canterbury, Counties-Manukau and North Harbour.
The Otago side will again be coached by Duncan McEwan and he said the team has had its share of losses from last year but there were some exciting newcomers to look out for.
The club competition had lost a team with Kaikorai not playing this year but McEwan said the Spirit should have more depth this season.
Otago Spirit
Draw
Aug 6, v Manawatu, Palm Nth
Aug 20, v Canty, Dunedin
Aug 27, v Con-Man, Dunedin
Sept 3, v Wellington, Wellington
Sept 10, v Auckland, Auckland
Sept 17, v North Harbour, Dunedin
