A revamped Farah Falmer Cup competition will be held this year, with NZ Rugby (NZR) confirming the nine-week draw for the country's top women's rugby competition.
The 13-team tournament will be split into two groups, with Northland, North Harbour, Auckland, Counties Manukau, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Taranaki making up the seven-team North pool, and Manawatu, Hawke's Bay, Wellington, Tasman and Otago joining reigning champions Canterbury in the South pool.
The first two weeks will see just the North pool play games, with North Harbour hosting Waikato in the season opener on August 22, while in week two Auckland and Waikato will play before the North v South men's match at Eden Park.
The South pool will start on September 5 when Wellington faces Otago.
The top two teams from each pool take part in crossover semi-finals, and the final will be held a week later on October 17.
In a big boost for the tournament, members of the Black Ferns Sevens side will feature for their provinces due to the uncertainty surrounding the sevens World Series due to coronavirus.
Portia Woodman and Tyla Nathan-Wong will join the Northland Kauri, Sarah Hirini will don the green strip of the Manawatu Cyclones while Ruby Tui will be eying up a debut for the Auckland Storm.
"There is a lot on the line this season because the level of competition continues to grow, and players will be eager to impress," says NZR's head of women's rugby Cate Sexton.
"The allure of a black jersey, with the World Cup at home next year will no doubt bring the best out of players and teams."
Canterbury, who have won the last three titls, will have to defend the JJ Stewart Trophy against Tasman, Otago and Wellington in their three home fixtures.
In May, Canterbury appointed Blair Baxter as coach for the 2020 season.
