Introducing the Dettol National League

Established in 2021, the Dettol National League is Aotearoa New Zealand’s premier domestic football competition, showcasing the nation’s top talent in a two-phase battle for the prestigious title of Dettol National League champions.


The Road to the Dettol National League Championship

The Dettol National League unfolds in two stages: the Regional phase (March – September) and the Championship phase (September – November). During the regional phase, teams compete against local rivals in their respective regional leagues. The top qualifiers from these leagues then advance to the Championship phase to vie for national glory.

    Men’s Competition

    In the men’s competition, teams compete in three regional leagues: the Dettol Northern League, the Dettol Central League, and the Dettol Southern League.

    ​​​​​​​The qualifiers for the Dettol National League Championship are as follows:

    • The top four teams from the Dettol Northern League
    • The top three teams from the Dettol Central League, along with Wellington Phoenix’s reserve side
    • The top two teams from the Dettol Southern League

    Women’s Competition

    In the women’s competition, the top four teams from the Lotto NRFL are joined by three federation-nominated teams from Central Football and Capital Football, as well as federation sides Canterbury United Pride and Southern United, and Wellington Phoenix’s reserve side.

    These teams form the Dettol National League Championship.

    The Dettol National League Championship

    Both the men’s and women’s Dettol National League Championship competitions feature 10 teams competing over nine rounds. The top two teams from each league then advance to the Dettol National League Championship Grand Final, where the national champions are crowned.


    Earning Continental Glory: OFC Champions League Qualification

    For three teams, success in the Dettol National League leads to opportunities beyond national borders, with qualification for the men’s and women’s OFC Champions League.

    • The two finalists in the men’s Dettol National League Championship secure spots in the OFC Men’s Champions League play-offs, with the winner representing Aotearoa New Zealand on the international stage.
    • The winner of the women’s Dettol National League Championship earns direct qualification to the OFC Women’s Champions League, competing for glory against the top teams in Oceania.