 The Manawatu Turbos are the premier men's team in the Manawatu rugby province.In 2005, Manawatu were invited (with four other unions, reduced to three after an amalgamation) to play in the first division of a restructured National Provincial Championship, initially called (for sponsorship purposes) the Air New Zealand Cup (now known as the Mitre 10 Cup).As well as propelling Manawatu into professional rugby, it was also the first time since 1988 the top grade competition would feature a team from the province.