the 1930s saw a period of skill development for rugby in new zealand. the 1940 all black tour of south africa was one of the first sporting events cancelled due to the second world war. rugby was however played in services sport, with games being played with south african allies during the north african desert campaign, also, most domestic competitions were suspended during this time. in 1976, the first ever season of the national provincial championship (succeeded in 2006 by the air new zealand cup and heartland championship) went underway. in its inaugural format, division one was made up of seven north island teams and four south island. the remaining provinces contested a split second division, though south and north teams did not meet each other, instead played their respective island clubs. there was a separate relegation system in place for each the north and south, ensuring the number of teams from each island.