Ahead of the final round of fixtures , Central Districts had a fifteen point lead over Canterbury , needing just five more points to win the competition and retain their title . However , following the Christchurch mosque shootings , Canterbury withdrew from their final game , against Wellington , therefore Central Districts retained their title . It was the first time in more than fifty years that Central Districts had won back-to-back titles
Christchurch mosque shootings
Christchurch mosque shootings
2018–19 Plunket Shield season