Mitre 10 Heartland Championship set to entertain again in 2018

Aug 23 • General News, National • 1385 Views • Comments Off on Mitre 10 Heartland Championship set to entertain again in 2018

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From the East to the West Coast, Thames Valley down to North Otago, the Mitre 10 Heartland Championship kicks off this weekend bringing provincial rugby to all corners of the country.

The competition sees 12 teams play 54 matches across 10 weeks with two pieces of prestigious silverware up for grabs; the Meads Cup and Lochore Cup.

New Zealand Rugby’s Chief Rugby Officer Nigel Cass said the Mitre 10 Heartland Championship is a popular competition that produces hard-fought, exciting matches.

“This competition is truly unique to New Zealand and highlights what is so good about our game.

“There is a distinct grassroots feel to the Heartland Championship with dedicated players, coaches, management and fans that epitomise what rugby is all about. These are people that work full time, train at nights and travel across the country each weekend all for the pride of their jersey and province,” said Cass.

In a thrilling 2017 season, Wanganui was able to defend their Meads Cup title, after finishing fourth-equal and advancing to the semi finals on points difference. It was their third title in as many years after beating Horowhenua Kapiti 30-14 in the final.

Mid Canterbury claimed a maiden Lochore Cup title with a dominant 47-15 victory over West Coast, culminating a strong season that saw them score the most points of any team.

Opening Round
First round match ups don’t get more enticing than Wanganui hosting South Canterbury. The defending champions pipped South Canterbury with a 29-24 victory in the Meads Cup semi-final last year, after South Canterbury had finished regular season at the top of the table.

Other exciting fixtures will see Horowhenua Kapiti host Mid Canterbury and North Otago host Buller.

Heartland XV
Players will be vying to impress selectors to earn a place in the New Zealand Heartland XV, who will be playing their traditional fixture against New Zealand Marist on 3rd November.

The Heartland XV, in their quest to retain the MacCrae Cup, will be coached by Craig Scanlon and Mark Rutene, appointed as Assistant Coach.

Roll of Honour

Meads Cup              Lochore Cup
2006    Wairarapa Bush        Poverty Bay
2007    North Otago             Poverty Bay
2008    Wanganui                 Poverty Bay
2009    Wanganui                 North Otago
2010    North Otago             Wairarapa Bush
2011    Wanganui                 Poverty Bay
2012    East Coast                Buller
2013    Mid Canterbury         South Canterbury
2014    Mid Canterbury         Wanganui
2015   Wanganui                  King Country
2016   Wanganui                  North Otago
2017   Wanganui                  Mid Canterbury