Heartland Championship

The Heartland Championship is a regional rugby union competition in New Zealand that features semi-professional and amateur players from smaller provinces. It serves as a stepping stone between local club rugby and the professional Mitre 10 Cup (Now known as the Bunnings NPC). The tournament showcases local talent, fosters community engagement, and helps develop players' skills. Teams compete in a round-robin format, culminating in playoffs and a final to determine the provincial champion. The Heartland Championship emphasizes regional pride, community involvement, and the growth of rugby at grassroots levels.