Rugga Rant and Rave - Heartland

King Country RFU

The King Country RFU was formed in 1922 when the South Auckland Rugby Union was split into three. They play home matches at Taupo, Te Kuiti, Taumarunui and only need one word to some up their history.......Meads.

Poverty Bay RFU

The Poverty Bay RFU was formed in 1890. Poverty Bay won the 3rd division of New Zealand's former domestic competition, the National Provincial Championship, in 1987 and 2004, and also lifted the first Lochore Cup in 2006 and 2007.

Thames Valley RU

Thames Valley Rugby Football Union was founded in 1921 when it broke away from the Auckland Rugby Football Union. 'The Swampfoxes' play from Boyd Park, Te Aroha and Paeroa Domain, Paeroa and claim Keith Robinson and Carl Hoeft as their most recent All Blacks

Mid Canterbury RFU

The Mid Canterbury Rugby Football Union was formed in 1904 as Ashburton Country when it broke away from the Canterbury Rugby Football Union. The union changed its name to Mid Canterbury in 1927

North Otago RFU

The North Otago Rugby Football Union was founded in 1927 and over the years they have had many highs and lows. In 1962 they hosted and beat Australia during their tour of New Zealand. In the 2006 Heartland Championship they lost the Meads Cup semi-final to Wairarapa-Bush after being pre-tournament favourites. In 2007 they won the Meads Cup after beating Wanganui 25-8 in the final.

East Coast RFU

The East Coast Rugby Football Union is a constituent union in the New Zealand Rugby Union. It is located on the East Coast of the North Island, based in Ruatoria. It is the smallest Union in New Zealand in the sense of player numbers and population base. Due to the high number of players from the Ngati Porou iwi, the team is nicknamed Ngati Porou East Coast.

West Coast RFU

Formed in 1890 and based in Greymouth the West Coast RFU represents true grassroots values. West Coast have yet to win a Provincial Championship, but they are consistently improving in the Heartland Championship. From 2006 where they finished 12th, to 2008 when they made the Meads Cup semifinal they are improving their performance year by year. But their hospiltality and support is unrivaled

Horowhenua Kapiti RFU

The Horowhenua Rugby Football Union was formed in 1893. In 1997, they changed their name to Horowhenua-Kapiti. Horowhenua-Kapiti have never held the Ranfurly Shield but had 2 successful challenges in 1927 when they were amalgamated with Manawatu as Manawhenua. Horowhenua-Kapiti had a challenge against North Harbour in 2007, but were outclassed throughout the match, losing 99-6

Wanganui RFU

The Wanganui Rugby Football Union was formed on April 11, 1888. It then joined the NZRFU as a foundation member in 1892. In 1913 Wanganui played Australia and won 11-6 and in 1966 (with King Country) they won against touring side, British Isles 12-6.

Buller RFU

Buller was formed in 1894. Buller has played in both the second and third divisions of the former NPC and currently play in the Heartland Championship. Buller (often in combination with West Coast) has had some memorable matches against international sides in the past including victories over Australia. The Buller provincial boundary also includes larger towns such as Reefton, Karamea, Granity, Charleston, Punakaiki and Murchison. Home ground, Westport

Wairarapa Bush RFU

The Wairarapa Bush Rugby Football Union was formed in 1971 with the amalgamation of the Wairarapa Rugby Football Union and Bush Rugby Football Union. They were the inaugural winners of the Meads Cup in the Heartland Championship after beating Wanganui 16-14 on the 21 October 2006.

South Canterbury RFU

The South Canterbury Rugby Football Union (SCRFU) was formed in 1888. South Canterbury has produced a number of All Blacks and are one of the few unions to have played in all three Divisions of the NPC. They has also had some notable victories over touring international sides including the 1961 French team, and twice held the Ranfurly Sheid - 1950 and 74.

Heartland championship

Predictions, previews and reviews on the Toyota Heartland Championship

Heartland Championship - Best home ground

Where do you like to lean on the fence, munch on a pie, swig on a couple of local bevies then join the teams in the clubhouse afterwards. Convince the team at no8.co.nz and we'll feature it during August.