There will also be two matches against Poverty Bay for Wairarapa-Bush; a non-championship game in Masterton on August 11 and the championship proper fixture in Gisborne on September 1.
Wairarapa-Bush will host the two likely favourites for the Heartland title, Wanganui and North Otago, during the qualifying rounds; Wanganui on September 15 and North Otago on October 6. Other home games will be against South Canterbury on August 25 and Mid-Canterbury on September 22.
The away matches will be against Poverty Bay in Gisborne on September 1, West Coast in Greymouth on September 8, King Country in Taupo on September 19 and Horowhenua-Kapiti in Levin on October 13.
Rutene is taking a relaxed attitude towards the championship draw, focusing on building strengths rather than worrying about the opposition.
And to that end he and new assistant coach Paddy Gough already have a group of players attending training sessions with the idea of entering two teams in the Greytown sevens later in the month.
Indications are that at least two of the regular members of last year's Heartland squad won't be back. Prolific scoring Wellington "import" utility back Trent Vatselias has headed to Perth and lock Dan Griffin is said to be unavailable. On the "doubtful starter" list is experienced midfielder Sam Mitchell.
An extended interview with new Wairarapa-Bush assistant coach Paddy Gough is on page 25.