Rugby: Heartland rugby coming to the capital

NZ Herald

24 Jun, 2016 10:50 PM3 mins to read

Wellington's Westpac stadium will play host to a match between Horowhenua Kapiti and Wairarapa Bush later this year. Photo / Getty Images

Heartland rugby is coming to the capital with Horowhenua Kapiti and Wairarapa-Bush set to play a unique curtainraiser before the Wellington Lions' Mitre 10 Cup match against North Harbour on September 3.

Wellington's two closest provincial neighbours will contest the PGG Wrightson Challenge Cup during the first official Mitre 10 Heartland Championship match at Westpac Stadium.

Wellington Rugby chief executive Steve Rogers said it was an opportunity for all three unions to showcase some of the talent spread across the bottom of the North Island.

"We play in different competitions, but we are all part of the same rugby family within the Hurricanes region and we all play a part in providing a pathway for our young people to hopefully achieve higher honours," Rogers said.

"We have a close working relationship with both of the Heartland unions involved and it will be great to see them running out and playing at one of New Zealand's top venues. No doubt it will also be a highly entertaining day for the Wellington rugby public."

The round two Mitre 10 Heartland Championship match between Horowhenua Kapiti and Wairarapa Bush was initially scheduled to be played at Levin Domain, but has been shifted to Westpac Stadium.

Horowhenua-Kapiti Rugby Union chief executive Corey Kennett said the union's players were already looking forward to what would be a memorable occasion.

"To play at Westpac Stadium will be a special occasion for the players, management, and the whole rugby community. It's certainly something that they will cherish for a long time.

"I see a lot of common ground for the three provinces, and we actively work together where possible to assist each other. I am also extremely grateful for the support of PGG Wrightson, who have offices in all three unions, and who have come on board to sponsor the match for the next two years."

Wairarapa-Bush Rugby Union chief executive Tony Hargood said the match was an illustration of the close relationship between the three unions involved.

"The Wairarapa-Bush union is looking forward to what is always a highly competitive and enjoyable rivalry with Horowhenua Kapiti, but also to recognising our close relationship with the Wellington Rugby Football Union.

"This match represents a real opportunity to put the Heartland Championship out there in the public eye and we have no doubt it will generate plenty of interest from the rugby communities in all three unions."

With the curtainraiser to kick off at 3:05pm and the Lions match at 5:35pm, it promises to be a family friendly afternoon.

It won't be the first time Horowhenua Kapiti and Wairarapa Bush have played each other at Westpac Stadium with the two provinces contesting a non-competition match in 2012 as a curtainraiser to a Hurricanes' Super Rugby match.