Rugby: Ranfurly Shield challengers confirmed

The first challengers to Hawkes Bay's Ranfurly Shield have been confirmed. Photo / Getty

Hawkes Bay have confirmed the three Heartland Union challenges they have accepted for early Ranfurly Shield defences next year.

Hawkes Bay received six challenges and have confirmed Wairarapa Bush, Horowhenua Kapiti and this year's Meads Cupn winners Mid Canterbury have been accepted.

"The Shield matches have been scheduled for the month of July and we know that each of the Heartland opposition will be difficult opponents who will be highly motivated by the opportunity to play for the Log of Wood," Hawkes Bay union chief executive Mike Bishop said today.

Mid Canterbury, as Heartland champions, were a compulsory challenge, and "we've been keen to give our near neighbours a crack so have accepted the Wairarapa Bush and Horowhenua Kapiti challenges," Bishop added.