2016 Heartland Championship
Date | 27 August 2016 –29 October 2016[1] |
---|---|
Countries |
![]() |
Final positions | |
Champions |
![]() ![]() |
Runner-up |
![]() ![]() |
Tournament statistics | |
Matches played | 54 |
← 2015 2017 → |
The 2016 Heartland Championship, known as the 2016 Mitre 10 Heartland Championship for sponsorship reasions,[2] will be the eleventh edition of the Heartland Championship, a rugby union competition involving the twelve amateur rugby unions in New Zealand. The tournament will involve a round-robin stage in which the twelve teams play eight games each and then the top four advance to the Meads Cup semifinals, while fifth to eighth advance to the Lochore Cup semifinals. In both of these knockout stages the top seeds (first and fifth) play at home against the lowest seeds (fourth and eighth), the second highest seeds (second and sixth) play at home against the third highest seeds (third and seventh) and the final will have the higher seed play at home against the lower seed.
Law changes
The New Zealand Rugby Union decided to implement new law changes for the Heartland Championship this season. These law changes involve a new points scoring system:[3]
- 8 pts for a penalty try (no conversion kick required);
- 6 pts for a try;
- 2 pts for a penalty, conversion or drop goal.
Teams

The 2016 Heartland Championship will be contested by the following teams.
Team | Super Rugby partner | Hometown | Home stadium | Capacity[4] | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
Buller | Crusaders | Westport | Victoria Square | 5,000 |
![]() |
East Coast | Hurricanes | Ruatoria | Whakarua Park | 3,000 |
![]() |
Horowhenua-Kapiti | Hurricanes | Levin | Levin Domain | 6,500 |
![]() |
King Country | Chiefs | Taupo | Owen Delany Park | 20,000 |
![]() |
Mid Canterbury | Crusaders | Ashburton | Ashburton Showgrounds | 5,000 |
![]() |
North Otago | Highlanders | Oamaru | Whitestone Contracting Stadium | 7,000 |
![]() |
Poverty Bay | Hurricanes | Gisborne | More FM Rugby Park | 18,000 |
![]() |
South Canterbury | Crusaders | Timaru | Alpine Energy Stadium | 12,000 |
![]() |
Thames Valley | Chiefs | Paeroa | Paeroa Domain | 3,000 |
![]() |
Wairarapa Bush | Hurricanes | Masterton | Trust House Memorial Park | 10,000 |
![]() |
Wanganui | Hurricanes | Wanganui | Cooks Gardens | 15,000 |
![]() |
West Coast | Crusaders | Greymouth | Rugby Park | 6,000 |
Ranfurly Shield challenges
Three Heartland Championship teams, Thames Valley, King Country and Wanganui challenged Waikato for the coveted Ranfurly Shield.[5] Thames Valley last challenged for the Ranfurly Shield in 2014 against Counties Manukau (losing 68–0),[6] whereas both King Country and Wanganui last challenged for it in 2012 against Taranaki (losing 67–16 and 51–7, respectively).[7][8]
The first challenge came from Thames Valley in June, when the Swamp Foxes succumbed 83–13 to Waikato.[9] In July the holders retained their Shield in a 55-to-nothing victory against King Country.[10] The last Heartland Championship challenge for 2016 saw Waikato defeat Wanganui 32–12 in Cambridge.[11]
6 June 2016 | Thames Valley ![]() |
13–83 | ![]() |
Paeroa Domain, Paeroa | ||
Try: Brett Ranga ![]() Jone Koroinsagana ![]() Pen: Josh O'Flaherty ![]() |
Report | Try: Iliesa Tavuyara ![]() Whetu Douglas ![]() Atu Moli ![]() Latu Talakai ![]() Jake Ale ![]() Jason Robertson ![]() Hame Faiva ![]() Sevu Reece ![]() Murray Iti ![]() Con: Jason Robertson ![]() Matt Lansdown ![]() |
30 July 2016 | King Country![]() |
0–55 | ![]() |
Bedford Park, Matamata | ||
14:35 (NZST) | Report | Try: Brian Alainu'uese ![]() Hame Faiva ![]() Jordan Trainor ![]() Murray Iti ![]() Sevu Reece ![]() Matt Lansdown ![]() Tevita Taufui ![]() Con: Jordan Trainor ![]() Pen: Jordan Trainor ![]() |
6 August 2016 | Waikato![]() |
32–12 | ![]() |
Memorial Park, Cambridge | ||
14:35 (NZST) | Try: Iliesa Tavuyara ![]() Tevita Taufui ![]() Jordan Trainor ![]() Whetu Douglas ![]() Steven Misa ![]() Con: Jordan Trainor ![]() |
Report | Try: Gavin Thornbury ![]() Jamie Hughes ![]() Con: Dane Whale ![]() |
Standings
Pos. | Team | Pld | W | D | L | PF | PA | PD | TB | LB | Pts |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() |
8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 362 | 110 | +252 | 6 | 0 | 38 |
2 | ![]() |
8 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 324 | 162 | +162 | 7 | 1 | 36 |
3 | ![]() |
8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 236 | 170 | +66 | 4 | 1 | 25 |
4 | ![]() |
8 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 278 | 198 | +80 | 6 | 1 | 27 |
5 | ![]() |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 62 | 62 | +0 | 2 | 1 | 7 |
6 | ![]() |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 78 | 60 | +18 | 1 | 1 | 6 |
7 | ![]() |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 48 | 40 | +8 | 1 | 1 | 6 |
8 | ![]() |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 60 | 60 | +0 | 1 | 1 | 6 |
9 | ![]() |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 56 | 62 | +4 | 1 | 0 | 5 |
10 | ![]() |
2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 52 | 64 | −12 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
11 | ![]() |
2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 38 | 128 | −90 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
12 | ![]() |
2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 26 | 132 | −106 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Meads Cup qualification | |
Lochore Cup qualification |
In the case of a two-team tie on points the ranking of teams is decided by:
- (1) the winner of the round robin match between the two provinces; then
- (2) highest point difference; then
- (3) most tries scored; then
- (4) a coin toss.
In the caseof a three-team or more tie on points the ranking of teams is decided by:
- (1) the province with the most wins against other tied provinces in the Round Robin; then
- (2) if two teams remain tied they shall be ranked according to the criteria listed above, but if more than two teams remain tied, they shall be ranked according to criteria (2) to (4) only.
Regular season
The schedule of fixtures was confirmed on 1 March 2016.[1]
Round 1
27 August 2016 | Thames Valley ![]() |
30–34 | ![]() |
Paeroa Domain, Paeroa | ||
14:00 (NZST) | Try: John Hale ![]() Lance Easton ![]() Norman Solofa ![]() Jonnie Te Ruki-Chambers ![]() Con: Jonnie Te Ruki-Chambers ![]() Pen: Jonnie Te Ruki-Chambers ![]() |
Report | Try: Fa'afoi Ioapo ![]() Ryan Shelford ![]() Andrew Lima ![]() Perry Hayman ![]() Con: Perry Hayman ![]() Pen: Perry Hayman ![]() |
27 August 2016 | Mid Canterbury ![]() |
40–32 | ![]() |
Ashburton Showgrounds, Ashburton | ||
14:30 (NZST) | Try: Jarred Percival ![]() Jon Dampney ![]() Brendon Rigden ![]() Timoci Nabakeke ![]() Mike Lynch ![]() Con: Jarred Percival ![]() |
Report | Try: Shay Tucker ![]() Josh Casey ![]() Joe Pickett ![]() Simon Lilicama ![]() Con: Carey ![]() |
27 August 2016 | Poverty Bay![]() |
54–30 | ![]() |
More FM Rugby Park, Gisborne | ||
14:30 (NZST) | Try: Isaia Vuki ![]() Everard Reid ![]() Devonte Stuart ![]() Ken Houkamau ![]() Siosiua Moala ![]() Tamati Samuels ![]() Con: Isaia Vuki ![]() Pen: Isaia Vuki ![]() |
Report | Try: Scorers not provided[12] |
27 August 2016 | South Canterbury![]() |
28–26 | ![]() |
Alpine Energy Stadium, Timaru | ||
14:30 (NZST) | Try: Raitube Vasurakuta ![]() Max Morris ![]() Viliame Rogatavu ![]() Kieran Coll ![]() Con: Zac Southern ![]() |
Report | Try: Setafano Sauqaqa ![]() David Egelstaff ![]() James Lash ![]() Con: James Lash ![]() Pen: James Lash ![]() |
27 August 2016 | Wairarapa Bush![]() |
16–18 | ![]() |
Trust House Memorial Park, Masterton | ||
14:30 (NZST) | Try: James Googer ![]() Richard Puddy ![]() Con: Tim Priest ![]() Pen: Tim Priest ![]() |
Report | Try: Stephan Turner ![]() Sean Wanden ![]() Con: Zayn Tipping ![]() Pen: Zayn Tipping ![]() |
27 August 2016 | Wanganui![]() |
74–6 | ![]() |
Cooks Gardens, Wanganui | ||
14:30 (NZST) | Try: Michael Nabuliwaqe ![]() Malakai Volau ![]() Roman Tutauha ![]() Te Rangatira Waitokia ![]() Gavin Thornbury ![]() Cole Baldwin ![]() Bryn Hudson ![]() Con: Dane Whale ![]() |
Report | Try: Trent Reti ![]() |
Round 2
3 September 2016 | Buller ![]() |
34–32 | ![]() |
Victoria Square, Westport | ||
14:30 (NZST) | Try: James Lash ![]() Anthony Tailua ![]() Joshua Tuidriva ![]() Dan Hytongue ![]() Con: James Lash ![]() Drop: James Lash ![]() |
Report | Try: Logan Bonnington ![]() Jarred Percival ![]() Mike Lynch ![]() Timoci Nabakeke ![]() Con: Jarred Percival ![]() |
3 September 2016 | East Coast ![]() |
8–74 | ![]() |
Whakarua Park, Ruatoria | ||
14:30 (NZST) | Try: BJ Sidney ![]() Con: Todd Dolan ![]() |
Report | Try: Simon Dibben ![]() Kameli Kuruyabaki ![]() Cole Baldwin ![]() Tremaine Gilbert ![]() Gavin Thornbury ![]() Te Rangitira Waitokia ![]() Craig Clare ![]() Ace Malo ![]() Con: Dane Whalen ![]() Steve Crosbie ![]() |
3 September 2016 | Horowhenua-Kapiti![]() |
22–32 | ![]() |
Westpac Stadium, Wellington[13] | ||
15:05 (NZST) | Try: Tyson Maki ![]() Penalty try ![]() Con: Perry Hayman ![]() Pen: Perry Hayman ![]() Warwick Lahmert ![]() |
Report | Try: Andrew Smith ![]() James Goodger ![]() Zac Guildford ![]() Sam Monaghan ![]() Con: Tim Priest ![]() Pen: Tim Priest ![]() |
3 September 2016 | King Country![]() |
30–24 | ![]() |
Owen Delany Park, Taupo | ||
14:30 (NZST) | Try: Sam Mason ![]() Kieron Robinson ![]() Ralulu Bovau ![]() Zayn Tipping ![]() Con: Zayn Tipping ![]() Pen: Zayn Tipping ![]() |
Report | Try: Les Hills ![]() Tani Misikosi ![]() Ratu Daurua ![]() Con: Isaia Vuki ![]() Pen: Isaia Vuki ![]() |
3 September 2016 | North Otago ![]() |
30–22 | ![]() |
Whitestone Contracting Stadium, Oamaru | ||
14:30 (NZST) | Try: Ralph Darling ![]() Josh Casey ![]() Matt Posea ![]() Lemi Masoe ![]() Con: Josh Casey ![]() |
Report | Try: Jonnie Te Ruki-Chambers ![]() Rupeni Vakacugu ![]() Hayden Wisnoski ![]() Con: Hayden Wisnoski ![]() |
3 September 2016 | West Coast ![]() |
20–58 | ![]() |
Rugby Park, Greymouth | ||
14:30 (NZST) | Try: Troy Tauwhare ![]() Maleli Mudu ![]() Logan Winter ![]() Con: Nik Cumming ![]() |
Report | Try: Viliame Logavatu ![]() Mosese Aho ![]() John Dyer ![]() Raitube Vasurakuta ![]() Max Morris ![]() Kieran Coll ![]() Shay Moseby Con: Zac Southen ![]() |
Round 3
10 September 2016 | Thames Valley ![]() |
22-22 | ![]() |
Boyd Park, Te Aroha | ||
14:00 (NZST) |
10 September 2016 | Mid Canterbury ![]() |
16-26 | ![]() |
Ashburton Showgrounds, Ashburton | ||
14:30 (NZST) |
10 September 2016 | North Otago ![]() |
36-36 | ![]() |
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin[13] | ||
14:30 (NZST) |
10 September 2016 | Poverty Bay![]() |
18-30 | ![]() |
More FM Rugby Park, Gisborne | ||
14:30 (NZST) |
10 September 2016 | Wanganui![]() |
32-30 | ![]() |
Cooks Gardens, Wanganui | ||
14:30 (NZST) |
10 September 2016 | West Coast ![]() |
36-30 | ![]() |
Rugby Park, Greymouth | ||
14:30 (NZST) |
Round 4
17 September 2016 | Buller ![]() |
48-0 | ![]() |
Victoria Square, Westport | ||
14:30 (NZST) |
17 September 2016 | East Coast ![]() |
8-48 | ![]() |
Whakarua Park, Ruatoria | ||
14:30 (NZST) |
17 September 2016 | Horowhenua-Kapiti![]() |
26-42 | ![]() |
Horowhenua Community Trust Levin Domain, Levin | ||
14:30 (NZST) |
17 September 2016 | King Country![]() |
10-22 | ![]() |
Rugby Park, Te Kuiti | ||
14:30 (NZST) |
17 September 2016 | South Canterbury![]() |
52-28 | ![]() |
Alpine Energy Stadium, Timaru | ||
14:30 (NZST) |
17 September 2016 | Wairarapa Bush![]() |
28-18 | ![]() |
Trust House Memorial Park, Masterton | ||
18:00 (NZST) |
Round 5
24 September 2016 | Thames Valley ![]() |
16-62 | ![]() |
Paeroa Domain, Paeroa | ||
14:00 (NZST) |
24 September 2016 | Buller ![]() |
54-22 | ![]() |
Victoria Square, Westport | ||
14:30 (NZST) |
24 September 2016 | Horowhenua-Kapiti![]() |
18-42 | ![]() |
Horowhenua Community Trust Levin Domain, Levin | ||
14:30 (NZST) |
24 September 2016 | Mid Canterbury ![]() |
34-22 | ![]() |
Ashburton Showgrounds, Ashburton | ||
14:30 (NZST) |
24 September 2016 | North Otago ![]() |
22-38 | ![]() |
Whitestone Contracting Stadium, Oamaru | ||
14:30 (NZST) |
24 September 2016 | Poverty Bay![]() |
30-52 | ![]() |
More FM Rugby Park, Gisborne | ||
14:30 (NZST) |
Round 6
1 October 2016 | East Coast ![]() |
22-76 | ![]() |
Whakarua Park, Ruatoria | ||
14:30 (NZDT) |
1 October 2016 | King Country![]() |
4-4 | ![]() |
Rugby Park, Te Kuiti | ||
14:30 (NZDT) |
1 October 2016 | South Canterbury![]() |
36-24 | ![]() |
Alpine Energy Stadium, Timaru | ||
14:30 (NZDT) |
1 October 2016 | Wairarapa Bush![]() |
24-26 | ![]() |
Trust House Memorial Park, Masterton | ||
14:30 (NZDT) |
1 October 2016 | Wanganui![]() |
60-14 | ![]() |
Cooks Gardens, Wanganui | ||
14:30 (NZDT) |
1 October 2016 | West Coast ![]() |
28-62 | ![]() |
Rugby Park, Greymouth | ||
14:30 (NZDT) |
Round 7
8 October 2016 | Buller ![]() |
0-28 | ![]() |
Victoria Square, Westport | ||
14:30 (NZDT) |
8 October 2016 | East Coast ![]() |
24-72 | ![]() |
Whakarua Park, Ruatoria | ||
14:30 (NZDT) |
8 October 2016 | Horowhenua-Kapiti![]() |
52-22 | ![]() |
Horowhenua Community Trust Levin Domain, Levin | ||
14:30 (NZDT) |
8 October 2016 | Mid Canterbury ![]() |
38-22 | ![]() |
Ashburton Showgrounds, Ashburton | ||
14:30 (NZDT) |
8 October 2016 | North Otago ![]() |
16-44 | ![]() |
Whitestone Contracting Stadium, Oamaru | ||
14:30 (NZDT) |
8 October 2016 | Poverty Bay![]() |
30-32 | ![]() |
More FM Rugby Park, Gisborne | ||
14:30 (NZDT) |
Round 8
15 October 2016 | Thames Valley ![]() |
14-50 | ![]() |
Paeroa Domain, Paeroa | ||
14:00 (NZDT) |
15 October 2016 | King Country![]() |
38-40 | ![]() |
Owen Delany Park, Taupo | ||
14:30 (NZDT) |
15 October 2016 | South Canterbury![]() |
14-0 | ![]() |
Alpine Energy Stadium, Timaru | ||
14:30 (NZDT) |
15 October 2016 | Wanganui![]() |
20-12 | ![]() |
Cooks Gardens, Wanganui | ||
14:30 (NZDT) |
15 October 2016 | West Coast ![]() |
54-42 | ![]() |
Rugby Park, Greymouth | ||
14:30 (NZDT) |
15 October 2016 | Wairarapa Bush![]() |
44-22 | ![]() |
Trust House Memorial Park, Masterton | ||
18:00 (NZDT) |
Finals
|
|
Semifinals
- Meads Cup
22 October 2016 | ![]() |
58-26 | ![]() |
Cooks Gardens, Wanganui | ||
14:30 (NZST) |
22 October 2016 | ![]() |
6-16 | ![]() |
Alpine Energy Stadium, Timaru | ||
14:30 (NZST) |
- Lochore Cup
22 October 2016 | ![]() |
24-36 | ![]() |
Ashburton Showgrounds, Ashburton | ||
14:30 (NZST) |
22 October 2016 | ![]() |
48-26 | ![]() |
Rugby Park, Te Kuiti | ||
14:30 (NZST) |
Finals
- Meads Cup
29 October 2016 | ![]() |
20-18 | ![]() |
|||
TBC |
- Lochore Cup
29 October 2016 | ![]() |
22-44 | ![]() |
|||
TBC |
See also
References
- 1 2 "2016 Mitre 10 Heartland Championship Draw" (PDF). Heartland Championship. 1 March 2016. Retrieved 12 April 2016.
- ↑ "Mitre 10 unveiled as new sponsor of national provincial rugby competitions". Heartland Championship. 13 December 2015. Retrieved 12 April 2016.
- ↑ "Law trials for NZ domestic competitions in 2016". Heartland Championship. 5 April 2016. Retrieved 12 April 2016.
- ↑ "2013 Pink Batts Heartland Championship Media Guide". AllBlacks.com. 13 August 2013. Retrieved 12 April 2016.
- ↑ "Pre-season Ranfurly Shield challenges confirmed". Mitre 10 Cup. 17 March 2016. Retrieved 12 April 2016.
- ↑ Eade, Shaun (2 July 2014). "Counties Manukau too strong for Swamp Foxes". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 12 April 2016.
- ↑ "Taranaki fend off King Country". Rugby365. 27 July 2012. Retrieved 12 April 2016.
- ↑ "Wanganui RFU – 2012". Wanganui Rugby Football Union. Retrieved 12 April 2016.
- ↑ Pearson, Joseph (6 June 2016). "Waikato begin Ranfurly Shield defence as expected with thrashing of Thames Valley". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 9 June 2016.
- ↑ Voerman, Andrew (30 July 2016). "Waikato ease past King Country in the wet to hold on to the Ranfurly Shield". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 30 July 2016.
- ↑ Pearson, Joseph (7 August 2016). "Waikato see off spirited Wanganui challenge to retain the Ranfurly Shield". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 8 August 2016.
- ↑ McDonnell, Lynn (27 August 2016). "Champions make winning Heartland start". Heartland Championship. Retrieved 27 August 2016.
- 1 2 "Forsyth Barr to host Heartland clash". Horowhenua-Kapiti Rugby Football Union. 6 July 2016. Retrieved 1 August 2016.