Heartland Championship

The Heartland Championship is an annual round-robin rugby union competition in men's domestic New Zealand rugby. First played in 1976, it is the third highest level of competition in New Zealand alongside the Ranfurly Shield. It is organised by New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and since 2021, it has been known as the Bunnings Heartland Championship after Bunnings, its naming rights sponsor. A concurrent women's tournament is also held, the Farah Palmer Cup.

Following the 2005 season the league was restructured into a two-tier competition. The Heartland Championship would include semi-professional and amateur players, and consist of the bottom twelve populated and performing regional teams. For sponsorship reasons it was rebranded as the AA Rewards Heartland Championship. The remaining teams would continue to exist in the newly reformed professional competition known as the National Provincial Championship.

Twenty-nine teams have competed since the inception of the competitions second division in 1976. Hawke's Bay and Taranaki are historically the most successful unions with seven titles each and Whanganui is the most successful team during the modern-era, having won six from eleven finals. Sixteen other teams have won titles from both periods: South Canterbury (6), Southland (5), Mid Canterbury (4), North Otago (3), Bay of Plenty (2), Marlborough (2), Nelson Bays (2), Northland (2), Thames Valley (2), Waikato (2), Wairarapa Bush (2), Central Vikings (1), Counties Manukau (1) East Coast (1), King Country (1) and North Harbour (1).

The Heartland Championship is a prestigious rugby union tournament held annually in New Zealand, showcasing the best of amateur rugby talent from the country's provincial unions. Established in 2006, the championship features teams from the Heartland Rugby Union, representing regions that may not compete at the highest levels of the sport but are rich in rugby tradition and passion.

The tournament typically runs from August to October, culminating in a thrilling final that determines the champion of the Heartland Championship. Teams compete in a round-robin format, followed by knockout stages, with each match offering intense competition and showcasing the skills, determination, and sportsmanship of the players.

The Heartland Championship is not only a platform for emerging talent but also a celebration of community spirit, with local supporters rallying behind their teams. The tournament fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and pride, as players represent their regions and strive for glory on the rugby field.

With its rich history, competitive spirit, and commitment to grassroots rugby, the Heartland Championship remains a vital part of New Zealand's rugby landscape, providing unforgettable moments and inspiring the next generation of rugby stars.