Chiefs Country teams to play curtain raiser at FMG Stadium Waikato

Chiefs Country provincial unions of Thames Valley and King Country will face off at FMG Stadium Waikato on the 24th of May in a curtain raiser to the Gallagher Chiefs clash against the Hurricanes.

The match will be played by local players who represent a club within their union. This will create a great edge to the first rounds of the club rugby competition, with players vying for a position to represent their province.

“We are extremely grateful to the Chiefs Rugby Club as this opportunity gives our players exposure they might never have had and a real purpose to play and get fit early. It also gives our clubs a real weapon when talking to prospective players about playing club rugby in the province, and it gives the Swamp Foxes coaches a chance to see local players in preparation for the Heartland season,” said Thames Valley Head Coach David Harrison.

King Country Rugby Union General Manager Kurt McQuilkin said the Heartland derby was a great addition to the rugby calendar, and would give local club players the incentive to have a good pre-season and put their hands up for representative footy early in the season.

"The TLC King Country Rams are delighted to be part of the Gallagher Chiefs v Hurricanes match, as two local Chiefs region provinces contest the bragging rights in the curtain-raiser match at FMG Stadium Waikato. Our management team, players and supporters are excited at the opportunity the Gallagher Chiefs have kindly presented to us - go the Rams," said McQuilkin.

The game is sure to be a strong tussle with Thames Valley winning the last two meetings by a close margin: 2022 (15-19) and 2023 (21-27).

The match will kick off at 4.05pm ahead of the Gallagher Chiefs match at 7.05pm. Tickets can be purchased from www.chiefs.flicket.co.nz.