Chiefs Country Cup

[Tim]

https://newsie.co.nz/news/110551-chiefs-country-cup-extra-motivation-steamers.html

When the Steamers run out onto Rotorua International Stadium Saturday night to take on Taranaki they won’t just be battling for Mitre 10 Cup competition points.

They’ll also have their eyes on the brand new Chiefs Country Cup.

The trophy has introduced by the Chiefs to foster friendly rivalry between the Super Rugby franchise’s four constituent unions – Bay of Plenty, Counties Manukau, Taranaki and Waikato.

It will be contested on a challenge basis – similar to the Ranfurly Shield – in both the men’s Mitre 10 Cup and women’s Farrah Palmer Cup competitions.

The winner of Saturday’s Steamers-Taranaki encounter will have the honour of being the inaugural holders of the men’s version of the cup, and will then face a challenge from the next Chiefs provincial team they play, regardless of whether they are home or away.

The Farah Palmer Cup fixture between Waikato and Counties Manukau on September 1 will decide which union is first to get their hands on the women’s version.

Depending on the outcome of that match the Volcanix may get a challenge the following week when they take on Waikato at Matata, adding further to the enticing prospect of provincial rugby at the picturesque Bay coastal venue.

Bay of Plenty CEO Mike Rogers says his union is privileged to be the first to host a Chiefs Country Cup challenge, and believes it’s a great initiative launched by the Chiefs to link the four partners.

"The cup ensures the rivalries will be at an all-time high between the four provincial unions with even more on the line to play for and provides a great connection between the Chiefs Rugby Club and the four unions and fans."

The heart-shaped trophy, designed by Dave Burke, symbolises that the four unions are the heartbeat of the Investec Super Rugby team.

The design also features a maunga which represents all the mountains in Chiefs territory, as well as the sacred waters that connect the four regions.

[booboo]

Thames Valley and King Country aren't constituent unions?

Can they not do it like the Ranfurly Shield and include them in pre-season challenges?

I like the idea though.

[Bovidae]

I think that Taranaki's RS challenges against the Heartland provinces were already scheduled before the CCC came about. That would be the only opportunity for TV and KC to be involved as they don't play the other 4 provinces anymore.

[booboo]

@bovidae I was referring to this passage:

The trophy has introduced by the Chiefs to foster friendly rivalry between the Super Rugby franchise’s four constituent unions – Bay of Plenty, Counties Manukau, Taranaki and Waikato.

Seems they're ignoring the other two completely