New Zealand Rugby has confirmed the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup draw.  The competition starts on Thursday 8 August, with finals scheduled for 25 and 26 October.

Otago will host Southland, Manawatu, Taranaki, Waikato and Canterbury, and play Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay, Wellington, North Harbour and Northland away.

Otago Coach Ben Herring said “It’s an exciting year for us and the fans defending the Ranfurly Shield. We’re looking forward to the first home game against Southland, it’s always a big match but even bigger this year as a shield defence. The team is excited to get back out there, and we hope to see a stadium filled with blue and gold supporters”.    

General Manager Richard Kinley said “We are really happy with the 2019 draw, especially having two Saturday and two Sunday home games.  This gives all fans across Otago a fantastic opportunity to get to the stadium and support the team this year.”

Click here to view the full draw.

Details of Otago’s two pre-season Shield defences against Thames Valley and North Otago will be announced over the coming weeks. 

Article added: Tuesday 26 February 2019