Despite COVID-19 delaying the start of the Mitre 10 Cup, the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls’ opponents are unchanged in a revised draw released by New Zealand Rugby.

The competition was due to kick off in early August but due to the uncertainty around COVID-19 restrictions, it was pushed out by a month.

Now as restrictions have lapsed, the competition will kick off on Friday 11 September.  

The Yarrows Taranaki Bulls have retained their Saturday and Sunday afternoon time slot for home games at Inglewood’s TET Stadium & Events Centre, with four out of the five games kicking off at 2:05pm, the other will start at 4:35pm. The new venue will provide a family-friendly boutique atmosphere.

Taranaki will continue to play in four cross-over matches where they will play Premiership teams and the remaining games will be against Championship sides.

Taranaki will start their campaign at home against Championship winners, now Premiership team, Bay of Plenty in the opening round on Sunday 13 September.

The Yarrows Taranaki Bulls will then travel south to compete for the Ranfurly Shield against Canterbury in Christchurch, the first challenge of the season on Saturday 19 September.

The remaining home games will be against Otago, in a potential Ranfurly Shield defence, on Sunday 27 September, Auckland two weeks later on Saturday 10 October, Counties Manukau on Sunday 1 November and Hawkes Bay in the final round on Sunday 15 November.

Semi-finals weekend will be played on the weekend of 20 November, with finals played on Friday 27 November for the Championship and Saturday 28 November for the Premiership final.

Taranaki Rugby Chief Executive Officer Laurence Corlett was pleased with the draw.

“I think there is real excitement in the community about playing at Inglewood this year at family friendly kick off times. Our fans are important to us and provide great support that really lifts the team.”

Yarrows Taranaki Bulls captain and Inglewood local Mitch Brown said, at the time games were announced at TET Stadium & Events Centre, the venue will have a community feel.

“I think the atmosphere will be outstanding with a smaller, more intimate stadium. I love to play at TET Stadium & Events Centre, in front of my family and friends and a community that is very passionate about their rugby. I can’t wait to play at a ground I grew up playing at.”

New Zealand Rugby is also working on a revised draw for the Port Taranaki Whio Farah Palmer Cup campaign. A schedule is set to be released over the coming weeks.

Yarrows Taranaki Bulls memberships are now available from Taranaki Rugby. Grandstand memberships are $100 for all five home games. Memberships can be purchased by clicking HERE.

Click HERE to view the full 2020 Mitre 10 Cup draw.

-ENDS-

Article added: Thursday 25 June 2020