New Zealand Rugby’s Heartland Championship has been cancelled for the 2020 season, 1 NEWS understands.
The 12 Heartland provinces - effectively New Zealand's second tier of provincial teams - sought the move to ease pressure on NZR, who are struggling in the wake of Super Rugby's postponement due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is the first time since 1946 that a New Zealand domestic season will not feature every province.
It is the first time since 1946 that a New Zealand domestic season will not feature every province.
The last time a provincial rugby season was called off was 1916.
The blow to the grassroots game comes as New Zealand Rugby faces a growing rift between the private licensees of the Super Rugby clubs and its top flight Mitre 10 Cup provinces.
On Friday, 1 NEWS reported NZR is facing a $130 million loss in budgeted revenues.
More to come on 1 NEWS at 6pm
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