Heartland Bank is now the official partner and supporter of secondary schools’ rugby in Auckland.

Heartland Bank Deputy CEO, Chris Flood says the partnership is an important one for the bank because it views sport as an essential part of education, which it is passionate about supporting.

“We are thrilled to be the competition partner this year. Heartland Bank is a proud supporter of grassroots rugby having sponsored a number of first XV teams across the country through the Heartland Trust, and this partnership of Auckland secondary schools’ rugby takes this one step further.

“Heartland Bank’s roots stretch back to 1875, which is only a few short years after the first recorded game of rugby took place in Nelson in 1870. We are proud to be able to support secondary schools’ rugby and the important role it plays in our community,” says Flood.

Flood says he was heartened to see as many as eight premier girl’s teams in the competition.

“The talent pool within Auckland at school level is the envy of much of the country and the 1A competition is often seen as the pre-eminent schools competition in the world.  I’m delighted that we now have eight premier girl’s teams playing at this level also.”

The competition has produced world-renowned talent over many years and shows no signs of slowing down with the likes of recent All Blacks, Rieko and Akira Ioane cutting their teeth in Auckland secondary schools.

With secondary schools’ rugby continuing to go from strength-to-strength, Auckland Rugby Union CEO, Jarrod Bear is excited about the potential of this partnership going forward.

“The support of Heartland Bank is greatly valued. Auckland Rugby sees this as an opportunity to further enhance the role of rugby within schools. Rugby is an outstanding vehicle to teach a multitude of life skills to students, such as teamwork, leadership and work ethic.

“Auckland Rugby is committed to continue working with schools to develop students through rugby, and the forging of this partnership with Heartland Bank only aids this.”

Visit Heartland Bank HERE: heartland.co.nz