Format
The Citizens Shield has a slightly revamped structure. Premier clubs will still play two full rounds in North Otago, but they will each get two games following that. After the round robin, 1 v 4, 2 v 3 and 5 v 6 will play each other. The following week, 1 v 6, 2 v 5 and 3 v 4 will play each other. Teams will be awarded full competition points for those rounds, which will then be followed by semifinals of 1 v 4 and 2 v 3. It is a change from the previous three-week playoff format.
Excelsior
Last year: Champions.
The oil: Can Excelsior make it a threepeat? They say the only thing harder than winning the Citizens Shield is defending the Citizens Shield.
Blues’ hunt for their third consecutive title begins tonight and they are bolstered by some strong experience returning to the field.
Experienced coach Jason Forrest is back at the helm, alongside reliable captain Mat Duff, first five Tyron Davies and Englishman Josh Phipps. Electric winger Seva Druma scored a hat-trick in last year’s final and is sure to light up the backline. But they are without Matia Qiolevu, who has moved away.
Valley
Last year: Runners-up.
The oil: One of the most consistent performers, Valley will be looking to bring the shield back to Weston this year.
Valley have won twice in the past six years and have been runners-up three times, including 2024 and 2025.
Logan Dunlop takes over as head coach from the astute Barry Matthews, who will take on a technical role. Dunlop was previously a front-rower for Valley before a knee injury ruled him out, and he has been working his way through the coaching ranks since.
As always, Valley have a strong spine in Heartland co-captain Cameron Rowland, Anthony Docherty and Ben Paton. They host Maheno tonight.
Old Boys
Last year: Beaten semifinalists.
The oil: Old Boys almost made the final last year. They beat Athletic Marist in their semifinal and fell short 20-17 to Valley in the elimination final.
Heartland assistant coach Ralphie Darling is a stalwart of the club and will coach the side again.
Kelepi Funaki has become the cornerstone of Old Boys’ front row. One of the premier props in North Otago, Funaki played for the Heartland XV in Samoa last year, alongside Tini Feke, who can spark something from nothing at either halfback or second five.
First five/fullback Mason James was sharp last season.
Old Boys, who lost some key players in the offseason, have a tough first task against Blues at Maheno tonight.
Athletic Marist
Last year: Beaten semifinalists.
The oil: Athies have firepower across the field and have retained a strong core from last year.
Athies, coached by Tim Anderson, dipped out in the semifinals last year but will be hoping to push their case further this season.
Flanker Savenaca Rabaka, who will lead the team again, was one of the best on the field for the club last year and stepped up to co-captain North Otago. Heartland prop Lisivani Tuifua is a dynamic presence, Epineri Logavatu is always a strong lineout target, and back Posiano Kamoto is lethal.
Maheno
Last year: Fifth.
The oil: Things are on the rise for Maheno. Club stalwart Marty MacAtamney is back as head coach, ably assisted by former Heartland halfback Robbie Smith.
Player numbers appear to have been bolstered and Heartland winger Ben McCarthy will suit up for the whole season. He returned for the final games last year after a stint overseas, but was a stand-out during the representative season.
McCarthy joins stalwarts Lachie Kingan, Bryden Skinner and Jacob Day in an exciting backline. Hooker Hayden Tisdall, Harry Dennison and Toby Growcott are important in the tight five.
Kurow
Last year: Sixth.
The oil: Kurow will be looking to bounce back in 2026. The Red Devils, who won back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022, have a new coach in Steve Herbst this season, taking over the reins after Andrew Fisher stepped down.
Flanker Mitch Morton, who was outstanding in his first season for Kurow and followed that up for the Old Golds in his debut Heartland season, is back and will be one to watch in the forwards.
Dean Fenwick has plenty of pace out wide and is part of the leadership group alongside Cameron Keech and Taane Hubbard. They get under way against Athies at home tonight.
