The regular season began on 23 August, when Hawke's Bay hosted Auckland.

If necessary of a tiebreaker, when two or more teams finish on equal points, the union who defeated the other in a head-to-head got placed higher.

In case of a draw between them, the side with the biggest points deferential margin got rights to be ranked above.

If they were tied on points difference, it was then decided by a highest scored try count or a coin toss.

The top two division winners, based on table points, received a home semi-final.

The competition started on Thursday, 23 August, with Hawke's Bay taking on Auckland at McLean Park.