For sponsorship reasons, the competition was known as the ITM Cup and it was the sixth season under the lead sponsor.

The competition started on Thursday, August 13, with Southland taking on Auckland at Rugby Park Stadium.

The last matchup of the beginning week saw Hawke's Bay host Northland for the competitions first Ranfurly Shield defense.

Hawke's Bay won the Ranfurly Shield when they defeated Counties Manuaku in August 2014, and subsequently made four successful defenses.

Hawke's Bay announced their first three defenses against Wairarapa Bush, Horowhenua-Kapiti, and Meads Cup winners Mid Canterbury after receiving six Heartland Championship offers.

[8] In the first challenge, Hawke's Bay were missing players due to Super Rugby and international duties but managed to score forty-one unanswered second-half points which saw them safely retain the shield, winning 58–7 at McLean Park.

They dominated the opening half with Perry Hayman kicking three-from-three penalty shots at goal.

Hawke's Bay although was in control with a dominant scrum and tries to Joseph Penitito and American Tony Lamborn.