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 competition started on August 16, with North Harbour taking on Northland at QBE Stadium.

The opening round saw a repeat of the Premiership final with Tasman against the then current champions Canterbury.

In March 2018, Taranaki accepted Ranfurly Shield challenges from both Heartland Championship unions, Wanganui and Poverty Bay after the regular season draw was confirmed.

Taranaki Rugby announced the venues for the pre-season defenses in mid April for July 28 and August 4 at the Tikorangi Domain and TSB Hub.