Franchise Area
The Highlanders' franchise area consists of the regions controlled by the North Otago, Otago and Southland Rugby Unions. Like all New Zealand Super Rugby sides, the Highlanders are able to protect 24 players from within their franchise area from the draft. They then must go to the draft (which consists of New Zealand-based players not protected by any of the five Super Rugby franchises) to fill their squad. Both Otago and Southland compete in the ITM Cup (formerly the Air New Zealand Cup), and North Otago in the amateur Heartland Championship. As a result, the majority of Highlanders players play for Otago or Southland.
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