The draw is out for New Zealand provincial rugby's newly-named Mitre 10 Cup.

The eleven-week competition kicks off on Thursday the August 18 with North Harbour hosting Counties Manukau at QBE Stadium.

The opening round will also feature a couple of grudge matches.

Auckland will be after revenge against Canterbury having lost to them in the Premiership final, while Hawke's Bay take on Wellington who remain in the Championship having lost the promotion match to the Magpies last year.

Harbour will also get the first shot at the Ranfurly Shield in round two when they travel to Hamilton to take on holders Waikato.

Next up with a shot at the shield will be Manawatu in week three, followed by Taranaki in week five if the Mooloo men still have hold of the silverware.

The Mitre 10 Cup finals take place on October 28 and 29.

You can see the full draw here.

Newshub.