This year the competition is being played on Rugby Challenge 4, which came out in July.
Heartland Rugby’s Kevin Hare said that the competition this year was based on the 2019 squads because of Covid-19 cancellations.
He said the games were run as simulations, with AI (artificial intelligence) controlling the teams.
“No one is actually playing; it is PC (personal computer) versus PC.”
The league has just completed its second round, and Poverty Bay have one win and one loss under their belts, while East Coast Ngati Porou have lost both their fixtures.
Next week is derby week, and the two teams from East Cape face off in the virtual realm.