New Zealand Heartland XV squad announced for upcoming tour

New Zealand Rugby is proud to announce the New Zealand Heartland XV squad selected to tour Samoa in November.

The 27-man squad is made up of the best players from across the Bunnings Heartland Championship, with several of those playing over the weekend in the Meads Cup and Lochore Cup finals.

Head coach, David Harrison, says the squad features some standout performers from the 2025 Heartland Championship season, selected for their skill, commitment, and leadership.

“We have 14 debutants this year, with several players part of the Meads Cup and Lochore Cup finals last weekend. Seven players have made the squad for a second straight season and two, Adam Williamson and Kaleb Foote, join us for a fourth season in a row”, says David.

“I’d like to congratulate all players on their selection. This year’s competition was extremely competitive and full of quality players. I look forward to connecting with the team next week to start preparations for an exciting tour to Samoa.”

The squad assembles on 29 October to start preparing for a two-match tour of Samoa. They will play two Samoan representative teams, providing a platform for grassroots talent to showcase their skills and experience the unique culture and hospitality of Samoa.

Steve Lancaster, General Manager Community Rugby says this will be a rugby career highlight for many of these players.

“After delivering great performances throughout the season, each player has earned the honour of wearing the black jersey. It’s been a few years since a Heartland XV squad has travelled overseas, so this is a special opportunity for players to represent their whānau and provinces on the international stage, forge lifelong friendships, and strengthen NZ Rugby’s connection with our Pasifika neighbours”, says Steve.

Heartland XV Match details:

• Tuesday, 4th November 2025: President’s XV vs New Zealand Heartland XV, Taula Stadium, Ulalei Vaiala, Samoa (KO: 2:00pm)
• Saturday, 8th November 2025: Manuma Samoa vs New Zealand Heartland XV, Taula Stadium, Ulalei Vaiala, Samoa (KO: 2:00pm)

 The New Zealand Heartland XV team is: *(denotes potential debut);

Players:

• Adam Williamson (Mid-Canterbury)
• Alekesio Vakarorogo (Whanganui) *
•  Anthony Amato (South Canterbury)
• Cameron Dromgool (Thames Valley)
• Declan McCormack (Mid-Canterbury)
• Ethan Robinson (Whanganui)
•  Hugh Mitchell Cameron (Mid-Canterbury)*
• Hunter Stewart (Mid-Canterbury)*
• Jackson Lewis Donlan (Mid-Canterbury)
• Kahn Fotualii (Horowhenua-Kapiti)*
• Kaleb Foote (King Country)
• Kelepi Funaki (North Otago)*
• Kenan Gillson (Thames Valley)*
• Kristian Gent-Standen (King Country)
• Lesen Huiarangi (Thames Valley)*
• Liam Rowlands (King Country)
• Logan Allen (Thames Valley)*
• Manasa Samo (Mid-Canterbury)*
• Mataitini Feke (North Otago)*
• Quinn Collard (Thames Valley)
• Samual Walton-Sexton (Wairarapa Bush)*
• Sione Etoni (Thames Valley)
• Thomas Reekie (Mid-Canterbury)
• Toetu Touli (Mid-Canterbury)*
• Tom Ryan (King Country)*
• Tupou Lea'aemanu (Wairarapa Bush)*
• Uluifalefisi Junior Fakatoufifita (North Otago)

 Unavailable due to injury: Keanu Taumata (Poverty Bay), Raitube Vasurakuta (Mid-Canterbury), Tokomaata Mavache Kelesi Fakatava (South Canterbury), and William Wright (South Canterbury).

New Zealand Heartland XV Management:

• Head Coach: David Harrison (Thames Valley)
• Assistant Coaches: Aarin Dunster (King Country) and Matai'a Aleni Feagaiga (Horowhenua Kapiti)
• Team Manager: Thomas Zimmerman (Horowhenua Kapiti)
• Campaign Manager: Josh Willoughby
• Team Physio: Richard Barlow
• Team Doctor: Stevie Waerea