New Zealand Heartland XV squad named to take on Manumā Samoa

The side, which is once again led by Head Coach David Harrison (Thames Valley), is made up of the best players from the Hilux Heartland Championship, with 13 of those playing over the weekend in the Meads Cup and Lochore Cup finals.

Nine Heartland unions from across the country are represented in the squad. The Heartland XV will play the visiting side at Fraser Park in Timaru on Sunday November 1 and Friday November 6.

The side also contains three Ian Kirkpatrick Medal winners – Heartland’s player of the year award – in Sam Parkes, Siu Kakala and Alekesio Vakarorogo.

Head Coach David Harrison said he has an exciting group of players to work with, and was looking to continue the tone and culture set on the 2025 tour.

“I’d like to congratulate these men on their selection. This year’s competition was extremely competitive and full of top-quality players. I’m looking forward to getting started on our preparations.

“I’m looking forward to connecting a great group of men together, as I really enjoyed last season’s tour. I anticipate we can create an environment that these guys can look back fondly on.”

Harrison commented that he looked forward to reciprocating the hospitality and culture shown to his side by the Samoan sides in their 2025 tour.

“We’re very lucky to have an overseas team come and play, and now we are able to repay the hospitality afforded to us last season by them. We were blown away really, and we get to repay that now,” he says.

New Zealand Rugby Chief Rugby Officer Mike Collins said this is a huge career highlight for many of these players.

“Each of these players has earned the honour of wearing the black jersey. It’s now a special chance for these players to represent their communities and provinces on the international stage, and strengthen New Zealand Rugby’s connection with our Pasifika neighbours.”

The squad assembles in Christchurch on October 28. The team will also travel to local schools in the North Otago, South Canterbury and Mid Canterbury provinces for community activations.

New Zealand Heartland XV 2026 squad:

Forwards:

·         Lisivani Tuifua* – North Otago

·         Carey Cornelius-Peina* – King Country

·         Kelepi Funaki – North Otago

·         Lewis Bush* – Wairarapa Bush

·         Liam Rowlands – King Country

·         Josh Tye* – Thames Valley

·         Anthony Amato – South Canterbury

·         Manasa Samo – Mid Canterbury

·         Mitchell Morton* – North Otago

·         Reeve Satherley* – King Country

·         Mitch Gibson* – Mid Canterbury

·         Kenan Gillson – Thames Valley

·         Siu Kakala – South Canterbury

·         Kaharoa Takuira-Mita* – King Country

Backs:

·         Kristian Gent-Standen – King Country

·         Sam Parkes* – Ngāti Porou East Coast

·         Hone Mathieson* – King Country

·         Tom Reekie – Mid Canterbury

·         Mataitini Feke – North Otago

·         Toetu Touli – Mid Canterbury

·         Connor Paki* – Horowhenua-Kapiti

·         Alekesio Vakarorogo – Whanganui

·         Ben McCarthy* – North Otago

·         Leighton Ralph* – Horowhenua-Kapiti

·         Quinn Collard – Thames Valley

*denotes New Zealand Heartland XV debut.

New Zealand Heartland XV Management:

·         Head Coach: David Harrison (Thames Valley)

·         Assistant Coaches: Aarin Dunster (King Country), and Mataia Aleni Feagaiga (Horowhenua Kapiti)

·         Team Manager: Jason Tennant (Mid Canterbury)

·         Campaign Managers: Clint Austin and Jane Miller

·         Team Physio: Richard Barlow

·         Team Doctor: Dr Stevie Waerea

New Zealand Heartland XV series details:

·         Sunday 1 November 2026: New Zealand Heartland XV v Manumā Samoa, Fraser Park, Timaru. KO: 3:05pm

·         Friday 6 November 2026: New Zealand Heartland XV v Manumā Samoa, Fraser Park, Timaru. KO: 5:30pm