2025 New Zealand Heartland XV squad named
- harrisonryburn18
- Oct 21
- 2 min read
The 2025 New Zealand Heartland XV squad has been named for a two-game tour of Samoa.
Coached by Thames Valley’s David Harrison for the first time, the squad features eight players from Mid Canterbury’s victorious Meads Cup squad.
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Of the 27 players selected, 14 are also potential debutants, whilst two players, Adam Williamson and Kaleb Foote, are in their fourth consecutive camp.
Eight of the 12 Heartland provinces are represented within the squad.
The New Zealand Heartland XV will play a Samoan President’s XV on November the 4th, before Manumua Samoa (Samoa’s national ‘A’ team) on November the 8th.
David Harrison was appointed as the New Zealand Heartland XV coach earlier in the season, and is assisted by King Country’s Aarin Dunster and Horowhenua Kapiti’s Matai’a Aleni Feagauga.
Harrison replaces South Canterbury’s Nigel Walsh, who led the New Zealand Heartland XV from 2021-2024.
The squad will assemble on October the 29th to begin preparations for the tour.
The New Zealand Heartland XV last toured Samoa in 2012, losing to an Apia selection 21-23, but beating the Samoan ‘A’ side 17-13.
The New Zealand Heartland XV are looking for their first win since 2022, an 84-14 victory over NZ Police, and are making their first overseas tour since 2019.
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
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)
