Heartland XV brings in new blood for series
The 2026 New Zealand Heartland XV squad has been named, boasting 13 debutants set to play in two feature matches against a Manumā Samoa side next month.
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.
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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
