The New Zealand Heartland XV plays the final game of their two-match tour of Samoa on Saturday.
The first match was to have been played on Tuesday against a President’s XV.
The second game is against Manuma Samoa on Saturday afternoon local time at Taula Stadium, Ulalei Vaiala.
Meads Cup finalists Mid Canterbury and Thames Valley make up over the half the 27-man squad, with eight and six players respectively while Lochore Cup winners North Otago have four players named.
South Canterbury prop Tokomaata Fakatava and halfback Willie Wright would have also made the squad but had to withdraw due to injury.
Head coach David Harrison said 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. 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.’’
Former Crusaders and Tasman halfback Kahn Fotuali’i is set to debut for New Zealand for the first time at 43.
The former professional turned out for Horowhenua Kapiti this season.
The squad assembled on October 29 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.
