New Zealand Heartland Under 20 team named ahead of tournament in Hamilton

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For the first time, under 20 age-grade players from across the Heartland Unions will compete in against New Zealand Māori Under 18 Ngā Whatukura in Hamilton on Sunday 6th October.

The newly formed New Zealand Heartland Under 20 team has been named and includes players from each of the 12 Heartland Provincial Unions. Whanganui Coach, Todd Cowan will head the team alongside Assistant Coach James White (King Country). 

 

Click here for the New Zealand Heartland Under 20 team

 

New Zealand Heartland Under 20 Head Coach Todd Cowan is grateful for the opportunity this brings to young heartland players. 

 

“Heartland rugby is a viable pathway for young aspiring players to progress their careers and this team illustrates that, to be able to don the Black jersey will be a very special moment for the team. We’re looking forward to taking the field against the New Zealand Māori Under 18 and hope to play an exciting brand of rugby with real ‘heartland’ flavour next Sunday afternoon.” 

 

Horowhenua-Kapiti CEO Corey Kennet is thrilled to see another New Zealand Heartland representative team given an opportunity to compete.

 

“The Heartland Under 20s provides players from small Heartland Unions the opportunity to achieve their dreams of representing New Zealand and wearing the black jersey. On behalf of all the Heartland Unions we’d like to thank New Zealand Rugby for making this match a reality.”

 

The New Zealand Heartland Under 20 fixture against New Zealand Māori Under 18 team is part of an international tournament taking place across three days in Hamilton next month, with seven teams competing.

 

Teams
Click here for the 2024 New Zealand Schools team.
Click here for the 2024 New Zealand Barbarian U18 team.
Click here for the 2024 New Zealand Māori U18 team.

Schedule (all times listed in New Zealand Time)

Wednesday 2nd October (St Paul’s Collegiate, Hamilton)
NZ Barbarians U18 v Australia U18 – 2pm
NZ Schools v Samoa U18 – 4pm
 
Sunday 6th October (FMG Stadium Waikato)
NZ Māori U18 v NZ Heartland U20 – 12pm
NZ Barbarians U18 v Samoa U18 – 2pm
NZ Schools v Australia U18 – 4pm 
 
Thursday 10th October (St Paul’s Collegiate, Hamilton)
Chiefs U18 v Samoa U18 – 12pm 
NZ Schools v NZ Māori U18 – 2pm

 

New Zealand Heartland Under 20 Coaching and management team:

Head Coach – Todd Cowan (Whanganui)

Assistant Coach – James White (King Country)

Manager – Ryan Gulbransen (King Country)

Physio – Jonny Dittmer (Hurricanes Heartland U20s)

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