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Heartland XV

About the team

The Heartland XV represents the very best of provincial pride and grassroots talent from across New Zealand. Drawn from the country’s Heartland Championship unions, this team is proof that you don’t need a Super Rugby contract to earn the black jersey. 
 
The side showcases raw ability, physicality, and passion — with players often balancing rugby with full-time work or study. It’s rugby at its most authentic, where the jersey means everything. 
 
Explore their stories on NZR+ — from small-town legends to giant-slaying performances, this is where heart meets high performance. 

Heartland XV news

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New Zealand Heartland XV squad announced
The New Zealand Heartland XV has been named today, featuring fresh faces and a former All Black in the mix.
New Zealand Heartland XV campaign set for 2024
Players from the Heartland region will have the opportunity to don the black and white jersey for New Zealand Heartland XV in 2024.
New Zealand Heartland XV 2023 squad named
Head coach Nigel Walsh has named his New Zealand Heartland XV squad which features 11 potential debutants to don the black jersey.
Wairarapa Bush look to defend home fortress
Masterton's Memorial Park has been a fortress for Wairarapa Bush in the Heartland Championship this season.

Troy Tauwhare a Titan on the West Coast
Troy Tauwhare has been chalking up the milestones in 2023.

Horrocks Experience to Help Whanganui Build Momentum
Heartland veteran experience to help Whanganui build momentum.
New Zealand Heartland XV power past NZ Police in Taupō
In a celebration of community and ‘code’ the New Zealand Heartland XV beat the Police XV 84-14 at Owen Delany Park in Taupō on Sunday.
New Zealand Heartland XV set for New Zealand Police match
The New Zealand Heartland XV team has been named for this weekend’s match against the New Zealand Police at Owen Delany Park in Taupō.
Heartland XV named for New Zealand Police challenge
The New Zealand Heartland XV squad has been named ahead of their upcoming match against the New Zealand Police on Sunday 6 November, at Owen Delany Park in Taupō.
New Zealand Heartland XV named: team to support vaccination efforts for NZ Barbarians match
The New Zealand Heartland XV team has been named for this weekend’s match against the New Zealand Barbarians, with the side set to wear jerseys in support of regional Covid-19 vaccination efforts.
New Zealand Heartland XV team selected for 2021
New Zealand Heartland XV Head Coach Nigel Walsh has named 23 players and seven non-travelling
reserves for the upcoming match against the New Zealand Barbarians next month.
Nigel Walsh named 2021 New Zealand Heartland XV Head Coach
Following a year hiatus due to COVID-19, New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has today confirmed the New Zealand Heartland XV will be back in 2021, with South Canterbury’s Nigel Walsh named as Head Coach.