In-form Kahn gets Heartland call-up

In-form Kahn gets Heartland call-up

Horowhenua-Kāpiti veteran Kahn Fotuali’i has been rewarded for an outstanding season with selection into the New Zealand Heartland XV for their two-game tour of Samoa next month.

The former Samoan and Crusaders halfback debuted for Horowhenua-Kāpiti in 2021 as a loan player from Manawatū, but soon after joined the Foxton club, helping them to back-to-back Ramsbotham Cup titles in 2024 and 2025.

His experience has been a major factor in Horowhenua-Kapiti making it all the way to the Lochore Cup final last weekend and he is a respected mentor for younger players in the team.

Kahn, 44, might be the only Horowhenua-Kāpiti player in the 27-man squad, but there will be some familiar faces on the plane to Samoa.

Horowhenua-Kāpiti coach Aleni Feagaiga is the assistant coach, while HK manager Tom Zimmerman will again manage the NZ Heartland XV for the fourth consecutive season.

Aleni was brought into the fold last season in an observer role so was relishing the opportunity to be involved with the Heartland team.

There are 14 new players named in the Heartland XV which will assemble on October 29 for the two-match tour.

Head coach David Harrison says the squad features some standout performers from the 2025 Heartland Championship season, selected for their skill, commitment, and leadership.

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.

Steve Lancaster, general manager community rugby, says it will be a career highlight for many players.

NZ Heartland XV: 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 Fotuali’i (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), Samuel 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)

Match details

Tuesday, November 4: President’s XV vs New Zealand Heartland XV, Taula Stadium, Ulalei Vaiala, Samoa (KO: 2pm).

Saturday, November 8: Manuma Samoa vs New Zealand Heartland XV, Taula Stadium, Ulalei Vaiala, Samoa (KO: 2pm).