Kiwi Heartland to tour the US
Mon, 04 Aug 2008 08:31
New Zealand's best heartland provincial rugby players will undertake a tour of the United States in November, the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) confirmed on Monday.
The New Zealand Heartland XV side, selected from players competing in the Heartland Championship, is scheduled to play two games on their first tour of the United States - against a Pacific Coast XV and a US Select XV.
The final game against the US Select XV will be played in Salt Lake City, Utah, to open the city's new stadium on November 8.
NZRU General Manager Professional Rugby Neil Sorensen said the New Zealand Heartland XV side represented the best of the country's Heartland players.
"Selection to this team is recognition for their outstanding performances in the Heartland Championship. The tour to the United States is a fantastic opportunity for these players to represent their country and wear a black jersey.
"At the same time, the tour also underlines the NZRU's commitment to supporting rugby development in that part of the world. Over the last few years the New Zealand Maori and New Zealand Sevens teams have both played in the United States where rugby continues to grow and we are delighted to contribute to that growth," he said.
New Zealand Heartland XV schedule:
November 4: v Pacific Coast XV, San Francisco
November 8: v USA Select XV, Salt Lake City
