Four local players called to Heartland duty - September 2015

The good news continued for four members of the HYRC Series-winning Wanganui Under-20s after they were named in the New Zealand Heartland XV to attend the Jock Hobbs Memorial Under-19 competition in Taupo this month.

Former WHS students Joe Edwards (Kaierau) and Dominic Broadhead (Kaierau); Gabriel Hakaraia (Ruapehu), Taylor Transom (Taihape) received the call-up to the 25-man team, which consists of U19 representatives from all 12 Heartland unions.

The team will compete in the second-tier Michael Jones Trophy competition in Taupo.

The national tournament consists of 16 teams, coming from the 14 ITM Cup unions, plus one other provincial team from a major centre and the Heartland XV.

Several unions hold mini-tournaments within their various Super Rugby regions to decide which teams will be seeded in either the Top8 (Graham Mourie Cup) grade or the Bottom 8 (Michael Jones Trophy).

Last year, Heartland surprised everyone, as following a very short preparation time together they beat Tasman 25-15, lost to Southland 48-38, then defeated Hawke's Bay 26-5 to finish third in their grade.

The Wanganui players selected for that team were Zyon Hekenui (Ruapehu), Mitchell Overton (Taihape), James Brett (Hunterville) and former WHS student Kameli Kuruyabaki (then Pirates, now Kaierau).

The 2015 tournament will be from September 28 to October 2.

- Wanganui Chronicle 8/9/15