FILE PHOTO : Cheering Manu Samoa fans at the Apia Park Stadium
By Staff Writer
Home rugby fans will be treated to an international clash of promising young talents groomed for the All Blacks and Manu Samoa colours .
The Samoa Manuma or Samoa A, is set to take on the New Zealand Heartland XV, when it toured Samoa in the next 10 months time.
Lakapi Samoa and the New Zealand Rugby Unions jointly announced the 2-match “landmark rugby series in November 2025’.
The visitors will play a mid-week warm up game against Samoa’s President XV team, selected from a mix of ‘emerging and experienced players.’
The winner of the NZ Heartland XV test match against the Manuma will having boasting rights as the winner of the President’s Cup.
“This tour is a testament to the strong rugby bonds between Samoa and New Zealand,” Lakapi CEO Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun said in the official statement announcing the rugby fixture.
“Hosting the New Zealand Heartland XV provides a unique platform for our players to showcase their talent and engage with our passionate rugby community,” Seumanu continued
“Our aim is to host international teams in Samoa in November, ending the year in style while creating opportunities for growth.
“This initiative offers our local players an invaluable chance to experience competing against overseas teams, inspiring them to reach new heights and strengthening the future of rugby in Samoa.”
NZ Rugby Pacifica Engagement Manager Saveatama Eroni Clarke, touched on the ‘long and proud history of the two rugby playing countries.
The match will be played at the Apia Park Stadium on Tuesday, 4th November 2025: President’s XV vs New Zealand Heartland XV.
Manuma Samoa against the NZ Heartland XV is on 8 November 2025.