Long-serving hooker Sam Sturgess and rookie utility back Hayden Todd were named in the 23-strong squad by Heartland coach Nigel Walsh yesterday.
Sturgess, the Old Golds captain, has had a familiarly strong season, and Heartland selection is another honour in his wide-ranging grassroots career.
Todd, who transferred from Otago Country to North Otago this season, has hit a marvellous run of form on the wing, but is also a very capable centre.
Heartland selection caps a fine year for Todd, who played a major role in the Kurow club winning the Citizens Shield for the first time in 39 years.
North Otago, which heads to Whanganui for the Lochore Cup final on Sunday, could be considered unlucky not to have another couple of players picked.
Whanganui has no fewer than seven in the squad, though two are non-travelling reserves, while runaway leader and heavy Meads Cup final favourite South Canterbury has eight.
Walsh, the South Canterbury and former North Otago coach handling Heartland XV duties for the first time, is excited to get the gang together after a year off due to Covid.
‘‘There are 19 players in the finals this weekend, which just shows the calibre of players in this squad,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s been an eight-week selection process watching games all over the country and we’re happy that this team is well-balanced, exciting and has really strong skill sets.
‘‘They’re all deserving of wearing the silver fern.”
The Heartland XV will assemble in Taupo for a camp ahead of a game against the New Zealand Barbarians on December 5.
“We’re expecting a tough, close competition from the Barbarians and I’m looking forward to seeing players standing up, proving a point and taking that next step,’’ Walsh said.
