November 9 - 2013 Heartland XV defeat NZ Marist
In what became an annual fixture the 2013 Heartland XV beat NZ Marist in Timaru 25 – 12.
Matches between the Heartland XV and Marist started in 2009, with honours about even, in what seemed to be an arrangement that suited both parties.
The Heartland Championship started in 2006 and that year the Heartland XV made a three match tour of Argentina. In 2008 the team played two matches, both won, in the USA, and the following year they played NZ Marist for the first time. They have also played NZ Defence Forces in 2010, 2013, a Parramatta Invitation XV in Sydney (2010), two matches in Samoa (2012) and in 2014 played twice in the Cook Islands for a win and a loss.
Results v NZ Marist. Heartland XV NZ Marist
2009 Nov. 14 11 23
2010 Nov. 6 22 31
2011 Oct. 15 14 15
2012 Nov. 3 15 10
2013 Nov. 9 25 12
2014 Nov. 8 46 31
2015 Nov. 7 47 42
As well as NZ Marist the 2015 Heartland XV will play two match against an Australian Barbarians side – chosen from players in the Australian National Rugby Championship who were not contracted to Super Rugby franchises. This is a new development and one that should be positive for rugby on both sides of the Tasman.