Kieran Foran Returns for Final Kiwis Matches in Pacific Championships

Kieran Foran is set to conclude his illustrious rugby league career with a final appearance for the Kiwis. The 35-year-old playmaker has been recalled to represent New Zealand in the upcoming Pacific Championships, marking a significant moment as he retires at the end of the season. His selection comes after injuries sidelined fellow players Jahrome Hughes and Kodi Nikorima.

Kieran Foran has made 31 international appearances since his test debut in 2009. He was named to Stacey Jones’ squad on Tuesday, ready to take on Samoa and Tonga in Auckland. This opportunity allows Foran to join forces with Dylan Brown from the Parramatta Eels, forming a dynamic halves partnership. Both players missed last year’s Pacific Championships due to injury.

The Kiwis’ roster also sees the return of notable players including props Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Moses Leota, as well as Ronaldo Mulitalo and Briton Nikora, who were absent in the previous tournament. Additionally, Xavier Willison, a second-rower from Brisbane who recently celebrated a grand final victory, has received his first call-up.

Another exciting addition to the team is Erin Clark, a Warriors forward who was named the NRL’s lock of the year at the recent Dally M awards. He is also set to make his international debut after joining the Kiwis. The team will be captained once again by James Fisher-Harris, who leads the squad into a campaign beginning against Samoa at Go Media Stadium on October 29, 2023.

The Kiwis will also face Tonga at Eden Park on November 2, 2023, before heading to Sydney for the Pacific Championships finals the following week.

In parallel, the Kiwi Ferns announced their squad, which includes five new caps: former Black Fern Patricia Maliepo, ex-Black Ferns Sevens duo Shakira Baker and Tysha Ikenasio, along with Shaniece Monschau and Ivana Lauitiiti, the daughter of Warriors legend Ali Lauitiiti. The Kiwi Ferns will begin their campaign against Samoa on October 19, 2023, before hosting Australia, the world champions, at Eden Park on November 2.

The complete rosters for the Pacific Championships are as follows:

Kiwis: Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Dylan Brown, Erin Clark, Phoenix Crossland, James Fisher-Harris (captain), Kieran Foran, Jamayne Isaako, Keano Kini, Sebastian Kris, Moses Leota, Jeremy Marshall-King, Casey McLean, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Briton Nikora, Isaiah Papali’i, Scott Sorensen, Joseph Tapine, Matthew Timoko, Naufahu Whyte, Xavier Willison.

Kiwi Ferns: Abigail Roache, Alexis Tauaneai, Angelina Teakaraanga-Katoa, Annessa Biddle, Apii Nicholls, Ashleigh Quinlan, Brianna Clark, Brooke Anderson, Georgia Hale (co-captain), Ivana Lauitiiti, Leianne Tufuga, Mele Hufanga, Otesa Pule, Patricia Maliepo, Raecene McGregor (co-captain), Shakira Baker, Shaniece Monschau, Shanice Parker, Tiana Davison, Tyla King, Tysha Ikenasio.

As Foran prepares for his final chapter, both the Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns are gearing up for a thrilling series that promises to deliver excitement and showcase emerging talent in the sport.