Sheridan in Heartland u19 squad

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

NGATAPA loose forward Chase Sheridan has been named in the Heartland under-19 rugby squad.

Sheridan, the Poverty Bay u20 captain, is one of 25 players selected from across the Heartland unions for the Jock Hobbs Memorial Tournament, which starts in Taupo on Sunday.

Tipene Meihana, a wing from Uawa and Ngati Porou East Coast, was also selected.

A total of 400 players from 16 teams will compete — one team from each of the Mitre 10 Cup provincial unions, an Auckland development team and the Heartland Unions combined team.

Aleni Feagaiga, from Horowhenua Kapiti, returns as head coach of the Heartland team.

The tournament is part of a week-long event that includes development programmes for the players, parents, coaches and referees.

Sheridan was also named in the Hurricanes u20s this year, alongside Meihana, Gisborne Boys’ High School lock Ofa Tauatevalu and OBM hooker Ethan Brett.