By Stu Piddington

South Canterbury coach Barry Matthews has been appointed the new head coach of the New Zealand Heartland XV.

The New Zealand Heartland XV will play New Zealand Marist and the Australian Barbarians at the end of the season.

The tour dates and locations are to be confirmed, but all games will take place in early November.

Matthews said he was excited about coaching a team that contributed so much to rugby in New Zealand.

"I love coaching at all levels of the game but Heartland rugby is very special."

"The standard of Heartland rugby goes from strength to strength every year and more and more players are being picked up for the NPC and Super Rugby."

"It shows how much talent we have in New Zealand."

Matthews took South Canterbury to the Meads Cup final in his first year in charge having previously won the title with North Otago.

He was assistant coach of the Heartland team in 2011.

"It's the goal of many Heartland players to make the New Zealand Heartland XV team and represent our country. I'm thrilled to be involved."

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Matthews takes up his first campaign with the team  while his assistant Mutu Ngarimu returns for a second season, having assisted in 2015.

The Poverty Bay coach is a former captain of the New Zealand Divisional XV, having played for the team from 2002 to 2005.

"These Heartland guys come together from all over New Zealand from working on farms,  in factories and offices. 

"Many fit their training around their jobs and families, and they aspire to train and play like professionals."

"The biggest reward for me is seeing players kick on and go on to not only be better rugby players but also better fathers and better people. Rugby can be the vehicle for that."

The team will be managed by Tony Harrison from Mid-Canterbury.

New Zealand Rugby's head of community rugby Brent Anderson  said the coaching team provided the skills and experience needed to lead the team and ensure they are ready for the challenge of representing New Zealand.

"There is fantastic depth of rugby talent out in the provinces, not just in players but also coaches and managers. 

"We're very happy with our appointments for the New Zealand Heartland XV and will follow the team with interest come November."