NZ divisional rugby team to tour Argentina

The New Zealand Divisional 15 rugby team will tour Argentina for the first time in November.

A three-match tour announced today by the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) features games against provincial sides Salta on November 1 and Tucuman three days later before the last match against Argentina A on November 11.

Thames Valley coach Ross Cooper, a former All Blacks selector, and his Wairarapa-Bush counterpart Peter Russell have been confirmed as the coaches.

The Divisional 15 are the showcase team for players competing in the amateur Heartland Championship.

"This tour is a fantastic opportunity for Heartland players to challenge themselves on the international stage and I am sure that the three matches will be tough encounters," NZRU operations manager Neil Sorensen said.

"In the past, provinces such as Hawke's Bay and the former Nelson Bays were well represented but their elevation to the Air New Zealand Cup means that we will see the emergence of a new wave of players."

The team will be named at the end of the championship next month.

- NZPA