Kieran

Foran

757

Resilient and brilliant five-eighth Kieran Foran appeared certain to become one of New Zealand’s longest-serving internationals, but a horror run of injuries severely limited his availability since starring in a string of momentous victories in the mid-2010s. He has enjoyed a representative renaissance in recent years, however, to hold a place in the Kiwis' squad 14 years after his Test debut.

Born in Auckland and first pulling on the boots for Ellerslie Eagles, Foran moved to Sydney with his family while still at primary school. His ability while coming through the North Sydney junior grades was recognised with his selection in the 2007 Australian Schoolboys side while attending Marist College North Shore.

Foran was snapped up by Manly, playing 35 games for the club’s NYC side in 2008-09 and making an instant impact at NRL level when he was blooded as an 18-year-old during the second half of the latter season. He scored six tries in nine first-grade outings to snare a place in the Kiwis’ Four Nations touring squad.

Capping a meteoric rise, Foran made his Test debut at centre in a 20-12 loss to England at Huddersfield – less than four months after his 19th birthday. That was his only appearance at the tournament but he was picked at halfback inside captain Benji Marshall for the 2010 Anzac Test.

Injury ruled Foran out of New Zealand’s subsequent Four Nations triumph. He wore the No.7 jersey in all five of the Kiwis’ Test assignments in 2011, however, and starred in the Sea Eagles’ premiership triumph. An ill-timed injury prevented him from playing in the 2012 Anzac Test in Auckland but he returned for the post-season loss to Australia in Townsville.

Solidifying his standing as one of the world’s best players in 2013, Foran was integral to Manly’s drive to another grand final – a loss to Sydney Roosters – and was ever-present at five-eighth for New Zealand. He captained the Kiwis in their Anzac Test loss to the Kangaroos in Canberra and featured in all six matches at the Rugby League World Cup for the runners-up.

Foran’s playmaking class was complemented by a fierce competitive streak and inspirational toughness in defence. The 2014 season would be one of his most memorable, finishing equal-seventh in the Dally M Medal count and playing superbly as Shaun Johnson’s halves foil throughout the Kiwis’ triumphant Four Nations campaign. Foran and Johnson teamed up again to lead New Zealand to a drought-breaking Anzac Test victory in Brisbane in 2015, but both linchpins were ruled out of the end-of-year tour to England with injury.

The 25-year-old joined Parramatta in 2016 and was immediately installed as captain. But a season-ending shoulder injury and a string of widely-publicised personal issues meant he played just nine games for the Eels before returning to Auckland to take up a one-year contract with the Warriors. Injuries also hampered his sole 2017 season at the Warriors, but he soldiered on valiantly and made his first international appearance in two years as the Kiwis went down to the Kangaroos in the Canberra-hosted Anzac Test. He pulled out of RLWC contention to focus on recovering from multiple ailments.

Linking with Canterbury, Foran’s 2018 campaign was cut short in June by a toe injury. Ankle and hamstring problems restricted his appearances again in 2019 but he finished the NRL season in top-shelf form for the Bulldogs to earn a Kiwis recall at the end of the year. Foran was chosen to replace Johnson in the halves for the series opener against Great Britain at Eden Park – his first Test outing on New Zealand soil in five years – to extend his international tenure to a decade. But agonisingly he suffered a serious shoulder injury in the early stages of the 12-8 win.

Foran made his 200th NRL appearance in a 2020 campaign for the Bulldogs bookended by further injury absences, while he signed a deal to return to the Sea Eagles in 2021 – a move that sparked a wonderful career revival. The 31-year-old played 25 games (his most in a season since 2013) in a team that surged to a top-four finish and reached the preliminary final stage, producing 11 try-assists and thriving in the halves alongside 2011-15 teammate Daly Cherry-Evans. Foran was named in the Kiwis’ wider squad for the postponed World Cup at the end of 2021.

Earning a bench spot for New Zealand's mid-season Test against Tonga in 2022, he played a bit-part role in the 26-6 victory while his consistent form in a free-falling Manly side prompting Gold Coast Titans to snap the 262-game veteran up for 2023. Foran, one of the longest-serving Kiwis players of all time in terms of years, grabbed a spot in the squad for the RLWC in England. He featured in all five matches at the tournament - at halfback against Lebanon and Jamaica (kicking six goals against the latter) with Jahrome Hughes unavailable and as an interchange in the last pool game against Ireland, the quarter-final win over Fiji and the semi-final loss to Australia.

Foran proved a valuable buy for the Titans, scoring six tries (his most in a season since 2014) in 20 games in 2023.

The 33-year-old provided much-needed experience in a youthful Kiwis squad for the Pacific Championships and started all three matches in the unfamiliar hooker role after initially being named on the bench for the opening clash with Samoa. Foran averaged 30 tackles and provided sound dummy-half service in New Zealand's triumphant campaign that culminated in a record 30-0 win over Australia in the final, taking his Test tally to 31 matches.

In 2025, Foran made his final NRL appearance in an emotional Round 27 farewell match, helping the Titans orchestrate a second-half comeback to secure a memorable victory over the Wests Tigers. The veteran playmaker was then recalled to Kiwis duties by coach Stacey Jones, starting at halfback in all three Tests, partnering with Dylan Brown in the halves. The Kiwis’ comeback Grand Final win over Toa Samoa provided a storybook ending to Foran's outstanding international career.

757

Kieran

Foran

Resilient and brilliant five-eighth Kieran Foran appeared certain to become one of New Zealand’s longest-serving internationals, but a horror run of injuries severely limited his availability since starring in a string of momentous victories in the mid-2010s. He has enjoyed a representative renaissance in recent years, however, to hold a place in the Kiwis' squad 14 years after his Test debut.

Born in Auckland and first pulling on the boots for Ellerslie Eagles, Foran moved to Sydney with his family while still at primary school. His ability while coming through the North Sydney junior grades was recognised with his selection in the 2007 Australian Schoolboys side while attending Marist College North Shore.

Foran was snapped up by Manly, playing 35 games for the club’s NYC side in 2008-09 and making an instant impact at NRL level when he was blooded as an 18-year-old during the second half of the latter season. He scored six tries in nine first-grade outings to snare a place in the Kiwis’ Four Nations touring squad.

Capping a meteoric rise, Foran made his Test debut at centre in a 20-12 loss to England at Huddersfield – less than four months after his 19th birthday. That was his only appearance at the tournament but he was picked at halfback inside captain Benji Marshall for the 2010 Anzac Test.

Injury ruled Foran out of New Zealand’s subsequent Four Nations triumph. He wore the No.7 jersey in all five of the Kiwis’ Test assignments in 2011, however, and starred in the Sea Eagles’ premiership triumph. An ill-timed injury prevented him from playing in the 2012 Anzac Test in Auckland but he returned for the post-season loss to Australia in Townsville.

Solidifying his standing as one of the world’s best players in 2013, Foran was integral to Manly’s drive to another grand final – a loss to Sydney Roosters – and was ever-present at five-eighth for New Zealand. He captained the Kiwis in their Anzac Test loss to the Kangaroos in Canberra and featured in all six matches at the Rugby League World Cup for the runners-up.

Foran’s playmaking class was complemented by a fierce competitive streak and inspirational toughness in defence. The 2014 season would be one of his most memorable, finishing equal-seventh in the Dally M Medal count and playing superbly as Shaun Johnson’s halves foil throughout the Kiwis’ triumphant Four Nations campaign. Foran and Johnson teamed up again to lead New Zealand to a drought-breaking Anzac Test victory in Brisbane in 2015, but both linchpins were ruled out of the end-of-year tour to England with injury.

The 25-year-old joined Parramatta in 2016 and was immediately installed as captain. But a season-ending shoulder injury and a string of widely-publicised personal issues meant he played just nine games for the Eels before returning to Auckland to take up a one-year contract with the Warriors. Injuries also hampered his sole 2017 season at the Warriors, but he soldiered on valiantly and made his first international appearance in two years as the Kiwis went down to the Kangaroos in the Canberra-hosted Anzac Test. He pulled out of RLWC contention to focus on recovering from multiple ailments.

Linking with Canterbury, Foran’s 2018 campaign was cut short in June by a toe injury. Ankle and hamstring problems restricted his appearances again in 2019 but he finished the NRL season in top-shelf form for the Bulldogs to earn a Kiwis recall at the end of the year. Foran was chosen to replace Johnson in the halves for the series opener against Great Britain at Eden Park – his first Test outing on New Zealand soil in five years – to extend his international tenure to a decade. But agonisingly he suffered a serious shoulder injury in the early stages of the 12-8 win.

Foran made his 200th NRL appearance in a 2020 campaign for the Bulldogs bookended by further injury absences, while he signed a deal to return to the Sea Eagles in 2021 – a move that sparked a wonderful career revival. The 31-year-old played 25 games (his most in a season since 2013) in a team that surged to a top-four finish and reached the preliminary final stage, producing 11 try-assists and thriving in the halves alongside 2011-15 teammate Daly Cherry-Evans. Foran was named in the Kiwis’ wider squad for the postponed World Cup at the end of 2021.

Earning a bench spot for New Zealand's mid-season Test against Tonga in 2022, he played a bit-part role in the 26-6 victory while his consistent form in a free-falling Manly side prompting Gold Coast Titans to snap the 262-game veteran up for 2023. Foran, one of the longest-serving Kiwis players of all time in terms of years, grabbed a spot in the squad for the RLWC in England. He featured in all five matches at the tournament - at halfback against Lebanon and Jamaica (kicking six goals against the latter) with Jahrome Hughes unavailable and as an interchange in the last pool game against Ireland, the quarter-final win over Fiji and the semi-final loss to Australia.

Foran proved a valuable buy for the Titans, scoring six tries (his most in a season since 2014) in 20 games in 2023.

The 33-year-old provided much-needed experience in a youthful Kiwis squad for the Pacific Championships and started all three matches in the unfamiliar hooker role after initially being named on the bench for the opening clash with Samoa. Foran averaged 30 tackles and provided sound dummy-half service in New Zealand's triumphant campaign that culminated in a record 30-0 win over Australia in the final, taking his Test tally to 31 matches.

In 2025, Foran made his final NRL appearance in an emotional Round 27 farewell match, helping the Titans orchestrate a second-half comeback to secure a memorable victory over the Wests Tigers. The veteran playmaker was then recalled to Kiwis duties by coach Stacey Jones, starting at halfback in all three Tests, partnering with Dylan Brown in the halves. The Kiwis’ comeback Grand Final win over Toa Samoa provided a storybook ending to Foran's outstanding international career.

PROFILE

Height M

180

WEIGHT KG

90

DOB

Jul 13, 1990

HIGHLIGHTS

Test matches

34

Test points

44

GOLD COAST TITANS (2023-2025)

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Retiring Kiwis of 2025

The end of the 2025 season brings the curtain down on a remarkable group of Kiwis players whose international and professional careers will be long remembered. Each has left a lasting mark on New Zealand rugby league and the Black and White jersey, having made major contributions to our great game throughout their careers.

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves #755

33 Kiwis Tests  

8 Points (2 tries)

340 professional matches (NRL and Super League)

Rotorua native Waerea-Hargreaves made his Kiwis debut in 2009, going on to become New Zealand’s veteran enforcer in the middle. He played 33 Test matches, with his last appearance coming at the 2022 World Cup. He enjoyed a long and decorated professional career, reaching 310 NRL games for the Sydney Roosters and finishing with 340 professional appearances following a move to the Super League in 2025.

Kieran Foran #757

34 Kiwis Tests

16 Points (1 try, 6 goals)

318 NRL matches

Foran made his NRL debut in 2009 as a 19-year-old, before earning selection in the New Zealand Four Nations squad and making his international debut in a loss to England. This marked the beginning of an NRL and international career spanning 17 seasons from 2009 to 2025 - the longest Test career in Kiwis history. The Ellerslie Eagles junior was a key figure in major tournament wins, including the 2014 Four Nations, the 2023 Pacific Cup, and the 2025 Pacific Cup.  

Elijah Taylor #770

11 Kiwis Tests

8 points (2 tries)

279 professional matches (NRL, Super League & Championship)

Taylor made his NRL debut in 2011 for the New Zealand Warriors, later that same year debuting for the Kiwis in the Four Nations. He played 10 additional Tests fthrough to 2013, while continuing a strong NRL career of 186 matches through to 2020. He then moved to the United Kingdom, competing in the Super League and Championship until the end of 2025.

Martin Taupau #785

24 Kiwis Tests

256 NRL matches

Martin “Marty” Taupau made his NRL debut in 2010 for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, captaining the Junior Kiwis that same year. He debuted for the Kiwis in the 2014 ANZAC Test and played every match of the Four Nations Series later that year. Taupau played 24 Kiwis Tests over 4 years before switching international allegiance to Samoa. He retires in 2025 with 256 NRL appearances.

Kenny Bromwich #796

15 Kiwis Tests

12 points (3 tries)

260 NRL matches

Bromwich began his professional career in 2013 when he debuted for the Melbourne Storm at age 22. The Manurewa native and junior would became a Melbourne stalwart, playing 216 matches before moving to Redcliffe in 2023. He made his Kiwis debut in the 2016 ANZAC Test, going on to play 15 Tests through to his final international appearance at the 2022 World Cup. He now retires with 260 NRL games.

Jordan Rapana #798

16 Kiwis Tests

82 points (11 tries, 19 goals)

242 professional matches (NRL and Super League)

Rapana made his NRL debut in 2008 for the Gold Coast Titans against the Sydney Roosters. After a hiatus from rugby league, he joined the Canberra Raiders in 2014 where he would play for a decade until 2024. He debuted for the Kiwis in the 2016 Four Nations, playing 16 Tests through to 2022. Rapana’s final professional season was with Hull F.C. in the Super League this year.

David Fusitu’a #799

2 Kiwis Tests

8 points (2 tries)

151 professional matches (NRL and Super League)

A Warriors junior throughout his youth, Fusitu’a made his first-grade debut in 2014. The winger debuted for the Kiwis in 2016, playing two Tests in the Four Nations before switching allegiance to Tonga the following year. He continued at the Warriors before moving to the Super League’s Leeds Rhinos in 2022, retiring with 151 professional appearances across a ten-year career.

Ken Maumalo #810

9 Kiwis Tests

20 points (5 tries)

135 NRL matches

A South Auckland local and Warriors junior, Maumalo made his first-grade debut in 2015. He made his Kiwis debut later in 2018, playing nine Tests across 2018-2019. The winger continued his try-scoring form for the Warriors until 2021, before a mid-season move to the Wests Tigers. He played his final first-grade match in 2023 and continued in the Queensland Cup until his retiring in 2025.

Fa'amanu Brown #835

3 Kiwis Tests

4 points (1 try)

97 professional matches (NRL and Super League)

Born in Christchurch, Brown became a Sharks junior after moving to Australia in his youth. He made his NRL debut for the Sharks in 2014, later joining the Bulldogs in 2018. After successful stints in both the NRL and Super League, he made his Kiwis debut in 2023, playing three Tests including the historic 30-0 victory over Australia in the Pacific Cup final.

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Kiwis claim Pacific Cup glory in Foran’s farewell

The New Zealand Kiwis have crowned their Pacific Championships campaign with a 36–14 victory over Toa Samoa at CommBank Stadium, delivering the perfect send-off for veteran playmaker Kieran Foran in his final Test match.

Trailing 14–6 at halftime, the Kiwis stormed home with 30 unanswered points in a dominant second half. Foran was instrumental in the comeback, combining brilliantly with Dylan Brown, who produced a standout performance featuring three try assists, 10 tackle breaks and 181 running metres.

Isaiah Papali’i crossed for two tries, while Casey McLean, Erin Clark, and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad also found the line. Clark’s powerful run early in the second half shifted momentum, before Papali’i’s second try in the 76th minute sealed the result.

Fullback Keano Kini continued his breakout tournament with 125 metres, six tackle breaks and four offloads, while Naufahu Whyte made a huge impact off the bench with 194 metres and seven tackle breaks.

The win secures New Zealand’s second Pacific Cup title in three seasons and confirms their status as a leading contender ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The New Zealand Kiwis celebrate their 2025 Pacific Championships triumph after a thrilling victory in the final

Head coach Stacey Jones praised his side’s resilience and composure under pressure, noting the leadership of Foran and the team’s ability to respond after a tough first half.

It was a night of pride and celebration for New Zealand Rugby League, closing out the Pacific Championships with silverware and a fitting farewell for one of the Kiwis’ most respected players.

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NZRL Congratulates Foran Ahead Of Swansong

Kieran Foran has been congratulated by the New Zealand Rugby League ahead of the last match of his decorated career for the Kiwis in their clash against Toa Sāmoa inthe Pacific Championships final at CommBank Stadium in Sydney today.

The game will leave Foran (Kiwi #757) with a total of 352 top level appearances comprising 34 Tests and 318 NRL matches for five clubs.

He will finish as the oldest player to appear at Test level for the Kiwis at 35years, 200 days, ahead of his former teammate Benji Marshall – the next oldest– who was 34 years, 257 days when he played his final international in 2019.

Foran’s Test career, spanning 17 seasons since his debut in 2009, is also the longest in the Kiwis’ history.

“The New Zealand rugby league community congratulates Kieran on a remarkable career,” said New Zealand Rugby League CEO Greg Peters.

“He has always worn the Kiwi jersey with such pride, passion and courage overcoming so many challenges along the way.

“Kieran’s contribution to our game has been immense and he will leave a lasting legacy for all to follow.

“As one of New Zealand’s greatest sportsmen, it’s so fitting his last match is in the Kiwi jersey and in the Pacific Championships final.”

An Ellerslie Eagles junior, Foran was 19 when he made his Test debut in the centres against England in Huddersfield on November 7, 2009.

He was in the New Zealand side which beat Australia 22-14 in the 2014 Four Nations final while putting together a run of three consecutive wins over the Kangaroos in 2014-2015 before conquering the Australians by a record 30-0 margin to claim the inaugural Pacific Cup crown in 2023.

Of the 33 Tests he has played to date the Kiwis have won 21 while losing 12.

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End of an Era: Foran’s Last Stand with the Kiwis

Kieran Foran’s final match on New Zealand soil was a fitting send-off for one of the Kiwis’ most loyal servants. The veteran half guided New Zealand to a dominant win over Tonga at Eden Park, his last chance to represent Aotearoa in front of home fans before closing out his international career in the Pacific Championships Final in Sydney this weekend.

Foran’s leadership has been a steadying force throughout the Kiwis’ campaign. Since making his debut in 2009, he has worn the black and white with pride across 34 Tests, including the 2014 Four Nations triumph and several World Cup campaigns. His professionalism and humility have earned universal respect among teammates and fans alike.

Kiwis head coach Stacey Jones said Foran’s impact on the team went far beyond his on-field performances.

“He’s been a massive influence, calm, selfless, and always putting the team first,” Jones said. “Kieran has helped set the standard for what it means to be a Kiwi. The younger players look up to him.”

Kiwis Kieran Foran during the Pacific Championships rugby league test between New Zealand Kiwis v Toa Samoa at Go Media Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand. Sunday 19 October 2025 Photo: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz

Sunday’s final at CommBank Stadium will mark Foran’s last outing in the famous jersey, a milestone that blends emotion with opportunity. While it is the end of an era for one of New Zealand Rugby League’s greats, it is also the beginning of a new generation, with emerging talents like Keano Kini, Casey McLean, and Naufahu Whyte carrying the torch forward.

Foran says he is savouring every moment of his final campaign.

“It has been a privilege every time I have pulled on this jersey,” he said. “To finish my last game in New Zealand at Eden Park, and to have one more in Sydney, is really special. I just want to enjoy the week and finish the right way for the team and our supporters.”

This Sunday, Foran will lead the Kiwis into battle one last time, a proud farewell to a career built on service, resilience, and devotion to the black and white.

Article Link

Broughton, Clark, Foran & Isaako take home 2025 Dally M awards

2 October 2025 The Dally M Awards were held last night at Sydney’s Randwick Racecourse, with eight Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns in the running for Team of the Year honours, and two already confirmed as other award winners.

By the end of the evening, Erin Clark and Gayle Broughton were named in the Team of the Year, recognising their standout NRL and NRLW seasons respectively. Broughton’s accolade comes just days before she takes the field in this weekend’s NRLW Grand Final.

Kiwis NRL Dally M Award Winners Lock of the Year – Erin Clark Ken Stephen Medal – Kieran Foran Highest Point Scorer – Jamayne Isaako Kiwi Ferns NRLW Dally M Award Winner Five-Eighth of the Year – Gayle Broughton
Article Link

Go after it like no other': Foran open to one more Kiwis campaign

September 8 2025 As seen on nrl.com After running out for the final time with the Titans, Kieran Foran remains opens to the prospect of one more international campaign if the Kiwis come calling. Since he made a call to close the curtain on the NRL in July, Foran has shared how his times in the black jersey have provided some of his major career highlights. This year, the idea of facing off against emerging powerhouses Tonga and Samoa on home soil has the champion half considering holding on to his boots … for a few more games. “If the opportunity presents itself and they feel I can really add value in that side, then, I'll jump at it,” Foran said. “Some of the best moments of my career have been playing for the Kiwis and if I was given an opportunity to do that one last time, I would fully immerse myself in it and go after it like no other, because I would have nothing to leave in the tank. “(Winning the Pacific Championships final in 2023) was phenomenal, I dreamt of winning a game like that against the Kangaroos as a kid. “People forget when I first came into that international space, I was on the receiving end of quite a number of heavy losses against the Kangaroos and we really struggled to be dominant over them. “It's been a battle ever since I came into that space, but it's been something I've been really determined to help build. “The body's feeling good enough to certainly squeeze out a few more games … but we'll just wait and see how the back-end of the season goes. “I'm sure if Stacey needs me, he'll reach out.” While Foran’s retirement will leave a hole in the playing squad at the Titans, his influence will remain, with the club confirming a specialist role in the football department staff. Captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has stated he would like Foran to remain involved in the squad’s leadership meetings, and an obvious area where the 2011 premiership winner could add experience is continuing to mentor the team’s halves.
The club’s Ken Stephen Medal nominee for 2025, Foran will also be kept busy with the club away from the football, having found a renewed energy giving back to the community, especially in the areas of mental health awareness – something deeply personal for him – and the club’s Leagueability program. Foran is an ambassador for Top Blokes Ambassador who support mental health prevention and early intervention initiatives like Logan’s Legacy, which was established to help honour the memory of his stepson Logan, who took his own life. “So passionate about helping the club,” Foran said. “[General Manager of Community] Renee [Cohen] and her team, the work that they do in Leagueability is quite incredible. “It touches me, it touches my heart, and they encourage me to help give back in that space. “The mental health work is obviously something that's very close to me through my own journey, and then also the death of Logan. “It's been something that I'll continue to work in and educate and help people through dark times and through struggling times in their life, just to be a sounding board. “Trying to encourage people in that space is something that I'm pretty passionate about. “There's nothing that scares me (to talk about). There's nothing that I haven't heard before or haven't been through. “I think there's a level of confidence and comfortability there when I am talking to people in that mental health space that they know they can trust me. “They know that I've lived it, I've been there, I've come out the other side of it, and I’ve got some lessons and some really good points to sort of improve their life. “And that's all I try and do.” Read more on nrl.com

Biography

Last updated:

November 20, 2025

Resilient and brilliant five-eighth Kieran Foran appeared certain to become one of New Zealand’s longest-serving internationals, but a horror run of injuries severely limited his availability since starring in a string of momentous victories in the mid-2010s. He has enjoyed a representative renaissance in recent years, however, to hold a place in the Kiwis' squad 14 years after his Test debut.

Born in Auckland and first pulling on the boots for Ellerslie Eagles, Foran moved to Sydney with his family while still at primary school. His ability while coming through the North Sydney junior grades was recognised with his selection in the 2007 Australian Schoolboys side while attending Marist College North Shore.

Foran was snapped up by Manly, playing 35 games for the club’s NYC side in 2008-09 and making an instant impact at NRL level when he was blooded as an 18-year-old during the second half of the latter season. He scored six tries in nine first-grade outings to snare a place in the Kiwis’ Four Nations touring squad.

Capping a meteoric rise, Foran made his Test debut at centre in a 20-12 loss to England at Huddersfield – less than four months after his 19th birthday. That was his only appearance at the tournament but he was picked at halfback inside captain Benji Marshall for the 2010 Anzac Test.

Injury ruled Foran out of New Zealand’s subsequent Four Nations triumph. He wore the No.7 jersey in all five of the Kiwis’ Test assignments in 2011, however, and starred in the Sea Eagles’ premiership triumph. An ill-timed injury prevented him from playing in the 2012 Anzac Test in Auckland but he returned for the post-season loss to Australia in Townsville.

Solidifying his standing as one of the world’s best players in 2013, Foran was integral to Manly’s drive to another grand final – a loss to Sydney Roosters – and was ever-present at five-eighth for New Zealand. He captained the Kiwis in their Anzac Test loss to the Kangaroos in Canberra and featured in all six matches at the Rugby League World Cup for the runners-up.

Foran’s playmaking class was complemented by a fierce competitive streak and inspirational toughness in defence. The 2014 season would be one of his most memorable, finishing equal-seventh in the Dally M Medal count and playing superbly as Shaun Johnson’s halves foil throughout the Kiwis’ triumphant Four Nations campaign. Foran and Johnson teamed up again to lead New Zealand to a drought-breaking Anzac Test victory in Brisbane in 2015, but both linchpins were ruled out of the end-of-year tour to England with injury.

The 25-year-old joined Parramatta in 2016 and was immediately installed as captain. But a season-ending shoulder injury and a string of widely-publicised personal issues meant he played just nine games for the Eels before returning to Auckland to take up a one-year contract with the Warriors. Injuries also hampered his sole 2017 season at the Warriors, but he soldiered on valiantly and made his first international appearance in two years as the Kiwis went down to the Kangaroos in the Canberra-hosted Anzac Test. He pulled out of RLWC contention to focus on recovering from multiple ailments.

Linking with Canterbury, Foran’s 2018 campaign was cut short in June by a toe injury. Ankle and hamstring problems restricted his appearances again in 2019 but he finished the NRL season in top-shelf form for the Bulldogs to earn a Kiwis recall at the end of the year. Foran was chosen to replace Johnson in the halves for the series opener against Great Britain at Eden Park – his first Test outing on New Zealand soil in five years – to extend his international tenure to a decade. But agonisingly he suffered a serious shoulder injury in the early stages of the 12-8 win.

Foran made his 200th NRL appearance in a 2020 campaign for the Bulldogs bookended by further injury absences, while he signed a deal to return to the Sea Eagles in 2021 – a move that sparked a wonderful career revival. The 31-year-old played 25 games (his most in a season since 2013) in a team that surged to a top-four finish and reached the preliminary final stage, producing 11 try-assists and thriving in the halves alongside 2011-15 teammate Daly Cherry-Evans. Foran was named in the Kiwis’ wider squad for the postponed World Cup at the end of 2021.

Earning a bench spot for New Zealand's mid-season Test against Tonga in 2022, he played a bit-part role in the 26-6 victory while his consistent form in a free-falling Manly side prompting Gold Coast Titans to snap the 262-game veteran up for 2023. Foran, one of the longest-serving Kiwis players of all time in terms of years, grabbed a spot in the squad for the RLWC in England. He featured in all five matches at the tournament - at halfback against Lebanon and Jamaica (kicking six goals against the latter) with Jahrome Hughes unavailable and as an interchange in the last pool game against Ireland, the quarter-final win over Fiji and the semi-final loss to Australia.

Foran proved a valuable buy for the Titans, scoring six tries (his most in a season since 2014) in 20 games in 2023.

The 33-year-old provided much-needed experience in a youthful Kiwis squad for the Pacific Championships and started all three matches in the unfamiliar hooker role after initially being named on the bench for the opening clash with Samoa. Foran averaged 30 tackles and provided sound dummy-half service in New Zealand's triumphant campaign that culminated in a record 30-0 win over Australia in the final, taking his Test tally to 31 matches.

In 2025, Foran made his final NRL appearance in an emotional Round 27 farewell match, helping the Titans orchestrate a second-half comeback to secure a memorable victory over the Wests Tigers. The veteran playmaker was then recalled to Kiwis duties by coach Stacey Jones, starting at halfback in all three Tests, partnering with Dylan Brown in the halves. The Kiwis’ comeback Grand Final win over Toa Samoa provided a storybook ending to Foran's outstanding international career.

fixtures & results

GAME 

3

VS

October 31, 2026

Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Tickets
Tickets

GAME 

2

VS

October 25, 2026

One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch

Tickets
Tickets

GAME 

1

VS

October 15, 2026

Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Tickets
Tickets

GAME 

4

VS

November 9, 2025

CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Match Report
Match Report

GAME 

5

VS

November 2, 2025

Eden Park

Match Report
Match Report

GAME 

6

VS

October 19, 2025

Go Media Stadium

Match Report
Match Report

GAME 

3

VS

October 31, 2026

Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast

Tickets

GAME 

2

VS

October 25, 2026

One NZ Stadium, Christchurch

Tickets

GAME 

1

VS

October 18, 2026

McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

Tickets

GAME 

4

VS

November 9, 2025

CommBank Stadium, Sydney

Match Report

GAME 

5

VS

November 3, 2025

Eden Park

Match Report

GAME 

6

VS

October 19, 2025

Go Media Stadium

Match Report

GAME 

3

VS

November 6, 2026

WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong

Tickets

GAME 

2

VS

November 3, 2026

WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong

Tickets

GAME 

VS

October 31, 2026

WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong

Tickets

GAME 

4

VS

November 2, 2025

Match Report

GAME 

5

VS

November 1, 2025

Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre

Match Report

GAME 

6

VS

November 1, 2025

Gold Coast Sports & Leisure Centre

Match Report

GAME 

7

VS

November 1, 2025

Gold Coast Sports & Leisure Centre

Match Report

GAME 

7

VS

October 31, 2025

Gold Coast Sports & Leisure Centre

Match Report

GAME 

8

VS

October 31, 2025

Gold Coast Sports & Leisure Centre

Match Report

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