Kieran Foran will play his final professional games of rugby league in this year's Pacific Championships. Photo: Brett Phibbs/ Photosport
Kiwis vs Toa Samoa
6.05pm Sunday October 19
GO Media Stadium Auckland
Live blog updates on RNZ
Kieran Foran thought his test career was over.
After a wretched run of injuries and calling time after 17-storied years in the NRL back in July, the 31-test veteran was resigned to retirement.
But now he's back for one last dance in black.
Foran answered Stacey Jones' comeback call with Jahrome Hughes sidelined and has been handed a starting journey for the first leg of his farewell tour as a Kiwi.
Foran will partner Dylan Brown in the halves for his first test since starting at hooker in the Kiwi's sensational 30-0 rout of the Kangaroos, when the Kiwis meet Toa Samoa in the opener of the Pacific Championships in Auckland.
"I thought I had probably played my last test in '23. I was injured last year and then I wasn't too sure whether I'd play again, but extremely grateful to be back. Excited. Very excited."
Foran admitted the emotions were hitting a bit harder in camp, knowing it's his swansong.
"It's just really hitting home that this is it, I feel incredibly blessed to be able to finish my career wearing the black and white jersey, it's just a great position to be in."
The Kiwi stalwart was also honoured earlier this month with the Ken Stephen Medal at the Dally M's, which is awarded to players who have contributed both in and outside of the game.
Foran has battled plenty of injuries over his long career. Photo: Photosport
While a champion on the field, Foran's biggest impact has arguably come off the field in the world of mental health.
He lost his stepson to suicide in 2023, and as a result, he established Logan's legacy to help mentor young men while also being open about his own struggles with depression.
Foran wore his heart on his sleeve during a powerful acceptance speech.
"I know I'm in a privileged position to have a voice, and I found that being open about my own journey, in particular the struggles, has helped others to realise they're not alone. I know the courage that it takes to reach out and say, I'm not okay, and it's those deep, raw, and real conversations that remind me why connection truly counts.
"If being vulnerable about my journey has helped just one person to make a choice, to keep going, to keep moving forward, and to keep throwing themselves into the uncomfortable, then my struggles have not been in vain."
Foran said this week that his post playing mission was clear.
"I'll continue to focus on that. It's an area that's a huge part of life and it's something that's very close to my heart so I'll continue to do all I can to help people who might be struggling in that space."
Kiwis team vs Toa Samoa
1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 2. Jamayne Isaako 3. Matthew Timoko 4. Casey McLean 5. Ronaldo Mulitalo 6. Dylan Brown 7. Kieran Foran 8. James Fisher-Harris (C) 9. Jeremy Marshall-King 10. Moses Leota 11. Briton Nikora 12. Isaiah Papali'i 13. Joseph Tapine 14. Phoenix Crossland 15. Naufahu Whyte 16. Erin Clark 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 18. Xavier Willison 19. Keano Kini 20. Scott Sorensen 21. Sebastian Kris. Coach - Stacey Jones.
Jesse Bromwich, Kieran Foran and Simon Mannering Photo: PHOTOSPORT
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