Willi Heinz

Willi Heinz (born 24 November 1986) is a professional rugby union player who currently plays for Canterbury in the Bunnings NPC and the Crusaders in Super Rugby. Heinz started his professional career with the 2 clubs before moving to England and playing for Gloucester and Worcester Warriors in the Premiership. After almost a decade away from home, Heinz returned to Christchurch in 2022 to play for Canterbury and the Crusaders. He has also represented England internationally.

Heinz played four years in his 1st XV rugby team at school, Burnside High, which is a record for the school.

On 24 February 2015, English Premiership club Gloucester Rugby announced his signing for the start of the 2015–16 season.

In May 2017, he was invited to a training camp with the senior England squad by Eddie Jones. Heinz qualifies to represent England through his grandmother.

In August 2019, he was selected as the starting scrum-half and vice-captain for England's first summer international against Wales. That game marked his international debut for the England national team. The next day, Heinz was named in England's 31-man squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

On 23 February 2021, Heinz agreed to leave Gloucester for local rivals Worcester Warriors after six seasons on a two-year contract, option for a further season from the 2021–22 season. He left with immediate effect to return to New Zealand in March 2022.

Honours

 * Rugby World Cup
 * Runner-up: 2019