New Zealand Rugby Māori Board acting chairman Peter Goldsmith has announced the Māori All Blacks squad to tour to Chicago, London and Ireland next month.
The team includes the following;
Six new caps have been named in the squad including this year's New Zealand Under 20 captain, Leni Apisai.
The team's head coach Colin Cooper is excited for all those who have been selected.
“We’re delighted with the squad we have announced today – we think there’s an incredible mix of experience and very wise heads, and a special crop of new talent that has been exciting to watch in action in Super Rugby and Mitre 10 Cup.
This team continues to be an important opportunity for players looking to push for higher honours.
We are particularly delighted for Rieko Ioane who was named for the first time with the All Blacks on Sunday – and he joins several Māori All Blacks who have earned a call-up to the All Blacks in recent years – Nehe Milner Skudder, Codie Taylor, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Joe Moody, Brad Weber, Elliot Dixon, Liam Squire, Damian McKenzie and last year’s skipper Charlie Ngatai currently unavailable due to concussion.”
Ash Dixon will step in as captain, taking over from Charlie Ngātai.
“We continue to work closely with the All Blacks coaches to ensure that we are aligned and these selections demonstrate the strength of the Māori All Blacks as a high performance team.”
“It’s also good that both teams are in Chicago and the United Kingdom at the same time so that we can retain that alignment,” Cooper said.
The squad will fly out on Sunday 30 October.
Māori All Blacks 2016 Match schedule:
Friday 4 November v USA Eagles, Toyota Park, Chicago
Friday 11 November v Munster, Thomond Park, Limerick
Wednesday 16 November v Harlequins, Twickenham Stoop, London