Akira Ioane headlines a 26-man strong Maori All Blacks squad

July 03, 2019
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Ultimate Rugby

Māori All Blacks Head Coach Clayton McMillan said the squad named was an exciting mix of vast experience and new energy.

Having missed out on the All Blacks squad, the likes of hooker Nathan Harris, prop Tyrel Lomax, lock Tom Franklin, loose forward Akira Ioane and halfbacks Bryn Hall and Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi will all have another chance to show their wares heading into this year's World Cup in Japan.

“This is a really exciting squad to name. I think we have a good balance between the experience of guys who know how to perform at this level, and those who bring an important fresh perspective and energy. We also have some returning after an absence and they will bring some important knowledge into our group.

“We have named 26 players today, with one more, likely to be a prop, to be added before we travel next week.

“We’re excited to name four new caps in Nathan Harris, Alex Nankivell, Fletcher Smith and Jordan Hyland.

“With six players (Harris, Lomax, Dixon, Ioane, Hall and Tahuriorangi) in our mix with All Blacks experience, we can take a very solid squad to Suva and then on to Rotorua.

“Pulling on the Māori All Blacks jersey is a wonderful opportunity, and I know that these players will want to represent their heritage, their whanau and their country well. These next two fixtures will allow players to showcase what they have, and really put their best foot forward for higher honours.

“We’re looking forward to playing Fiji in Suva and then again in Rotorua. They’re a fantastic and exciting opposition who play a similar game to the Maori All Blacks. We know they’ll be looking to use this Series as preparation for their Rugby World Cup campaign.

“For some time we’ve been coveting a strong international opposition, and Fiji certainly fits that bill. We’re looking forward to the challenge of playing Fiji in back to back fixtures.

“I’m very excited about coaching a Māori team that is playing in Rotorua – what we consider to be the sentimental home of the Māori All Blacks.”

Full Squad:

Ash Dixon

Nathan Harris

Tyrel Lomax

Ben May

Marcel Renata

Ross Wright

Tom Franklin

Pari Pari Parkinson

Isaia Walker-Leawere

Whetukamokamo Douglas