Ellison names first Maori All Blacks squad blending experience and new talent
- 458
New Māori All Blacks Head Coach Tamati Ellison (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Whakaue) has named his first squad in charge of the team, selecting a blend of experienced campaigners, returning Māori All Blacks and exciting new talent for the 2026 season.
The 26-strong squad features six uncapped players, including highly rated young talent such as Torian Barnes (Ngāti Whātua) and Payton Spencer (Ngāti Kahungunu, Muaūpoko), who have impressed throughout the DHL Super Rugby Pacific season for the Blues, alongside Adam Lennox (Ngāti Kūia, Ngāti Raukawa), who earns his first Māori All Blacks selection after a great season with the Highlanders.
Ellison, who previously served as an Assistant Coach with the All Blacks, said selecting his first Māori All Blacks squad was a privilege and a responsibility to continue the legacy of the jersey.
“This is a special team with a unique purpose. The Māori All Blacks jersey carries a lot of history, and every player who puts it on becomes part of that story.
“We wanted to recognise the players who have represented this team before and understand what it means to wear this jersey, while also creating opportunities for the next group coming through.”
The squad includes a number of players returning to the Māori All Blacks environment, including 2024 representatives Marcel Renata (Ngāti Whānaunga), Taha Kemara (Te Whānau a Apanui, Te Whakatōhea) and Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāti Pikiao, Tūhourangi, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Awa).
Ellison said the connection created by representing the Māori All Blacks lasts beyond the final whistle.
“Once you have worn this jersey, you are always part of this team. That connection stays with you, and having players return who understand the expectations, the culture and the responsibility of representing Māori rugby is really special.”
The six uncapped players are an exciting addition to the 2026 campaign.
“These players have earned their opportunity. They have shown the qualities we look for in Māori All Blacks players, not just through their rugby, but through who they are and what they represent.
“They are joining a group with a strong foundation, and we are excited to see them bring their own energy and identity into the team.”
Ellison has represented the Māori All Blacks as a player, bringing his own understanding of the pride and responsibility attached to the jersey.
The 2026 Māori All Blacks squad is:
Props:
Benet Kumeroa (Te Atihaunui a Pāpārangi/Bay of Plenty/Chiefs)
Ollie Norris (Ngāpuhi/Waikato/Chiefs)
Jared Proffit (Ngāti Porou/Taranaki/Chiefs)
Pouri Rakete-Stones (Ngāpuhi/Hawke’s Bay/Hurricanes)
Marcel Renata (Ngāti Whānaunga/Northland/Blues)
Hookers:
Jacob Devery (Te Aitanga a Mahaki/Hawke’s Bay/Hurricanes)
JJ Pokai* (Ngāti Tūwharetoa/Taranaki/Chiefs)
Tyrone Thompson (Ngāi Tāmanuhiri and Ngāti Rangiwewehi/Hawke’s Bay/Chiefs)
Locks:
Tahlor Cahill* (Ngāpuhi/Canterbury/Crusaders)
Caleb Delany (Ngāti Tūwharetoa/Wellington/
Laghlan McWhannell (Ngāti Kahungunu/Waikato/Blues)
Loose forwards:
Torian Barnes* (Ngāti Whātua/Canterbury/Blues)
Jahrome Brown (Ngāti Porou/Waikato/Chiefs)
Nikora Broughton (Ngārauru, Ngāti Ruanui/Bay of Plenty/Highlanders)
Te Kamaka Howden (Tūhoe/Manawatū/Highlanders)
Halfbacks:
Sam Nock (Ngāpuhi, Northland, Blues)
Adam Lennox* (Ngāti Kūia, Ngāti Raukawa/Taranaki/Highlanders)
Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāti Pikiao, Tūhourangi, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Awa/Bay of Plenty/Chiefs)
First five-eighths:
Taha Kemara (Te Whānau a Apanui, Te Whakatōhea/Waikato/Crusaders)
Rivez Reihana (Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Hine/Northland/Crusaders)
Midfield:
Kyle Brown* (Waikato/Manawatū/Chiefs)
Bailyn Sullivan (Ngāti Kahungunu/Hawke’s Bay/Hurricanes)
Xavi Taele (Ngāi Tahu/Auckland/Blues)
Outside backs:
Cole Forbes (Ngāti Awa/Bay of Plenty/Blues)
Reon Paul* (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou/Bay of Plenty/Chiefs)
Payton Spencer* (Ngāti Kahungunu, Muaūpoko/Auckland/Blues)
*denotes potential debut in 2026
The following players have been invited to train with the team: Nui Muriwai (Ngāti Hauā, Taranaki, Ngāpuhi), Mason Tupaea (Ngaati Tiipa, Ngaati Amaru, Waikato) and Allan Craig (Ngāti Ranginui).
Kāore ēnei kaitākaro i whakaingoatia, he wharanga nō rātou: Kurt Eklund, Zarn Sullivan, Corey Evans, Daniel Rona, Antonio Shalfoon, Cullen Grace, Kershawl Sykes-Martin and Jonah Lowe.
The following players were not considered due to injury: Kurt Eklund, Zarn Sullivan, Corey Evans, Daniel Rona, Antonio Shalfoon, Cullen Grace, Kershawl Sykes-Martin and Jonah Lowe.
Ellison is joined by assistant coaches Greg Feek (Kahungunu) and Marty Bourke (Tainui).
