Māori All Blacks announce 28-man squad for Japan tour

The Māori All Blacks have named a 28-man squad to face Japan XV in a two-match tour of Japan.

The squad features nine debutants including Benet Kumeroa, Laghlan McWhannell, Tahlor Cahill and Nikora Broughton in the forwards. In the backs, those making their debut include Rivez Reihana, Taha Kemara, Corey Evans, Daniel Rona and Cole Forbes.

Joe Moody will return to the side after a nine-year absence. The 57-Test All Black will provide a wealth of experience to an already stacked forward pack.

Māori All Blacks head coach Ross Filipo revealed that he was excited by the performances of the squad at the Super Rugby level.

“The Super Rugby Pacific campaign provided us with a solid platform to select from as the competitiveness shown by the players is exactly what we need against Japan XV,” Filipo said.

“Our new players have been rewarded for their consistency and it’s great to see the return of many others to this environment.”

Seven players in the squad are from the title-winning Blues team, five of whom are debutants. The two returning players are Marcel Renata and Cameron Suafoa.

New Zealand Māori Rugby Board Chair, Professor Dame Farah Palmer, highlighted the importance of the Māori All Blacks as being more than just rugby players.

“One of our pou in the New Zealand Māori Rugby strategy is Angitutanga - uplifting Māori lives. We want Māori to be successful as Māori and to pursue excellence and we know they will represent our culture with mana on the international stage,” Palmer said.

The first match will be played in Tokyo’s historic Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium on June 29. While the second test will be played in Toyota Stadium on July 6.

The 2024 Māori All Blacks squad is as follows:

Props: Benet Kumeroa* (Te Atihaunui a Pāpārangi/Bay of Plenty/Hurricanes), Joe Moody (Ngāi Tahu/Canterbury/Crusaders), Marcel Renata (Ngāti Whanaunga, Ngāi Takoto/Auckland/Blues), Ollie Norris (Ngāpuhi/Waikato/Chiefs), Pouri Rakete-Stones (Ngāpuhi/Hawke’s Bay/Hurricanes).

Hookers: Kurt Eklund (Ngāti Kahu/Bay of Plenty/Blues), Tyrone Thompson (Ngāti Kahungunu/Chiefs).

Locks: Isaia Walker-Leawere (Ngāti Porou/Hawke’s Bay/Hurricanes), Laghlan McWhannell* (Ngāti Kahungunu/Waikato/Blues), Max Hicks (Ngāti Ranginui/Tasman/Highlanders), Tahlor Cahill* (Ngāpuhi/Canterbury/Crusaders).

Loose Forwards: Billy Harmon (Ngāi Tahu/Canterbury/Highlanders), Cameron Suafoa (Ngāpuhi/North Harbour/Blues), Cullen Grace (Ngāti Whakaue/Canterbury/Crusaders), Nikora Broughton* (Ngā Rauru, Ngāti Ruanui/Bay of Plenty/Highlanders), Te Kamaka Howden (Tūhoe/Manawatū/Hurricanes).

Halfbacks: Sam Nock (Ngāpuhi/Northland/Blues), Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāti Pikiao, Tūhourangi, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Awa/Bay of Plenty/Chiefs).

First Five-Eighths: Rivez Reihana* (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Tūwharetoa/Northland/Crusaders), Taha Kemara* (Te Whānau a Apanui, Te Whakatōhea/Waikato/Crusaders).

Midfielders: Bailyn Sullivan (Ngāti Kahungunu/Waikato/Hurricanes), Corey Evans* (Te Aupouri, Ngāti Kahu/Northland/Blues), Daniel Rona* (Te Ātiawa/Taranaki/Chiefs), Rameka Poihipi (Ngāti Whakaue/Canterbury/Chiefs), Quinn Tupaea (Ngaati Tiipa, Ngaati Amaru, Waikato/Waikato/Chiefs).

Outside Backs: Cole Forbes* (Ngāti Awa/Bay of Plenty/Blues), Josh Moorby (Ngāi Maniapoto/Waikato/Hurricanes), Tana Tuhakaraina* (Ngāti Hauā/Waikato/Chiefs).