New Zealand Māori coach Jamie Joseph and assistant coach Daryl Gibson have announced the squad to take on the Barbarians, Ireland and England in the Sealord New Zealand Māori Centenary Series.
Twelve players will make their New Zealand Māori debut – including two players who have not yet played in the Super 14; Manawatu halfback Aaron Smith, 21, and 25-year-old Wellington lock Daniel Ramsey.
Chiefs loose forward Liam Messam has been named as captain; Messam co-captained the side to Pacific Nations Cup success in 2008.
Four of the new players made their Super Rugby debuts this year; Highlanders back Robbie Robinson, Chiefs lock Romana Graham and his team-mates Jarrad Hoeata and prop Ben Afeaki.
The squad also features some experienced Māori rugby players in the form of Crusaders hooker Corey Flynn and Hurricanes winger Hosea Gear.
Coach Jamie Joseph says it is exciting to have a mix of experienced players and new faces for what was a significant year for Māori rugby.
“It is a special honour and rare privilege to play for the Māori team and will be especially meaningful in this year of celebration,” he says.
The side will assemble in Auckland on June 7 before departing for Whangarei on the 8th.
The squad is (province and iwi):
Ben Afeaki * North Harbour Ngāti Awa
Colin Bourke * Bay of Plenty Ngāti Wairere
Stephen Brett Canterbury Ngapuhi
Dane Coles * Wellington Ngāti Porou
Jacob Ellison Wellington Ngāti Porou
Corey Flynn Canterbury Kāi Tahu
Hosea Gear Wellington Ngāti Porou
Romana Graham * Waikato Ngāti Awa
Jarrad Hoeata Taranaki Ngāti Kahungunu
Tanerau Latimer Bay of Plenty Tapuika
Karl Lowe * Hawke’s Bay Ngāti Kahungunu
Sean Maitland * Canterbury Ngāpuhi
Luke McAlister North Harbour Te Ātiawa
Liam Messam ( c ) Waikato Ngai Tuhoe
Bronson Murray Northland Ngāpuhi
Clint Newland Hawke’s Bay Ngāti Kahungunu
Daniel Ramsey * Wellington Kāi Tahu
Willie Ripia* Taranaki Ngai Tuhoe
Robbie Robinson * Southland Ngāti Tuwharetoa
Isaac Ross Canterbury Ngāti Kahungunu
Aaron Smith * Manawatu Ngāti Kahungunu
Chris Smylie North Harbour Ngāti Mutunga
Dwayne Sweeney Waikato Ngāti Mahanga
Andre Taylor* Manawatu Ngāti Tuwharetoa
Hayden Triggs Otago Ngāti Kahungunu
Jackson Willison* Waikato Ngāti Mahuta
*denotes New Zealand Māori debut
source: newshub archive
