A new chapter for Māori rugby has begun with Head Coach Tamati Ellison naming his first Māori All Blacks squad at Ōrākei Marae in Auckland today.
Tuia News was at the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei gathering as a 26-strong squad was unveiled ahead of the side’s upcoming tour to Japan. The team blends proven experience with emerging talent, including six potential debutants who have earned their place through standout performances in Super Rugby Pacific.
Among them is Blues loose forward Torian Barnes of Ngāti Whātua, whose selection carries special significance after the squad announcement was hosted on his iwi’s ancestral marae. Fellow debutants include Payton Spencer, Adam Lennox, Tahlor Cahill, Kyle Brown and Reon Paul.
For Ellison, the moment marked more than just naming a rugby team.
“The Māori All Blacks jersey carries a lot of history, and every player who puts it on becomes part of that story,” he said.
Several familiar faces return to the environment, including Taha Kemara, Marcel Renata and Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, helping maintain the connection between past and present generations of Māori rugby.
Māori Rugby Board representative Arran Pene said the side represents whakapapa, whānau and communities across Aotearoa.
The squad departs for Japan on Wednesday carrying not only rugby ambitions but the responsibility of representing Māori excellence on the world stage.
