Five 2024 Crusaders have been named in the Māori All Blacks squad to face Japan XV in a two-match series in the next few weeks.
They are: Joe Moody (Ngāi Tahu), Tahlor Cahill (Ngāpuhi), Cullen Grace (Ngāti Whakaue), Rivez Reihana (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) and Taha Kemara (Te Whānau a Apanui, Te Whakatōhea).
It’s a debut call up for Rivez Reihana and Taha Kemara, both selected to play at first five eighth.
The team will travel to Japan for the fixtures – the first at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday 29 June, the second at Toyota Stadium in Toyota on Saturday 6 July. Both will be broadcast on Sky Sport.
“I’d like to congratulate every player in our squad on their selection. Playing for this team is a huge honour and this is an opportunity for us all to represent our whānau, heritage and country on the world stage,” said Ross Filipo, Māori All Blacks Head Coach.
They will play their first fixture will be presented with English commentary LIVE on Sky Sport 1, te reo Māori commentary on Sky Sport 2 and also on Whakaata Māori (free-to-air). The following match will have English commentary on Sky Sport 2, te reo Māori commentary on Sky Sport 3 and Whakaata Māori (free-to-air). Sky Open will also have free-to-air delayed coverage of both matches.
New Zealand Māori Rugby Board Chair, Professor Dame Farah Palmer (Ngāti Maniapoto) said the Māori All Blacks serve a greater purpose than rugby.
“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.
“On behalf of the Māori Rugby Board I’d like to congratulate every player and their whānau on making the Māori All Blacks. We are immensely proud of you and cannot wait to support you all in this campaign.”