Tamati Ellison names first Maori All Blacks squad to face Japan XV in Nagoya

Tamati Ellison has named a 26-man Maori All Blacks squad for this weekend’s match against Japan XV at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya, with the newly appointed head coach describing the moment as a personal milestone.

Ellison, who previously served as an assistant under Scott Robertson alongside Bryn Evans and Scott Hansen before departing that role, has assembled a squad blending experienced Maori All Blacks returnees with emerging talent. He is supported in his coaching staff by assistants Greg Feek (Kahungunu) and Marty Bourke (Tainui).

“This is a special team with a unique purpose,” Ellison said. “The Maori 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.”

Ellison emphasised that selection was based on character as much as on-field performance. “These players have earned their opportunity. They have shown the qualities we look for in Maori All Blacks players, not just through their rugby, but through who they are and what they represent.”

The full 26-man squad is as follows:

Props: Benet Kumeroa (Te Atihaunui a Paparangi / Bay of Plenty / Chiefs), Ollie Norris (Ngapuhi / Waikato / Chiefs), Jared Proffit (Ngati Porou / Taranaki / Chiefs), Pouri Rakete-Stones (Ngapuhi / Hawke’s Bay / Hurricanes), Marcel Renata (Ngati Whanaunga / Northland / Blues)

Hookers: Jacob Devery (Te Aitanga a Mahaki / Hawke’s Bay / Hurricanes), JJ Pokai* (Ngati Tuwharetoa / Taranaki / Chiefs), Tyrone Thompson (Ngai Tamanuhiri and Ngati Rangiwewehi / Hawke’s Bay / Chiefs)

Loose forwards: Torian Barnes* (Ngati Whatua / Canterbury / Blues), Jahrome Brown (Ngati Porou / Waikato / Chiefs), Nikora Broughton (Ngarauru, Ngati Ruanui / Bay of Plenty / Highlanders), Te Kamaka Howden (Tuhoe / Manawatu / Highlanders)

Halfbacks: Sam Nock (Ngapuhi / Northland / Blues), Adam Lennox* (Ngati Kaia, Ngati Raukawa / Taranaki / Highlanders), Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Ngati Rangitihi, Ngati Pikiao, Tuhourangi, Ngati Whakaue, Ngati Awa / Bay of Plenty / Chiefs)

First five-eighths: Taha Kemara (Te Whanau a Apanui, Te Whakatohea / Waikato / Crusaders), Rivez Reihana (Ngapuhi, Ngai Tahu, Ngati Hine / Northland / Crusaders)

*Denotes uncapped Maori All Blacks players.