The Māori All Blacks aren't just another B-team. Honestly, if you call them a "development squad" around a hardcore rugby head in New Zealand, you’re likely to get a very long, very passionate lecture. This team carries a weight that the main All Blacks side doesn't always have to lug around—it’s about bloodlines, whakapapa, and a legacy that actually predates the silver fern on a black jersey.
Selection for the Māori All Blacks squad is unique. You don't just need to be good at rugby. You have to prove your lineage. To lace up for this side, a player must have Māori genealogy, or whakapapa, confirmed and validated. It’s a literal connection to the land and the ancestors.
Why the Māori All Blacks Squad Still Matters in 2026
Rugby is changing fast. With the new Nations Championship taking over the calendar and the global season getting more crowded, some people wondered if there’d still be room for "specialty" teams. But the 2025-2026 window has proven that the hunger for this specific brand of rugby is higher than ever.
Last year, we saw them absolutely tear it up in Tokyo against the Japan XV, putting on a 53-20 clinic. It was the start of the Ross Filipo era, and man, did they look sharp. Filipo, a former All Black himself with Muaūpoko roots, has brought a style that's basically "chaos with a plan." It’s fast, it’s physical, and it’s unapologetically Māori.
The squad isn't just a holding pen for future All Blacks either, though it certainly does that job well. Look at guys like Billy Proctor or even the legendary Aaron Smith back in the day—the Māori jersey was where they found their voice.
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The Current Faces and New Blood
The 2025 squad, which largely forms the core of the group heading into the 2026 cycle, is a wild mix of grizzled Super Rugby veterans and 20-year-old kids who look like they were grown in a lab for the sole purpose of breaking tackles.
- The Captain: Kurt Eklund (Ngāti Kahu). He’s the heart of the pack. At 34, he’s got the "old man strength" and the mana to lead a group of young bulls.
- The Young Gun: Xavi Taele (Ngāi Tahu). This kid is only 21 and plays midfield like he’s been there for a decade. He’s the youngest in the current setup and is widely tipped to be wearing the "main" black jersey sooner rather than later.
- The Powerhouse: Isaia Walker-Leawere (Ngāti Porou). If you want to see a human bulldozer, watch his tape from the Scotland match in Whangārei. Even though they narrowly lost that one 26-29, his work rate was insane.
How the Squad is Built (It's Not Just Talent)
Selection is a bit of a mission. The coaches—Ross Filipo, Greg Feek, and Roger Randle—don't just look at the stats from Super Rugby Pacific. They’re looking for a specific type of chemistry.
You've got guys like Rivez Reihana (Ngāpuhi) pulling the strings at fly-half, and then you have the sheer speed of Cole Forbes (Ngāti Awa) out wide. It’s about finding players who can handle the "Māori style" of play—which is basically high-speed, offload-heavy, and incredibly instinctive.
The 2025/2026 Core Roster
To give you an idea of the depth we're talking about, here is the makeup of the squad that has been doing the heavy lifting recently.
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In the front row, you’ve got props like Pouri Rakete-Stones and the veteran Jared Proffit. They’ve been anchoring a scrum that held its own even against a very physical Scotland side. The locking department is spearheaded by the likes of Laghlan McWhannell and Zach Gallagher—guys who are tall, sure, but also mobile enough to keep up with the frantic pace of a Māori All Blacks counter-attack.
The loose forwards are where it gets really interesting. Cullen Grace (Ngāti Whakaue) brings that All Black-level experience at number 8, while guys like Caleb Delany and Te Kamaka Howden provide that raw, uncompromising Māori grit.
The Cultural Backbone
The Te Tini a Māui haka is the soul of this team. It was written specifically for them by team kaumātua Whetu Tipiwai. Unlike the Ka Mate or Kapa o Pango you see with the All Blacks, this one tells the story of creation—from the void to the light. It's a statement of intent.
When you see the Māori All Blacks squad stand in a wedge formation, it's not for show. It’s a gathering of warriors. For many of these players, this is the first time they truly connect with their heritage on such a public stage. That emotional connection usually translates to an extra 10% on the field. Honestly, you can see it in their eyes during the pre-match challenge; it’s different.
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What's Next for the Team?
The schedule for 2026 is looking a bit more settled now. While the main All Blacks are busy with the Nations Championship and that massive "Greatest Rivalry" tour in South Africa, the Māori side is expected to fill the gaps with high-profile fixtures that keep the heritage alive.
There’s talk of more matches against Tier 1 nations looking for mid-week "tour" style games. After the success of the Ireland series a couple of years back and the sell-out against Scotland in Whangārei, the commercial value of this squad is through the roof.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Aspiring Players
If you're following the squad or hoping to see them live, here's what you need to keep in mind:
- Watch the Super Rugby fringe: The players who are "on the bubble" for All Blacks selection but have Māori heritage are almost guaranteed to be in the mix. Keep an eye on the Blues and Chiefs rosters specifically; they historically provide a huge chunk of the talent.
- Check the Whakapapa: If you’re a player, the registration process isn't a "check the box" thing. You need to have your iwi and lineage details ready. New Zealand Rugby is very strict about this to maintain the integrity of the team.
- Look for the midweek slots: Māori All Blacks games often happen outside the Saturday night Test window. They are the best way to see high-quality international rugby in smaller, more intimate regional stadiums like Napier, Hamilton, or Whangārei.
The Māori All Blacks squad remains the most vibrant expression of New Zealand’s dual heritage. They aren't a relic of the past; they’re a blueprint for how professional sport can stay connected to its roots. Whether they're winning by 30 in Tokyo or fighting for a scrap of territory in the rain in Northland, they represent something much bigger than a scoreboard.