Māori All Blacks squad named for 2025 tour, Eklund appointed captain

Māori All Blacks captain Kurt Eklund (Ngāti Kahu) leads the 2025 squad announcement, ahead of matches in Tokyo and Whangārei

Māori All Blacks name 2025 squad with Eklund as captainKurt Eklund (Ngāti Kahu) has been appointed captain of the 29-player Māori All Blacks squad for upcoming matches against Japan XV in Tokyo on June 28 and Scotland in Whangārei on July 5. Head Coach Ross Filipo (Muaūpoko) selected the squad alongside Assistant Coaches Greg Feek (Ngāti Kahungunu) and Roger Randle (Ngāti Awa).Squad composition: 11 uncapped players and provincial representationThe squad features 11 uncapped players, spanning four provinces and multiple Super Rugby franchises. Listed below are the selected squad members, including iwi, province, and Super Rugby club:Also read: All Blacks name five debutants in Scott Barrett-led squad for three France TestsProps: Benet Kumeroa (Te Atihaunui a Pāpārangi / Bay of Plenty / Chiefs), Jared Proffit* (Ngāti Porou / Taranaki / Chiefs), Pouri Rakete‑Stones (Ngāpuhi / Hawke’s Bay / Hurricanes), Kershawl Sykes‑Martin* (Ngāti Porou / Tasman / Crusaders), Mason Tupaea* (Ngāti Tiipa, Ngāti Amaru / Waikato / Blues)Live EventsHookers: Jacob Devery* (Te Aitanga a Mahaki / Hawke’s Bay / Hurricanes), Kurt Eklund (Ngāti Kahu / Bay of Plenty / Blues)Locks: Zach Gallagher* (Te Ātiawa / Canterbury / Hurricanes), Laghlan McWhannell (Ngāti Kahungunu / Waikato / Blues), Antonio Shalfoon* (Whakatōhea / Tasman / Crusaders), Isaia Walker‑Leawere (Ngāti Porou / Hawke’s Bay / Hurricanes)Loose Forwards: Nikora Broughton (Ngārauru, Ngāti Ruanui / Bay of Plenty / Highlanders), Jahrome Brown* (Ngāti Porou / Waikato / Chiefs), Caleb Delany (Ngāti Tūwharetoa / Wellington / Hurricanes), Cullen Grace (Ngāti Whakaue / Canterbury / Crusaders), Te Kamaka Howden (Tūhoe / Manawatū / Highlanders)Also read: He treats them like sons and they gave him a title; Inside Rob Penney’s journey that leads the Crusaders tHalfbacks: Kemara Hauiti‑Parapara* (Ngāi Tai, Ngāti Porou / Auckland), Sam Nock (Ngāpuhi / Northland / Blues)First Five‑Eighths: Rivez Reihana (Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Hine / Northland / Crusaders), Kaleb Trask (Ngāpuhi / Bay of Plenty / Chiefs)Midfield: Corey Evans (Te Aupouri, Ngāti Kahu / Northland / Blues), Bailyn Sullivan (Ngāti Kahungunu / Waikato / Hurricanes), Daniel Rona (Te Ātiawa / Taranaki / Chiefs), Xavi Taele* (Ngāi Tahu / Auckland / Blues), Gideon Wrampling* (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine / Waikato / Chiefs)Outside Backs: Cole Forbes (Ngāti Awa / Bay of Plenty / Blues), Jonah Lowe (Ngāti Pikiao / Hawke’s Bay / Highlanders), Zarn Sullivan (Ngāti Kahungunu / Hawke’s Bay / Blues)Injury Cover: Kade Banks* (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua / North Harbour / Hurricanes) as temporary replacement for the injured Daniel RonaPlayers not considered due to injury include Rameka Poihipi, Cameron Suafoa, Taha Kemara, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Marcel Renata, and Manaaki Selby‑RickitLeadership role: Eklund to bring experience and manaFilipo emphasized Eklund’s leadership credentials:Also read: Chiefs vs Crusaders: How to watch Super Rugby Pacific Grand Final – Live streaming, TV, time, date and oth“This team demands a strong leader with mana, and Kurt has shown that quality and more over a long period of time, for the Māori All Blacks, Auckland, Bay of Plenty and the Blues. He has a lot of experience throughout the squad and that will be a strength for what will be two tough matches.”At 32, Auckland-born Eklund brings extensive experience with provincial and Super Rugby sides to the captaincy role.New talent: young debutants across positionsAmong the 11 uncapped players, Xavi Taele stands out as the squad’s youngest member at 20 years old. Filipo shared:“It’s a proud moment for all the new caps and their whānau. This is a special team, and these players know they are here to are represent something bigger than themselves – their whakapapa, their language, the jersey and Aotearoa.”Another uncapped player, 31-year-old Jared Proffit, adds experience in the front row, highlighting the depth of talent in the squad.Cultural governance: honoring Māori identity in rugbyThe squad announcement was broadcast live on Te Ao Māori News, All Blacks YouTube, and Māori+ YouTube. The event featured New Zealand Māori Rugby Board representative Rob Clark (Waikato), alongside Māori All Blacks Cultural Advisor Te Wehi Wright.Also read: Chiefs vs Crusaders: Red-hot Chiefs challenge Crusaders’ reign in Super Rugby Pacific finalClark explained the team’s cultural significance:“Māori rugby is the vehicle we use to express our indigenous identity. It holds the health and wellbeing of our people at the forefront… This team allows us to express our kaupapa to the world, to inspire all people and protect the taonga that is rugby in Aotearoa.”Preparation and upcoming matchesThe squad has assembled in Auckland to begin preparations ahead of departure for Tokyo on June 25. Scheduled matches are:Saturday, June 28 – Māori All Blacks vs Japan XV, 6 PM JST at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, TokyoSaturday, July 5 – Māori All Blacks vs Scotland, 3:35 PM NZST at Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)

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