New Zealand Maori squad named for Pacific Nations Cup

New Zealand Maori Coach Donny Stevenson and Assistant Coach Milton Haig today announced the New Zealand Maori squad for the 2008 IRB Pacific Nations Cup tournament.

The squad is (province and iwi):

Tim Bateman * Canterbury, Kaitahu
Daniel Braid Auckland, Tainui
Stephen Brett * Canterbury, Kaitahu
Callum Bruce Waikato, Ngati Kahungunu
Keith Cameron Otago, Te Whanau Apanui
Aled de Malmanche Waikato, Tainui
Jason Eaton * Taranaki, Ngati Apa
Hikawera Elliot * Hawke’s Bay, Ngati Kahungunu
Jacob Ellison * Wellington, Ngati Porou
Tamati Ellison Wellington, Ngati Porou
Ross Filipo Wellington, Ngati Raukawa
Hosea Gear Wellington, Ngati Porou / Aitanga Mahaki
Glen Horton Otago, Te Whaetoa
Jason Kawau Southland, Ngati Apa
Tanerau Latimer Bay of Plenty, Ngati Rangi
Zar Lawrence Bay of Plenty, Ngapuhi
Hoani MacDonald Southland, Rangitane
Ben May Tasman, Tainui
Liam Messam Waikato, Tuhoe
Clint Newland * Hawke’s Bay, Ngati Kahungunu
Shannon Paku Wellington, Ngati Kahungunu / Tuhoe
Chris Smylie North Harbour, Ngati Mutunga
Dwayne Sweeney Waikato, Tainui
Hayden Triggs Manawatu, Ngati Kahungunu
Thomas Waldrom Wellington, Ngati Porou
Piri Weepu Wellington, Whakatohea

* Denotes new cap Tamati Ellison and Liam Messam have been named co-captains. New Zealand Maori will make its debut in the IRB Pacific Nations Cup this year and will play internationals against Australia A, Japan, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.

Stevenson said the competition would provide a new and exciting challenge for the team.

“This year will be the first time in a while that we will play five matches on consecutive weekends and that will be a huge test for the team."

“Our Pacific Island rivals are very passionate about their rugby, Japan continues to improve on the international stage and we know Australia A will be a tough team in Sydney. But that’s the challenge and we are thrilled to compete in this competition,” Stevenson said.

SKY Sport will have live coverage of all the New Zealand Maori matches and Maori Television will have delayed live coverage of the games.