The Māori All Blacks are poised to captivate rugby fans in 2025 with a dynamic 28-man Māori All Blacks squad 2025, announced by head coach Ross Filipo for a two-match Japan tour and a historic Test against Scotland. Unveiled during Māori New Year celebrations, this squad blends six uncapped talents with seasoned leaders, embodying the mana of Māori rugby. Below, discover the squad breakdown, match schedule, key players, and how to watch live worldwide. For more New Zealand rugby action, explore our 2025 Rugby Championship guide.
Meet the Six Uncapped Stars
Filipo, alongside selectors Roger Randle, Greg Feek, and Jamie Joseph, has introduced six debutants who lit up the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season, signaling a bright future for Māori rugby:
- Zarn Sullivan (Utility Back, Blues): Now with Hawke’s Bay Magpies, Sullivan’s versatility across fullback and wing adds flair to the backline attack. His 80% tackle completion rate makes him a defensive asset.
- Rameka Poihipi (Midfield, Chiefs): A robust centre, Poihipi’s physicality and offloading skills enhance the offload game.
- Te Wehi Wright (Loose Forward, Hurricanes): Known for his relentless breakdown work, Wright strengthens the breakdown dominance.
- Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (Fullback/Wing, Highlanders): His blistering pace and try-scoring knack (5 tries in 2025) electrify the backline.
- Max Hicks (Prop, Hurricanes): A scrum anchor, Hicks bolsters the front row with his 90% scrum retention rate.
- Keelan Whitman (Lock, Chiefs): His lineout precision complements the set-piece strategy.
“These players carry our culture and passion,” Filipo said. “They’re ready to make their mark in Japan and Whangārei.” For more on emerging talent, read our youth talent feature.
Leadership Core and Squad Depth
Hooker Kurt Eklund (Blues) returns as captain, bringing experience from the 2024 Japan tour. Loose forward Cameron Suafoa (Blues) and lock Tahlor Cahill (Crusaders) add leadership, mirroring the All Blacks’ model—see our leadership analysis. The squad’s depth shines with 12 Chiefs, 7 Blues, 5 Hurricanes, and 4 Highlanders, reflecting Māori talent across Super Rugby Pacific.
Māori All Blacks 2025 Schedule
The Māori All Blacks face Japan XV in Tokyo and Scotland in Whangārei, delivering a mix of cultural celebration and high-stakes rugby. Below is the confirmed schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Time (NZST/JST) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 28, 2025 | Japan XV | 9:00 PM NZST / 6:00 PM JST | Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Tokyo |
| July 5, 2025 | Scotland | 3:35 PM NZST | Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei |
Tickets for the Japan match are available through the Japan Rugby Football Union. For the Whangārei Test, secure seats via allblacks.com. Act fast, as the Scotland clash is a rare double-header with the Black Ferns!
Japan Tour and Scotland Test: A Cultural Showcase
The June 28 Test in Tokyo pits the Māori All Blacks against a Japan XV led by Jamie Joseph, promising a fast-paced battle. The July 5 match in Whangārei against Scotland, the first since 2000, coincides with a Black Ferns Test, amplifying the cultural significance with a powerful haka—learn more in our haka feature. Japan’s high-tempo style will test the squad’s defensive strategies, while Scotland’s physicality demands set-piece precision. For similar international previews, see our All Blacks vs France preview.
Notable Absences
Māori-eligible stars like Ardie Savea are committed to the All Blacks’ France series—read our Savea profile. Veterans like Billy Harmon miss out, with Filipo prioritizing youth to build for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
How to Watch Māori All Blacks 2025 Live Globally
Don’t miss the Māori All Blacks in action with these global streaming options:
- JokerHDPass: Enjoy HD streaming on JokerHDPass, ideal for fans in geo-restricted regions, supporting smart TVs, phones, and laptops.
- NZR+: Free streaming in select countries at NZR+. Check your region’s eligibility.
- Sky Sport Now: New Zealand fans can stream live on Sky Sport Now, perfect for any device.
- Stan Sport: Australian viewers can watch on Stan Sport for live and on-demand coverage.
- FloRugby: USA fans can stream via FloRugby, a trusted rugby platform.
Use a VPN like ExpressVPN for geo-restricted streams. A 5 Mbps connection ensures HD quality. For more streaming tips, visit our 2025 streaming guide.
Why This Squad and Tour Matter
The Māori All Blacks 2025 squad carries the legacy of Māori culture, with players like Eklund and Sullivan blending tradition with world-class rugby. The Japan tour and Scotland Test set the stage for the Rugby Championship, strengthening ties with Japan and showcasing Māori pride globally. Follow ABS Rugby for match previews and updates!
Who’s your Māori All Blacks breakout star for 2025? Share your picks in the comments and join the conversation on social media with #MāoriAllBlacks2025!