Chile and Brazil await Maori All Blacks
NEWS: The Maori All Blacks will head to South America in November.
They will play their first ever matches against Chile and Brazil
New Zealand Rugby Maori Board Chair Farah Palmer confirmed the matches would round out the Maori All Blacks end of year tour schedule which kicks off in Chicago.
The Maori All Blacks will kick off their tour as the finale match against the USA Eagles men in a historic triple header with the Black Ferns playing the USA Eagles women and Ireland playing Italy.
“To play against Chile and Brazil for the first time ever is very special and will help us to develop our relationship with South America and, from a Maori perspective, connect with indigenous communities in this region.
“The Maori All Blacks have only ever played Argentina previously, and this is another opportunity for this team appeal to a few more South American hearts,” Palmer said.
Agustín Danza, CEO, Confederaçao Brasileira de Rugby (Brasil Rugby) said: “We are very honoured and thankful to host the Maori All Blacks on their first South American tour.
“For us to play the Maori All Blacks represents a dream come true, as it will be a game that will inspire the present and future generations of Brazilian rugby players.
“Also, rugby is a fast-growing sport in Brazil and to host a game like this will no doubly help us grow the awareness of the game even faster.
“Lastly, but not less important, we are very happy to start what we hope will be a lasting relationship with New Zealand Rugby. We look forward to giving the MAB a great experience in Brazil.”
Jorge Araya, President Chile Rugby said: “Hosting the Maori All Blacks in Chile is a step forward in our game’s development. The main goal is to offer our players international competition that challenges them both individually and as a team.
“As an organisation, this game is also a big challenge, mostly on the logistical side as we have to comply with the highest standards to cater for a team of the strength of the Maori All Blacks.
“Being able to offer our fans this historical game is thanks to the coordinated efforts of World Rugby and Sudamérica Rugby (South American Rugby), where the work of our national team, its staff and our Union play a vital role, as much as the commitment of our players to prepare accordingly in order to enjoy the passion that this game will mean.”
Meanwhile, the Maori All Blacks have also confirmed their coaching group for 2018 with Roger Randle and Joe Maddock appointed as assistant coaches with head coach Clayton McMillan.
Maori All Blacks 2018 schedule:
Chicago, USA
Saturday, November 3
v USA Eagles (with Black Ferns v USA Eagles women)
Sao Paolo, Brazil
Saturday, November 10
v Brazil
Santiago, Chile
Saturday, November 17
v Chile
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