Tamati Ellison names 26-man Maori All Blacks squad for Japan XV clash

Maori All Blacks head coach Tamati Ellison has named his 26 man squad for this weekend’s encounter with Japan XV at Paloma Mizuho Stadium, in Nagoya.

The former All Blacks assistant, who left his role alongside Scott Robertson, Bryn Evans and Scott Hansen, has picked a strong squad to head to Japan, helped by assistant coaches Greg Feek (Kahungunu) and Marty Bourke (Tainui).

Ellison has named six uncapped players as part of the 2026 squad. The possible debutants include, JJ Pokai, Reon Paul, Torian Barnes, Adam Lennox, Payton Spencer and Tahlor Cahill.

Ellison said that naming his first squad is a proud moment, and that all of the players have earned their opportunity.

“This is a special team with a unique purpose. The Maori All Blacks jersey carries a lot of history, and every player who puts it on becomes part of that story,” the Maori All Blacks head coach said.

“We wanted to recognise the players who have represented this team before and understand what it means to wear this jersey, while also creating opportunities for the next group coming through.”

“Once you have worn this jersey, you are always part of this team. That connection stays with you, and having players return who understand the expectations, the culture and the responsibility of representing Maori rugby is really special.”

“These players have earned their opportunity. They have shown the qualities we look for in Maori All Blacks players, not just through their rugby, but through who they are and what they represent.

“They are joining a group with a strong foundation, and we are excited to see them bring their own energy and identity into the team.”

The 2026 Maori All Blacks squad:

Props:
Benet Kumeroa (Te Atihaunui a Paparangi/Bay of Plenty/Chiefs)
Ollie Norris (Ngapuhi/Waikato/Chiefs)
Jared Proffit (Ngati Porou/Taranaki/Chiefs)
Pouri Rakete-Stones (Ngapuhi/Hawke’s Bay/Hurricanes)
Marcel Renata (Ngati Whanaunga/Northland/Blues)

Hookers:
Jacob Devery (Te Aitanga a Mahaki/Hawke’s Bay/Hurricanes)
JJ Pokai* (Ngati Tuwharetoa/Taranaki/Chiefs)
Tyrone Thompson (Ngai Tamanuhiri and Ngati Rangiwewehi/Hawke’s Bay/Chiefs)

Locks:
Tahlor Cahill* (Ngapuhi/Canterbury/Crusaders)
Caleb Delany (Ngati Tuwharetoa/Wellington/Hurricanes)
Laghlan McWhannell (Ngati Kahungunu/Waikato/Blues)

Loose forwards:
Torian Barnes* (Ngati Whatua/Canterbury/Blues)
Jahrome Brown (Ngati Porou/Waikato/Chiefs)
Nikora Broughton (Ngarauru, Ngati Ruanui/Bay of Plenty/Highlanders)
Te Kamaka Howden (Tuhoe/Manawatu/Highlanders)

Halfbacks:
Sam Nock (Ngapuhi, Northland, Blues)
Adam Lennox* (Ngati Kaia, Ngati Raukawa/Taranaki/Highlanders)
Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Ngati Rangitihi, Ngati Pikiao, Tuhourangi, Ngati Whakaue, Ngati Awa/Bay of Plenty/Chiefs)

First five-eighths:
Taha Kemara (Te Whanau a Apanui, Te Whakatohea/Waikato/Crusaders)
Rivez Reihana (Ngapuhi, Ngai Tahu, Ngati Hine/Northland/Crusaders)

Midfield:
Kyle Brown* (Waikato/Manawatu/Chiefs)
Bailyn Sullivan (Ngati Kahungunu/Hawke’s Bay/Hurricanes)
Xavi Taele (Ngai Tahu/Auckland/Blues)

Outside backs:
Cole Forbes (Ngati Awa/Bay of Plenty/Blues)
Reon Paul* (Ngapuhi, Ngati Porou/Bay of Plenty/Chiefs)
Payton Spencer* (Ngati Kahungunu, Muaupoko/Auckland/Blues)

*denotes potential debut in 2026

The following players have been invited to train with the team: Nui Muriwai, Mason Tupaea, and Allan Craig.

The following players were not considered due to injury: Kurt Eklund, Zarn Sullivan, Corey Evans, Daniel Rona, Antonio Shalfoon, Cullen Grace, Kershawl Sykes-Martin and Jonah Lowe.