The Māori All Blacks will play Scotland in Whangārei in 2025, with the historic fixture marking 25 years since the two sides last met.
Fans will be treated to an afternoon of rugby and cultural exchange at Semenoff Stadium on Saturday, July 5 July, with a Black Ferns vs Black Ferns XV trial match as the curtain-raiser.
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It will be just the third match between the Māori All Blacks and Scotland, with the previous meetings coming at Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth in 2000 and at Murrayfield in Edinburgh in 1998.
Māori All Blacks head coach Ross Filipo (Muaūpoko) was enthusiastic about the encounter.
“It’s an exciting prospect to host one of the top ranked teams in the world in front of our fans and whānau who we know will be out in force in Whangārei for this special occasion. Māori rugby has a rich tradition of playing teams from the home nations and this fixture will carry a lot of mana for our players, for Northland Rugby, local iwi and for the region.”
Filipo’s side will come into the match off the back of a match against the Japan XV in Tokyo, while Gregor Townsend-coached Scotland will be enroute to two tests in the Pacific Islands.
Townsend acknowledged the history and how the game would be a great encounter.
“We are excited about returning to a part of the world where rugby is central to their culture. Playing in New Zealand is always special, especially against a side with such deep rugby history as New Zealand Māori. It has been a while since we last visited New Zealand and it will be a brilliant way to start the tour.”
The Māori All Blacks have a proud record against Six Nations unions, with nine wins from 14 matches, most recently beating Ireland 32-17 in Hamilton in 2022.
Both coaching groups have links to the last time the two teams met, with Māori All Blacks assistant coaches Greg Feek (Ngāti Kahungunu) and Roger Randle (Ngāti Awa) part of the squad that beat Scotland 18-15 at Yarrow Stadium in 2000.
Townsend did not take part in that match but was part of a touring squad that played seven matches, including a tour opener in Whangārei against a powerful Vikings XV selection.
Black Ferns head coach Allan Bunting said the trial fixture would be invaluable to the side’s Women's Rugby World Cup selection and preparation.
“This trial match is an important part of our season and will shape our final selection for the Rugby World Cup, a week out from a big test against Australia in Wellington. It will also be a great occasion to bring the Black Ferns and Māori All Blacks together and I know our players will relish the opportunity to play their part.”