Kurt Eklund named as Māori All Blacks captain

Kurt Eklund (Ngāti Kahu) has been named as the new Māori All Blacks captain, with a 29-strong squad including 11 uncapped players announced today ahead of two matches against the Japan XV in Tokyo, and Scotland in Whangārei.

The 2025 squad selected by Māori All Blacks head coach Ross Filipo (Muaūpoko) and his two assistant coaches Greg Feek (Ngāti Kahungunu) and Roger Randle (Ngāti Awa) will play the Japan XV in Tokyo on June 28 and Scotland in Whangarei on July 5.

“This team demands a strong leader with mana, and Kurt has shown that quality and more over a long period of time, for the Māori All Blacks, Auckland, Bay of Plenty and the Blues,” Filipo said.

“He has a lot of experience throughout the squad and that will be a strength for what will be two tough matches.”

Filipo congratulated the new caps, who range from 20-year-old Blues midfielder Xavi Taele, the youngest member of the squad, and 31-year-old Gisborne-born, Taranaki prop Jared Proffit.

“It’s a proud moment for all the new caps and their whānau. This is a special team, and these players know they are here to are represent something bigger than themselves - their whakapapa, their language, the jersey and Aotearoa.”

The squad has assembled in Auckland to begin their campaign preparations before leaving for Japan tomorrow.

(iwi, province, Super Rugby club)

* denotes new cap

Props / Poumua: Benet Kumeroa (Te Atihaunui a Pāpārangi/Bay of Plenty/Chiefs), Jared Proffit* (Ngāti Porou/Taranaki/Chiefs), Pouri Rakete-Stones (Ngāpuhi/Hawke’s Bay/Hurricanes), Kershawl Sykes-Martin* (Ngāti Porou/Tasman/Crusaders), Mason Tupaea* (Ngaati Tiipa, Ngaati Amaru/Waikato/Blues).

Hookers / Waekape: Jacob Devery* (Te Aitanga a Mahaki/Hawke’s Bay/Hurricanes), Kurt Eklund (Ngāti Kahu/Bay of Plenty/Blues)

Locks / Pouwhītiki: Zach Gallagher* (Te Ātiawa/Canterbury/Hurricanes), Laghlan McWhannell (Ngāti Kahungunu/Waikato/Blues), Antonio Shalfoon* (Whakatōhea/Tasman/Crusaders), Isaia Walker-Leawere (Ngāti Porou/Hawke’s Bay/Hurricanes).

Loose forwards / Pouwātea: Nikora Broughton (Ngārauru, Ngāti Ruanui/Bay of Plenty/Highlanders), Jahrome Brown* (Ngāti Porou/Waikato/Chiefs), Caleb Delany (Ngāti Tūwharetoa/Wellington/Hurricanes), Cullen Grace (Ngāti Whakaue/Canterbury/Crusaders), Te Kamaka Howden (Tūhoe/Manawatū/Highlanders).

Half Backs / Poutoko: Kemara Hauiti-Parapara* (Ngāi Tai, Ngāti Porou/Auckland), Sam Nock (Ngāpuhi/Northland/Blues).

First five-eighths / Topatahi; Rivez Reihana (Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Hine/Northland/Crusaders), Kaleb Trask (Ngāpuhi/Bay of Plenty/Chiefs).

Midfield / Topapū: Corey Evans (Te Aupouri, Ngāti Kahu/Northland/Blues), Bailyn Sullivan (Ngāti Kahungunu/Waikato/Hurricanes), Daniel Rona (Te Ātiawa/Taranaki/Chiefs), Xavi Taele* (Ngāi Tahu/Auckland/Blues), Gideon Wrampling* (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine/Waikato/Chiefs).

Outside Backs / Pouwaho: Cole Forbes (Ngāti Awa/Bay of Plenty/Blues), Jonah Lowe (Ngāti Pikiao/Hawke’s Bay/Highlanders), Zarn Sullivan (Ngāti Kahungunu/Hawke’s Bay/Blues).

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