Latest news with #MāoriAllBlack
Otago Daily Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Lowe, Howden to start for Māori All Blacks
Jonah Lowe warms up at training with the Maori All Blacks in Auckland on Tuesday. Two Highlanders are among the starting line-up, as a new crop of Māori All Blacks prepare to make their debuts this weekend against Japan. As well as the new faces, a new skipper will take the helm in the form of hooker Kurt Eklund. Highlanders loose forward TK Howden starts in the No6 jersey, while Jonah Lowe is set to start on the wing. Head Coach Ross Filipo said he's been thoroughly impressed with the players returning after their respective Super Rugby campaigns. "It's a tight turnaround for us with plenty of our players in the final on Saturday night and then coming straight into this environment. Selections were tough, and our coaching group spent quite some time together to make sure we had the right mix to take the field in Tokyo. We are determined to right a wrong from our last game in Aichi in 2024." Eklund anchors the scrum with debutant Jacob Devery as impact, alongside props 31-year-old Jared Proffit and Kershawl Sykes-Martin in his debut. Isaia Walker-Leawere and Laghlan McWhannell make up the locking duo, while Jahrome Brown and TK Howden have been named in the loose forwards. Cullen Grace completes an experienced forward pack at number eight. Three-time Māori All Black Sam Nock comes in as halfback and after a stellar Super Rugby Pacific season, Rivez Reihana has been named as first-five. Bailyn Sullivan and Gideon Wrampling will bring their strong ball carrying skills in the midfield, Jonah Lowe and Cole Forbes will start as wingers, with Zarn Sullivan rounding out the backs. Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Benet Kumeroa, Zach Gallagher, Caleb Delany, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Kaleb Trask and Xavi Taele have been named as reinforcements. Māori All Blacks v Japan XV Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, 9.05pm Saturday, 28 June Zarn Sullivan, Cole Forbes, Bailyn Sullivan, Gideon Wrampling, Jonah Lowe, Rivez Reihana, Sam Nock, Cullen Grace, Jahrome Brown, TK Howden, Laghlan McWhannell, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Kerswhal Sykes-Martin, Kurt Ekund, Jared Proffit. Reserves: Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakee-Stones, Benet Kumeroa, Zach Gallagher, Caleb Delany, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Kaleb Task, Xavi Taele.
NZ Herald
4 days ago
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Zarn Sullivan: Māori All Black signs for Hawke's Bay Magpies for 2025 and 2026 seasons
The Hawke's Bay Magpies have been given a significant boost for their upcoming 2025 NPC campaign, with the signing of Māori All Black and Super Rugby Pacific player Zarn Sullivan. It was confirmed on Monday that Sullivan, 24, will play for the Magpies during the 2025 and 2026 NPC seasons.
Scoop
19-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Clubs New Zealand Launches Club Connect To Strengthen Communities And Support Wellbeing
Clubs New Zealand is proud to launch Club Connect, a nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening communities by promoting welling, connection, and resilience through local club spaces. As a member-led not-for-profit representing more than 300 clubs across the country, Clubs New Zealand has long championed the role of clubs as safe, welcoming spaces that foster connection, inclusion, and support. Club Connect builds on this foundation, bringing people together in meaningful ways through events, training, and community partnerships. 'We know that community connection plays a vital role in individual wellbeing,' says Lucy Waterreus, Chief Executive of Clubs New Zealand. 'When people feel supported and communities are engaged, everyone benefits. Club Connect brings this to life by creating safe, welcoming spaces where important conversations can happen, and meaningful support is available.' In partnership with Whatever with Wiggy Charitable Trust, the initiative offers clubs the opportunity to host events that feature inspirational speakers such as Craig 'Wiggy' Wiggins, Rural Communicator of the Year, and Slade McFarland, former Māori All Black. These speakers offer practical advice and facilitate open discussion to help break down barriers around wellbeing and community engagement. Club Connect events are open to all members of the community, whether club members or not, who want to know more about how to support their colleagues, friends, and families in building stronger wellbeing and mental health. This is not just another mental health talk, it's a pathway to practical support, tools and training for those wanting to make a real difference in their communities. Clubs and individuals can also support the initiative by making a donation through the Club Connect webpage, helping to fund future events expand the reach of this important work. 'Our member clubs are already doing so much good in their communities,' adds Waterreus. 'Club Connect helps shine a spotlight on that and gives clubs new tools to keep making a positive impact where it matters most.' For more information about Club Connect, including upcoming events or to make a donation, visit
