Former All Black and assistant coach Tamati Ellison will join incoming Blues head coach Jason Holland as his assistant ahead of the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Five players will debut for the Māori All Blacks team, to be captained by Hurricanes midfielder Bailyn Sullivan, when it plays a Japan XV in Nagoya on Saturday.

New Māori All Blacks Head Coach Tamati Ellison (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Whakaue) has named his first squad in charge of the team, selecting a blend of experienced campaigners along with six uncapped players for the 2026 season.

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has confirmed his assistant coaching group and head of performance through to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.