Six Hurricanes named in Māori All Blacks squad to face Japan XV and Scotland
Six Hurricanes have been included in the Māori All Blacks squad to play the Japan XV and Scotland over the coming weeks.
Loosehead prop Pouri Rakete-Stones (Ngāpuhi), hooker Jacob Devery (Te Aitanga a Mahaki), locks Zach Gallagher (Te Ātiawa) and Isaia Walker-Leawere (Ngāti Porou), loose forward Caleb Delany (Ngāti Tūwharetoa), and midfielder Bailyn Sullivan (Ngāti Kahungunu) were all named in the 29-man side in Auckland on Tuesday.
The naming of Devery and Gallagher is particularly significant as they are now both in line for Māori All Blacks debuts after being named in the squad for the first time following strong performances throughout the 2025 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season.
“It’s Jacob and Zach’s first time in there, so it’ll be a special day for them and their families to pull on that jersey in the next couple of weeks,” Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw said.
Elsewhere, Delany returns to the Māori All Blacks three years after his sole appearance for the side against Ireland in Wellington, while Rakete-Stones, Walker-Leawere, and Sullivan all retain their places in the squad after featuring on last year’s tour of Japan.
“I think one of the teams all our men, who qualify for it, want to play for are the Māori All Blacks,” Laidlaw said.
“When you speak to these boys, they’re hugely excited and proud to represent that jersey and their families. The history of that team is so strong, so for the six men named, I’m sure they’re all super proud, and their families are the same.”
Confirmation of six Hurricanes players in the Māori All Blacks adds to the seven Hurricanes included in yesterday’s All Blacks squad for the upcoming Lipovitan-D July Series against France, bringing the total representation of Hurricanes across both teams to 13 players.
“For us yesterday, with the All Blacks, and then to get six players in the Māori All Blacks, it’s great recognition for the men and the team for the work they’ve put in to improve,” Laidlaw said.
The Māori All Blacks begin their 2025 campaign this Saturday when they face the Japan XV in Tokyo, followed by a clash against Scotland in Whangārei on July 5.
“To play a couple of test matches up in Japan and against Scotland in Whangārei, two quality games this year,” Laidlaw said. “I’m sure they’re really keen and excited to get stuck in.”
Hurricanes players named in Māori All Blacks squad to play Japan XV and Scotland
Pouri Rakete-Stones (Ngāpuhi)
Jacob Devery (Te Aitanga a Mahaki)
Zach Gallagher (Te Ātiawa)
Isaia Walker-Leawere (Ngāti Porou)
Caleb Delany (Ngāti Tūwharetoa)
Bailyn Sullivan (Ngāti Kahungunu)
