Christie & MacDonald named in Maori All Blacks [NZRU]

Maori All Blacks squad for 2012 European tour
Aotearoa Fisheries Ltd secures tour naming rights BNZ to sponsor team for three years The Maori All Blacks squad for the end of year tour to the United Kingdom was named in Auckland today.   The squad was announced by New Zealand Maori Rugby Board Chairman Wayne Peters who also revealed two sponsorship deals for the re-named Maori All Blacks. New Zealand's largest Maori-owned fisheries company, Aotearoa Fisheries Ltd, has secured naming rights for this tour and two subsequent international tours. In addition, BNZ will sponsor the team for three years. The agreement includes BNZ's logo on the jersey for this tour with the New Zealand Rugby Union's new Major Global Sponsor AIG taking over front of jersey sponsorship from 2013. Wayne Peters said:  "We are very proud to announce the first squad for the re-named Maori All Blacks (formerly New Zealand Maori).  This is a very special team that has a unique place in our rugby and cultural history. "We are also thrilled to have two significant commercial partners on board joining our Principal Partner adidas in backing our team." The 26-strong squad leaves on 6 November for a three-match tour with matches against Leicester Tigers, an RFU Championship XV, and Canada in England. The squad for the Aoteaora Fisheries Maori All Blacks European Tour is: Iwi Province FORWARDS Hookers Hika Elliot Ngati Awa Hawke's Bay Quentin MacDonald Rangitane Tasman Props Ben May Ngati Maniapoto Waikato Bronson Murray Ngapuhi Bay of Plenty Ben Afeaki Ngati Awa North Harbour Jacob Ellison Ngati Porou Otago Locks Jarrad Hoeata Ngati Kahungunu Taranaki Jason Eaton Ngati Apa Taranaki Romana Graham Ngati Awa Waikato Ross Filipo Muaupoko Wellington Loose forwards Nick Crosswell Ngati Porou Manawatu Tanerau Latimer (capt) Te Arawa Bay of Plenty Elliot Dixon Ngapuhi Southland Karl Lowe Ngati Kahungunu Hawke's Bay Shane Christie Ngati Kura Tasman BACKS Halfbacks Jamison Gibson-Park Ngati Porou/Nga Tai Taranaki Frae Wilson Ngati Rangi/Te Ati Awa Wellington First five-eighth Willie Ripia Ngai Tuhoe Bay of Plenty Midfield backs Tim Bateman Ngai Tahu Wellington Jackson Willison Ngati Mahuta Waikato Charles Ngatai Ngati Porou/Te Whanau-a-Apanui Wellington Outside backs Declan O'Donnell Ngati Tuwharetoa/Ngati Porou Waikato Andre Taylor Ngati Tuwharetoa/Ngati Kahungunu Taranaki Kurt Baker Ngapuhi Taranaki Trent Renata Ngati Maru Waikato Kade Poki Te Ati Awa Southland Maori All Blacks Coach Jamie Joseph said he was delighted with the calibre of his team. Bay of Plenty stalwart Tanerau Latimer will captain the side. "The Maori All Blacks are a unique team and we feel very privileged to be part of this special campaign. "We have selected Tanerau as captain for his perfect mix of talent and leadership  on and off the field - and we have seen him put both to good use in this year's ITM Cup. "We are very excited about this tour to England as the programme offers an excellent opportunity to display the depth of talent we have. "Taking on the Leicester Tigers and the unique Championship XV at home will be a challenge for us, especially knowing that the home advantage will be a huge factor for them. "We are looking forward to the challenge and I know these young men selected today will rise to the occasion," Joseph said. ******* Media note:  The Maori All Blacks will assemble in Auckland on Saturday 3 November ahead of their departure on 6 November. The team's first training is on Sunday 4 November, at 10:00am at North Harbour Stadium.  Further details of media opportunities will be advised. ******* Maori All Blacks schedule: 13 November, v Leicester Tigers, at Welford Road Stadium 17 November, v Championship Select XV, at Castle Park 23 November, v Canada, at Oxford University.