Māori Sevens U20 invitational squads announced for tour to India

CAPTION: The Tama Toa (men’s) and Hine Toa (women’s) Māori Sevens Under 20 invitational squads and management have been announced to travel to India as part of the Sport New Zealand’s 100 Years of Unity through Sport celebrations.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has confirmed Tama Toa (men’s) and Hine Toa (women’s) Māori Sevens Under 20 invitational squads to travel to India in October as part of Sport New Zealand’s 100 Years of Unity through Sport celebrations.

Twenty four players were nominated and invited to be part of the playing group which will be supported by six management staff for a tour that will be delivered through funding by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

The two Māori squads will depart for India on 21 October for a tour that will see them travel through Kolkata, Patna and Rajgir, before playing four competitive Sevens matches. The fixtures will include Tama Toa v India, Hine Toa v India, followed by two mixed matches, which will see players from each country mixed together for respective men’s and women’s matches.

NZR Injury Prevention Wellbeing Programme Manager Manu Albert, who will lead the NZR delegation, said it was a wonderful opportunity for young Māori athletes to share rugby and their culture with their Rugby India peers.

“We’re looking forward to celebrating 100 years of sport uniting our two countries, helping Rugby India grow Sevens, and sharing our rugby knowledge, but equally to share our cultures and develop a lasting relationship through sport. No doubt there will be a competitive edge when the respective teams meet on the field and we’re looking forward to playing a part in developing India’s young rugby players and coaches.”

Rugby India President Rahul Bose said the tour was a special moment for ties between the respective national rugby unions of New Zealand and India.

"One hundred years ago, New Zealand and India created history, establishing sporting ties between the two nations. Today, 100 years later, history will be created again with the first ever New Zealand rugby team to visit Indian shores.

“For our young players, the opportunity to compete against New Zealand opposition on home soil will provide valuable exposure to the best practices in international rugby and impetus to their development. Training together, playing matches against each other and then playing as mixed Ind-NZ teams. What better testament to the power of sport in making nations stand shoulder to shoulder.”

Sport NZ Programme Director, 100 Years of Unity through Sport Jamie Tout said:

“This is exactly what 100 Years of Unity through Sport is about - bringing New Zealand and India closer together through sport, culture and shared experiences.

"To see these young Māori athletes become the first New Zealand rugby team to tour India is incredibly special. They’ll arrive as opponents, but also come together as teammates. It is a powerful expression of unity through sport and a legacy we hope will endure well beyond 2026.”

The tour follows a group of NZR coaches visiting India in May this year to deliver workshops to 35 local coaches at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar as part of the 100 years of sport cooperation celebrations.

Hine Toa U20 squad (Player / School or club / Iwi and hapū)

• Jessica Rolton / Invercargill Blues Rugby Club / Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou
• Dakota Wilton / Otago University Premier Women's / Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Pāhauwera, Ngāi Tahu
• Tenaya Stokes / Woodend Rugby Club / Ngāi Tahu and Kāti Māmoe
• Mckayla Furze / Tokararangi Sports Club, Ngāti Porou East Coast Hamoterangi/ Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāi Tūhoe
• Bailey Nightingale / Petone Rugby Football Club, Wellington / Tainui, Ngāpuhi
• Bridie Beveridge / Hamilton Old Boys / Ngāti Rangi, Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāi Tahu
• Anyis Drossaerts-Lake / Northern United Rugby Football Club / Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Maniapoto
• Charli Taituha / Dunedin Sharks / Ngāti Maniapoto
• Jaya Bishop / Christchurch Football Club / Kāi Tahu, Te Whakatōhea
• Sophia Govind / College Rifles / Ngāpuhi, Tainui
• Te Orangaiti Swinton / University of Otago / Te Whānau-ā-Apanui – Te Whānau a Maruhaeremuri, Ngāti Porou
• Annaiah Gibbens / Te Awamutu College/ Ngāi Tahu

Tama Toa U20 squad (Player / School or club / Iwi and hapū)

• Bailey Ngatai-Cribb / Massey Varsity Rugby Team / Ngāti Kauwhata, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāruahine, Ngāti Tamakōpiri
• Kaimanawa Tawhara / Hato Paora College / Ngāpuhi, Ngāruahine, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Ruanui
• Preston Maraku / Upper Hutt Rams Colts / Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Maniapoto
• Timuaki Stewart / YMP Rugby Football Club / Te Rarawa
• Manu Carey / St Bede's College/ Rangitāne, Ngāi Tahu, Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Kuia, Ngāti Apa
• Johnny Edwards / Wellington Football Club / Whakatōhea, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa
• Rico Poutama / Northern United Rugby Football Club / Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Tūkorehe
• Inoke Vaingalo / Northcote-Birkenhead RFC / Ngāpuhi
• Ngākau Nixon / Green Island Rugby Football Club / Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Tūwharetoa
• Noah Rehu / Papakura Rugby Football Club / Ngāti Maniapoto
• Charlie Carter / St Patrick's College (town) / Te Ātiawa
• Logan Williams / Christchurch Football Club / Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa