Scotland heading to New Zealand for historic fixture

12/09/2024 01:43 AM

NEWS: The Māori All Blacks will play Scotland in Whangārei in 2025 with the historic fixture marking 25 years since the two sides last met.

It will be just the third match between the Māori All Blacks and Scotland with the previous meetings coming at Yarrow Stadium in New Plymouth in 2000 and at Murrayfield in Edinburgh in 1998.

"It's an exciting prospect to host one of the top-ranked teams in the world in front of our fans and whānau who we know will be out in force in Whangārei for this special occasion," said Māori All Blacks head coach Ross Filipo.

"Māori rugby has a rich tradition of playing teams from the home nations and this fixture will carry a lot of mana for our players, for Northland Rugby, local iwi and for the region."

The story continues below...

Filipo's side will come into the match off the back of a match against the Japan XV in Tokyo, while Gregor Townsend-coached Scotland will be en route to two Tests in the Pacific Islands.

Townsend said: "We are excited about returning to a part of the world where rugby is central to their culture. Playing in New Zealand is always special, especially against a side with such deep rugby history as New Zealand Māori.

"It has been a while since we last visited New Zealand and it will be a brilliant way to start the tour."

The Māori All Blacks have a proud record against Six Nations unions with nine wins from 14 matches, most recently beating Ireland 32-17 in Hamilton in 2022.

Both coaching groups have links to the last time the two teams met with Māori All Blacks assistant coaches Greg Feek and Roger Randle part of the squad that beat Scotland 18-15 at Yarrow Stadium in 2000.

Townsend didn't take part in that match but was part of a touring squad that played seven matches, including a tour opener in Whangārei against a powerful Vikings XV selection.