In-form Whanganui cricketer Joel Clark has made the inaugural New Zealand Māori Schools side to play a Governor General's XI in Wellington next month.
The team features players from all six major associations and Clark has earned his place through strong performances for central Districts U17 X1 and for Air Chathams Whanganui in the Hawke Cup.
The Māori team, selected by long-term Northern Districts' administrator Pat Malcon and NZC Talent Identification Manager Paul Wiseman, includes five players from Central Districts; three from Northern Districts, and one each from Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury and Otago.
It will be coached by Mark Borthwick, formerly of the Wellington Blaze.
NZC Network and Participation Advisor Andrew Tara said the introduction of the NZ Māori Schools side was part of his organisation's push to better connect with Māori.