Rugby: South American leg confirmed for Māori All Blacks end of year tour

The Māori All Blacks will play in South America later this year. Photo / Photosport

The Māori All Blacks will play their first matches against Chile and Brazil in November, with a stop in South America added to their end of year tour.

The tour kicks off with a clash against USA on November 3 in Chicago, before the team travels to Sao Paulo to meet Brazil on November 10. The trip will be rounded out the following week against Chile in Santiago.

"This is an exciting tour for the Māori All Blacks. Any time this team travels offshore they are incredibly popular, and they showcase the best of Māori heritage and Māori rugby," NZR Māori board chair Dr Farah Palmer said.

"To play against Chile and Brazil for the first time ever is very special and will help us to develop our relationship with South America and, from a Māori perspective, connect with indigenous communities in this region.

"The Māori All Blacks have only ever played Argentina previously, and this is another opportunity for this team appeal to a few more South American hearts."

The team also confirmed their coaching group for 2018, with Roger Randle and Joe Maddock appointed as assistant coaches to Clayton McMillan.

"Both Roger and Joe have worn the Māori All Blacks jersey with pride," McMillan said. "Their understanding of what this team means along with their coaching experience highlights the value they will bring to this group."