Maori All Blacks to play Scotland in Whangarei

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

Fans will be treated to an afternoon of rugby and cultural exchange on at Semenoff Stadium on Saturday 5 July with a Black Ferns v Black Ferns XV trial match kicking off at 1:05pm and the Māori All Blacks v Scotland match at 3.35pm.

Both matches will be live and exclusive on Sky TV. Fans can register their interest in pre-sale now with tickets on general sale from 9 April 2025.

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.

Māori All Blacks Head Coach Ross Filipo (Muaūpoko) said:

“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. 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.”

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 enroute to two Tests in the Pacific Islands.

Scotland head coach, Gregor 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 (Ngāti Kahungunu) and Roger Randle (Ngāti Awa) part of the squad that beat Scotland 18-15 at Yarrow Stadium in 2000. Scotland Head Coach Gregor 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.

Tai Tokerau Māori Rugby Trust Board Chairman Mike Te Wake said it was an honour and privilege to welcome Scotland to the region.

“This historic occasion marks a significant milestone for rugby in Te Tai Tokerau, as we host an international game in Whangārei, showcasing not only our passion for the sport but also the manaakitanga [hospitality] for which our people are renowned.”

Te Wake acknowledged the tireless work behind the scenes from whānau [families], hapū [subtribes], marae [meeting places], and regional organisations to bring the event to Whangārei.

“Every contribution reflects the aroha [love] and tautoko [support] that exemplify our community spirit. This is a unique opportunity to share the best of Tai Tokerau with our manuhiri [visitors], and we are committed to ensuring that the Scotland Rugby Union feels the warmth of our whenua [land] and our people.

“It is a privilege to celebrate our shared kaupapa [purpose] of promoting Māori rugby and culture on the world stage. As we prepare for this international match, we invite all of Tai Tokerau to come together in celebration and support of our kaupapa. It is through unity and shared pride in our rohe [region] that we will continue to make occasions like these truly unforgettable."

Northland Rugby Union CEO Cameron Bell said all of Northland should be proud of the joint efforts of securing the match.

“The announcement of this very special game is due to the reputational excellence that has been delivered by the Northland Rugby Union staff and our partners at Semenoff Stadium consistently at FPC and NPC level, but also the enormously successful 2021 Rugby World Cup games played in Whangārei in 2022. We showed the world we could deliver a game day of the highest calibre, fill the stadium with our passionate fans and that is what we will deliver for the Māori All Blacks and Scotland, an event that will be talked of for many a year to come.”

Black Ferns Head Coach Allan Bunting said the trial fixture would be invaluable to the side’s Rugby World Cup selection and preparation.

“This trial match is an important part of our season and will shape our final selection for the Rugby World Cup, a week out from a big Test against Australia in Wellington. It will also be a great occasion to bring the Black Ferns and Māori All Blacks together and I know our players will relish the opportunity to play their part.”  

Semenoff Stadium Chief Executive Brent Markwick said the event would be significant for the region.

“This event is a tremendous opportunity for Northland, showcasing our region's ability to host world-class rugby, as we demonstrated during the women's Rugby World Cup.

Whangarei Mayor Vince Cocurullo agreed.

“These matches will bring significant economic benefits, boost local tourism, and provide an exciting experience for our community.”