Māori All Blacks squad for Ireland series (*denotes debut) Niyi Adeolokun has been released by Bristol Bears, Conor Carey by Northampton Saints, Caleb Montgomery by Worcester Warriors, while Noel Reid, Jamie Dever and Cillian Redmond won’t be at London Irish next season. The reduction in squad size among English Premiership clubs has had a knock-on effect for several Irish players who for a variety of reasons have left their current employers. He initially came to us on a two-week trial period and displayed the type of work rate, drive and personality that suited this squad.” Harlequins head coach Tabai Matson said: “Jack has been a fantastic competitor ever since he made the move over the Irish Sea. I’m looking forward to continuing to compete for game time in a competitive squad, playing some of the best rugby around.” “This is a place that plays the type of rugby every player wants to be involved in and my time in the jersey so far has been great. I chose a great time to join Quins two years ago as the team transitioned into a side that plays a style of rugby so well-connected to its roots and which is so enjoyable to play. Stafford said of his new contract: “I’m thrilled to sign a new deal with Harlequins. ![]() Stafford represented an Ireland under-20 team that included future senior internationals Rónan Kelleher, Fineen Wycherley, Caelan Doris and Gavin Coombes. He made his debut against Ulster in a European Challenge Cup match in 2021 and since then has made six senior appearances. He initially signed a short-term contract until October but impressed sufficiently to be offered a place in the academy. He made three appearances for the senior team before joining Harlequins following a two-week trial in the summer of 2020. Stafford, who attended Glenstal Abbey, played age-grade rugby for Munster while part of the province’s academy (2017-2020). There was also good news for 24-year-old Wexford born scrumhalf Jack Stafford, who has been upgraded from an academy to a senior contract at Harlequins. While playing for Swansea University last season he caught the eye of Saracens, who played him in a Premiership Cup match against Wasps and from there he has managed to secure a contract with Bristol. Meanwhile, former Kilkenny College and Lansdowne prop Martin Mulhall has signed a professional contract with Pat Lam’s Bristol Bears for next season. Martin Mulhall has joined the Bristol Bears. Since 2000, the Māori All Blacks have played 10 fixtures against tier one rugby nations, winning seven of those and losing only to Australia (2001, 2002) and England (2003). The presence of two former Māori All Blacks in the Ireland side, Jamison Gibson-Park (Ngāti Porou/Ngāi Tai) and James Lowe (Ngāpuhi/Ngāi Te Rangi) adds to the special nature of this match.” “These two fixtures against Ireland will allow players to showcase what they have and put their best foot forward on an international stage. There is only one survivor in the current Ireland squad from that match, captain Johnny Sexton. The last time the Māori All Blacks faced Ireland was at the Rotorua International Stadium in 2010 with the hosts prevailing 31-28 thanks to a late penalty. I’m looking forward to the passion and knowledge they will bring.” McMillan said: “We are lucky to have three experienced All Blacks in the squad in TJ Perenara (Ngāti Rangitihi), Brad Weber (Ngāti Porou) and Tyrel Lomax (Muaupoko/Ngāi Tūhoe). McMillan, who will be assisted by Roger Randle and Chris Gibbes, has selected a squad largely made up of Chiefs and Hurricanes players 17 in total from the two franchises. The Māori All Blacks contains just six players from the 28-man squad that play for either the Crusaders or Highlanders. Perenara was surprisingly omitted from Ian Foster’s All Blacks squad for the upcoming three Test series against Ireland. One of the most prominent of those potential debutants is 78-times capped All Blacks scrumhalf TJ Perenara who joins Brad Weber and Tyrel Lomax as the main talking points in a squad dominated by players from North Island Super Rugby franchises. ![]() The Māori All Blacks head coach Clayton McMillan has named 11 new caps in a squad to take on Ireland in two matches during the five-game tour to New Zealand.
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