SEVEN BLUES SELECTED IN MAORI ALL BLACKS SQUAD

The Blues are proud to celebrate the selection of seven players in the 2026 Māori All Blacks squad.

The squad features a blend of experienced Māori All Blacks representatives and exciting new talent, with five Blues players returning to the environment and two earning their first selection.

Torian Barnes and Payton Spencer have been rewarded for their outstanding Super Rugby Pacific campaigns, with both named in the Māori All Blacks squad for the first time.

Experienced campaigners Marcel Renata and Sam Nock return to the Māori All Blacks setup, bringing valuable leadership and a deep understanding of what it means to represent the team.

Lock Laghlan McWhannell, midfielder Xavi Taele and outside back Cole Forbes have also been selected.

Tamati Ellison said his first squad as Māori All Blacks head coach balances experience with opportunity.

“This is a special team with a unique purpose. The Māori All Blacks jersey carries a lot of history, and every player who puts it on becomes part of that story.

“We wanted to recognise the players who have represented this team before and understand what it means to wear this jersey, while also creating opportunities for the next group coming through.”

The seven Blues players selected are:

Torian Barnes (Ngāti Whātua)
Cole Forbes (Ngāti Awa)
Laghlan McWhannell (Ngāti Kahungunu)
Sam Nock (Ngāpuhi)
Marcel Renata (Ngāti Whānaunga)
Payton Spencer (Ngāti Kahungunu, Muaūpoko)
Xavi Taele (Ngāi Tahu)