The New Zealand Māori rugby league team is a rugby league representative side made up of New Zealand Māori players.

With some controversy, the team participated in the 2000 World Cup as Aotearoa Māori. The Super League International Board had agreed to give a place in their World Cup to the New Zealand Māori team as they attempted to gain allies during the Super League war.

A separate body, the Māori Rugby League Board of Control, was formed in 1934 to administer the game in Māori communities. This governing body was later renamed the Aotearoa Māori Rugby League and in 1992 it was registered as an incorporated society. The Māori team lost 34–26.

In 2010, the Māori team played England at Mt. Smart Stadium in Auckland before the 2010 Rugby League Four Nations in New Zealand. After trailing 18–0 at halftime, the Māori came back to draw the match at 18–all.

thumbnail|right|Maori Haka Meets Indigenous War Cry

In October 2013, the side faced the touring Murri Rugby League Team in a two–game series. The Māori side, featuring NRL players Charlie Gubb, Sam Rapira and Bodene Thompson, won the first game 48–18 at Davies Park, Huntly. The second game was played at Puketawhero Park, Rotorua and was won by the Māori side, 32–16.

In October 2014, the team travelled to Australia to play against the Queensland Māori team at Owen Park, Southport and the Murri Rugby League Team at BMD Kougari Oval, Wynnum.

In 2018 they took part in the NRL Festival of Indigenous Rugby League held in Redfern Sydney against the First Nation Goannas, they were beaten 22–16 in a thrilling finish.

Jerseys

<big>Primary</big>

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<big>Alternative</big>

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See also

  • New Zealand Māori women's rugby league team
  • New Zealand national rugby league team
  • New Zealand national rugby union team
  • New Zealand Māori rugby union team
  • New Zealand Māori cricket team

References

  • 100 years of Māori rugby league 1908 – 2008 Google Books