Back to school for All Blacks and New Zealand Māori coaches

The All Blacks and New Zealand Māori coaches are going back to school as they get ready for the international season ahead, with the All Blacks squad for the upcoming Steinlager Series of home Test matches against Ireland and Wales to be named on Sunday 30 May at Auckland’s Mt Albert Grammar School.

The New Zealand Māori squad for the Sealord New Zealand Māori Centenary Series will also be named at this time. The announcement of both squads will be broadcast live and exclusive on SKY’s Rugby Channel at 1.00PM.

All Blacks Manager Darren Shand said they were looking forward to the All Blacks squad naming at the school.

"The All Blacks will again be spending a lot of time out and about with fans in the community this year, including at various high schools, so we thought it would be fantastic to kick off the season at one of Auckland’s top rugby schools," he said.

Mt Albert Grammar is the current Auckland Secondary Schools First XV champions with former All Black and current NZRU Vice President Bryan Williams an old boy, while All Blacks Coach Graham Henry had a long career in Auckland secondary schools, teaching and coaching rugby before becoming a professional coach.

Mt Albert Grammar Associate Principal Paul McKinley said: "We are a high- performing sports school and with two Auckland First XV titles in the last three years we are delighted to be hosting the All Blacks and New Zealand Māori coaches for the announcement."

The All Blacks have also invited Mt Albert Grammar school leaders to attend the squad naming.