NZ Maori coaches eager for PNC challenges

New Zealand Maori have announced the reappointments of Donny Stevenson and Shane Howarth as their coaching team for 2008, a year which will see them replace the Junior All Blacks in the IRB Pacific Nations Cup.

Stevenson has been involved with the team since 2003, initially as assistant coach before taking the helm in 2006, while Howarth joined as assistant coach last year and the pair guided the Maoris to the Barclays Churchill Cup final in England.

The Junior All Blacks have set the benchmark in the IRB Pacific Nations Cup, lifting both titles with unbeaten records, and the New Zealand Maori will be keen to continue that tradition in a competition that excites Stevenson.

"It is great to be involved with the team again and play in the Pacific Nations Cup. We have seen the benefits the tournament provides teams from our neighbouring islands and it is fantastic that New Zealand Maori will be part of the competition this year," Stevenson said.

The chance to play against full international teams is something that Howarth is relishing, the former Maori player who considers himself "fortunate" to be involved in coaching the famous side.

"We competed against mostly 'A' teams last year, but it will be a whole new challenge taking on full-strength teams from Samoa, Fiji, Tonga and Japan. The island teams will be on a high after the World Cup, plus we play Australia A which is another step up from last year," Howarth said.

New Zealand Maori will play three home matches in the 2008 IRB Pacific Nations Cup, against Tonga in Albany on 7 June, Samoa in Hamilton on 21 June and then Japan in Napier a week later. The remainder of the IRB Pacific Nations Cup schedule will be announced in due course.