Taranaki and former Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper has been appointed head coach of the Maori All Blacks for their tour of North America in November.
Cooper is a former Maori All Black, having played in the team in 1982 and 1983, and has coached the New Zealand Colts and Junior All Blacks.
He replaces Jamie Joseph who stood down after three years in charge. Cooper's assistant coaches are Tabai Matson and Carl Hoeft.
Cooper says he is humbled to be appointed to the job and wants to continue the great work done by coaches before him. He says he is committed to ensuring the Maori All Blacks offer All Blacks' selectors more choices about the talent coming through the ranks.
The Maori All Blacks take on Canada in Toronto on 3 November and the USA Eagles in Philadelphia on 9 November.
