1 Jun 2012

New Zealand Maori will add value to All Blacks brand

8:29 pm on 1 June 2012

The Maori Party says renaming the national Maori rugby team the Maori All Blacks will add value to New Zealand's rugby reputation.

The New Zealand Rugby Union made the announcement on Friday.

It says New Zealand Maori and the national men's sevens rugby squads will both have the same label.

Co-leader of the Maori Party Dr Pita Sharples says the Maori team will add value partly because of its players' distinctive culture.

He says it also makes sense to rename the side because the Maori squad originally introduced the internationally recognised silver fern and black jerseys.