Southland Maori take on Otago

Southland Maori Rugby have assembled three teams to play their Otago counterparts in Invercargill tomorrow.

A senior men’s and a senior women’s team and a Colts team will all take on Otago Maori.

Southland Maori Rugby spokesman Jason Bishop is pleased to have so many players involved.

As well as the important rugby matches all players have had the chance to learn more about their culture during the day as well.

The Otago teams arrive in Invercargill tomorrow morning and will meet the Southland teams for a Powhiri at the Murihiku Marae at 11am. After a communal lunch, the teams will prepare for their matches.

The women’s game kicks off at the Marist grounds at 1pm followed by the colts game at 3pm.

The men’s senior teams will clash just down the road at Rugby Park at 3pm.

Following the games there will be an after-match function in the Rugby Park Supporters lounge.

Stewart twins, Sam (hooker) and Jordan (loose forward) will provide the Southland Maori team with some muscle.

It will also be an opportunity for the brothers to continue to push for a spot in the Stags team.

Marist flanker Tangaroa Walker and Woodlands halfback Sonny Rangitoheriri will be other key players in the Southland team.

Next weekend the Southland Maori men’s team will take on Canterbury Maori in Christchurch.

Meanwhile, there are plenty of other Southland representative rugby fixtures to be played tomorrow.

The Southland under-48kg team will play Otago at Rugby Park at 12.30pm followed by the under-65kg clash at 1.45pm. The under-13 teams will square-off at 1.30pm at Marist.

The Southland under-14, under16, and under-18 teams will all travel to Cromwell tomorrow to take on Otago Country.