TJ Perenara named in Maori All Blacks squad to face Ireland after New Zealand omission

Omitted New Zealand scrum-half TJ Perenara has been named in the Maori All Blacks squad for their two matches against Ireland.

Perenara, who has won 78 caps for New Zealand, will be keen to prove a point after being left out of the All Blacks squad for the three-Test series against Andy Farrell's side.

Ireland begin their tour of New Zealand with a game against the Maori All Blacks in Hamilton on 29 June. They meet again in Wellington on 12 July, four days before the third Test against New Zealand.

Perenara is joined by fellow international scrum-half Brad Weber in the Maori squad along with prop Tyrel Lomax - who has won 14 Test caps - and out-half Josh Ioane, who made his sole New Zealand appearance against Tonga in 2019.

"We are expecting a fierce challenge from Ireland, to be playing a tier one nation at home in Aotearoa has been long awaited," said Maori All Blacks coach Clayton McMillan, who has named 11 debutants in his 28-man squad.

"The squad named is a mix of experienced players who know how to perform at this level, and players that bring fresh perspective and energy to the game.

"We are lucky to have three experienced All Blacks in the squad in TJ Perenara, Brad Weber and Tyrel Lomax, I'm looking forward to the passion and knowledge they will bring.

"This is also a great opportunity for our 11 new caps, there is immense pride in pulling on the Māori All Blacks jersey and with that representing their heritage, their whānau, and their country.

"These two fixtures against Ireland will allow players to showcase what they have and put their best foot forward on an international stage.

"The presence of two former Maori All Blacks in the Ireland side, Jamison Gibson-Park and James Lowe, adds to the special nature of this