The Māori All Blacks will play Ireland in two mid-week matches in Hamilton and Wellington this July New Zealand Rugby (NZR) announced today. NZ Maori vs Ireland

Ireland will play a total of five matches on their tour of New Zealand in June and July, as they play the Māori All Blacks twice and the All Blacks three times.

The midweek matches have long been rumoured and have now finally been confirmed, with Ireland kicking off their tour against the Māori on Wednesday June 29th, before playing the All Blacks in the first test on Saturday July 2nd.

Head coach Andy Farrell stressed that the game against the Māori gives Ireland the perfect opportunity to test their strength in depth.