Delany Named in Māori All Blacks Squad

Wellington Lions forward Caleb Delany has been named in the 2025 Māori All Blacks squad, with the team assembling in Auckland ahead of their upcoming international fixtures against Japan and Scotland.

Of Ngāti Tūwharetoa descent, Delany brings his trademark work rate, physicality, and versatility to the side, able to cover both lock and flanker. A standout for the Lions since debuting in 2020, Delany dominance at the breakdown and relentless tackling, saw him lead the Lions in tackles and earn high praise during his Māori All Blacks debut against Ireland in 2022.

“I take a lot of pride in representing my iwi and this team,” Delany said. “It’s about working hard, hitting breakdowns, making tackles, and doing the job wherever I’m needed.”

The Māori All Blacks open their campaign against Japan XV in Tokyo on 28 June, before returning home to face Scotland in Whangārei on 5 July.

 

The 2025 squad selected by Māori All Blacks Head Coach Ross Filipo (Muaūpoko) and his two Assistant Coaches Greg Feek (Ngāti Kahungunu) and Roger Randle (Ngāti Awa) will play the Japan XV in Tokyo on 28 June and Scotland in Whangarei on 5 July. 

The 29-strong Māori All Blacks squad is as follows: (iwi, province, Super Rugby club) * denotes new cap

Props:
Benet Kumeroa (Te Atihaunui a Pāpārangi/Bay of Plenty/Chiefs) 
Jared Proffit* (Ngāti Porou/Taranaki/Chiefs) 
Pouri Rakete-Stones (Ngāpuhi/Hawke’s Bay/Hurricanes) 
Kershawl Sykes-Martin* (Ngāti Porou/Tasman/Crusaders) 
Mason Tupaea* (Ngaati Tiipa, Ngaati Amaru/Waikato/Blues) 

Hookers: 
Jacob Devery* (Te Aitanga a Mahaki/Hawke’s Bay/Hurricanes)
Kurt Eklund (Ngāti Kahu/Bay of Plenty/Blues) 

Locks:
Zach Gallagher* (Te Ātiawa/Canterbury/Hurricanes) 
Laghlan McWhannell (Ngāti Kahungunu/Waikato/Blues)   
Antonio Shalfoon* (Whakatōhea/Tasman/Crusaders) 
Isaia Walker-Leawere (Ngāti Porou/Hawke’s Bay/Hurricanes) 

Loose forwards:
Nikora Broughton (Ngārauru, Ngāti Ruanui/Bay of Plenty/Highlanders) 
Jahrome Brown* (Ngāti Porou/Waikato/Chiefs) 
Caleb Delany (Ngāti Tūwharetoa/Wellington/Hurricanes) 
Cullen Grace (Ngāti Whakaue/Canterbury/Crusaders) 
Te Kamaka Howden (Tūhoe/Manawatū/Highlanders) 
 
Half Backs: 
Kemara Hauiti-Parapara* (Ngāi Tai, Ngāti Porou/Auckland) 
Sam Nock (Ngāpuhi/Northland/Blues) 

First five-eighths: 
Rivez Reihana (Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Hine/Northland/Crusaders)
Kaleb Trask (Ngāpuhi/Bay of Plenty/Chiefs) 

Midfield: 
Corey Evans (Te Aupouri, Ngāti Kahu/Northland/Blues) 
Bailyn Sullivan (Ngāti Kahungunu/Waikato/Hurricanes)
Daniel Rona (Te Ātiawa/Taranaki/Chiefs)
Xavi Taele* (Ngāi Tahu/Auckland/Blues) 
Gideon Wrampling* (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine/Waikato/Chiefs) 
 
Outside Backs: 
Cole Forbes (Ngāti Awa/Bay of Plenty/Blues) 
Jonah Lowe (Ngāti Pikiao/Hawke’s Bay/Highlanders)
Zarn Sullivan (Ngāti Kahungunu/Hawke’s Bay/Blues)
 
Injury Cover - Kade Banks* (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua/North Harbour/Hurricanes) has joined the squad as temporary injury cover for Daniel Rona.
 
The following players were not considered due to injury:  
Rameka Poihipi (Ngāti Whakaue)
Cameron Suafoa (Ngāpuhi) 
Taha Kemara (Te Whānau a Apanui, Te Whakatōhea) 
Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāti Pikiao, Tūhourangi, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Awa) 
Marcel Renata (Ngāti Whānaunga) 
Manaaki Selby-Rickit (Ngāti Raukawa)