Rugby: Pryor named in Maori All Blacks squad

Kara Pryor has been rewarded for strong form with selection for the New Zealand Maori squad. Photo/John Stone

Kara Pryor has been rewarded for a highly impressive season with a call up to Colin Cooper's Maori All Blacks squad for their tour to Chicago, London and Ireland.

The loose forward had a great year, playing an important starting role for the Blues and then starring for Northland in the Mitre 10 Cup.

The squad was announced by New Zealand Rugby Maori Board acting chairman Peter Goldsmith, in Wellington today.

Pryor is one of six new players, with hooker Leni Apisai, loose forwards Whetu Douglas and Reed Prinsep, lock Leighton Price and halfback Billy Guyton also getting the call up.

Coach Cooper said times are good for NZ Maori rugby.

"This is an exciting time for all those involved in this special team," he said.

"We're delighted with the squad we have announced today - we think there's an incredible mix of experience and very wise heads, and a special crop of new talent that has been exciting to watch in action in Super Rugby and Mitre 10 Cup."

"This team continues to be an important opportunity for players looking to push for higher honours."

"We are particularly delighted for Rieko Ioane who was named for the first time with the All Blacks on Sunday, and he joins several Maori All Blacks who have earned a call up to the All Blacks in recent years."

Ash Dixon will take over from Charlie Ngatai in the captain's role.

"We continue to work closely with the All Blacks coaches to ensure that we are aligned and these selections demonstrate the strength of the Maori All Blacks as a high performance team," Cooper said.

"It's also good that both teams are in Chicago and the United Kingdom at the same time, so that we can retain that alignment."

"We are looking forward to heading to Chicago to play the USA Eagles. Playing any national side is an honour, and they're a team that's really cementing their place in international rugby."

"Our matches against Munster and Harlequins will also be very special as we love taking the Maori All Blacks' style of rugby to other countries."

Five players still involved in Mitre 10 Cup finals will join the squad in Auckland after their matches this weekend. One player is still to be named.

Maori All Blacks Squad: Ash Dixon (captain), Leni Apisai, Tim Bateman, Otere Black, Shane Christie, Whetu Douglas, Jason Emery, Chris Eves, Tom Franklin, Billy Guyton, Kane Hames, Akira Ioane, Mike Kainga, James Lowe, Ben May, Marty McKenzie, Leighton Price, Reed Prinsep, Matt Proctor, Kara Pryor, Marcel Renata, Joe Royal, Jacob Skeen, Sean Wainui, Brad Weber, Ihaia West.