Rugby: Wright, Pryor make NZ Maori side

Northland prop Ross Wright has earned a deserved call up to the New Zealand Māori. Photo/File

Long-serving Northland prop Ross Wright has earned a deserved call up to the New Zealand Māori for their two-match end of season tour to Canada and France.

He will join Taniwha flanker Dan Pryor in the squad that features 10 new faces.

Wright, who has played 82 matches for Northland, had a stellar season anchoring their highly impressive scrum while producing the odd line break.

Pryor meanwhile marks his return to the squad after making his two appearances back in 2014 when the Māori played a pair of matches against Japan.

Dan's brother, Kara, and fellow Northlander Namatahi Waa were part of a big group of players unavailable through injury.

Hawke's Bay hooker Ash Dixon will lead the side in the matches against Canada and the French Barbarians in early November.

Head coach Clayton McMillian said the squad has a lot of talent, but was a bit inexperienced.

"Many of our players have displayed outstanding form in the Mitre 10 Cup, and this tour gives them a great opportunity to step up another level again," McMillan said.

"We're really proud that the likes of Damian McKenzie, Rieko Ioane, Nehe Milner-Skudder and Kane Hames have all earned time in the All Blacks environment - as it shows the strength of Maori talent in New Zealand. But we now also have an opportunity to uncover other emerging Maori talent for the black jersey.

"We are fortunate to have Ash Dixon return as captain; he is the heart of our pack and his leadership, both on and off the field, steers the team's special character," he said.

Two players are still to be added to the squad.

Ash Dixon (c), Liam Polwart, Chris Eves, Ross Wright, Marcel Renata, Tyrel Lomax, Tom Franklin, Jackson Hemopo, Jarrad Hoeata, Keepa Mewett, Dan Pryor, Sam Henwood, Akira Ioane, Jordan Manihera, Brad Weber, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Ihaia West, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Tim Bateman, Rob Thompson, Teihorangi Walden, Sean Wainui, Charlie Ngatai, Ambrose Curtis, (two to be added)