25 Jul 2013

Colin Cooper appointed Maori All Blacks coach

4:52 pm on 25 July 2013

The Taranaki and former Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper has been appointed the new Head Coach of the Maori All Blacks for their tour of North America in November.

Cooper's assistant coaches are Tabai Matson and Carl Hoeft.

Cooper has also coached the New Zealand Colts and Junior All Blacks and replaces Jamie Joseph who stood down after three years in charge.

The Maori All Blacks take on Canada in Toronto on November 3rd, and the USA Eagles in Philadelphia on November 9th.

Colin Cooper, a former Maori All Black himself (1982-1983) says he's humbled to be appointed to the job.

Cooper says he wants to continue the great work done by coaches before him and he's committed to ensuring that the Maori All Blacks offer the All Blacks selectors more choices about the talent that is coming through the ranks.