The New Zealand Maori rugby team has confirmed it may be touring the northern hemisphere this year.
Maori Rugby Board chair Wayne Peters says it is very likely the team will tour, but no details can be released yet as agreements to play teams need to be finalised.
Mr Peters says he hopes to build up the international profile of the side.
He says the Maori Rugby Board aims to have a rolling national and international programme in place for the team within the next two to three years.
Mr Peters was also re-elected as the Maori representative at the New Zealand Rugby Union earlier this week.
