Crusaders' Cullen Grace added to Maori All Blacks squad

New Zealand Maori head coach Clayton McMillan has included Crusaders star Cullen Grace in the squad for the upcoming series against Ireland.

The 22-year-old was impressive for Crusaders in their Super Rugby Pacific title winning campaign where he featured second in the list for most minutes played for the club.

Grace was called up to New Zealand squad in 2020 and made his international debut during the game against the Wallabies in Brisbane but injuries stalled his further involvement with the All Blacks.

After missing out on the Ian Foster's All Blacks squad for the three-game series against Ireland, Grace now has been given a chance to impress for the Maori All Blacks which also features the likes of TJ Perenara and Brad Weber.

“It’s great to have three quality additions to the wider squad,” said McMillan.

“These guys will give us a more flexibility to prepare and put up our best performance against the top tier team Ireland are over the coming weeks.”

The two games against Maori All Blacks will be played on 29th June and 12th July while the three-Test series between New Zealand and Ireland has been scheduled on 2nd, 9th and 16th July.