The national teams of Brazil and Chile will have the opportunity to play against the Maori All Blacks in November, closing a three-game tour for the New Zealand side that begins in Chicago with a fixture against the USA Eagles on 3 November.

On arriving in South America, the Maori will play Brazil in Sao Paulo on 10 November before signing off against Chile in Santiago the following Saturday.

The historic tour came about because Canada, who were scheduled to play the Maori, could not fulfil the fixture due to their involvement in the RWC 2019 global repechage. 

“For Sudamérica Rugby, hosting the Maori All Blacks in Brazil and Chile is a great opportunity to assist the growth of both unions and, ultimately, to motivate them, raising the standards while challenging and motivating players to be every day better," said Sudamérica Rugby president Sebastián Piñeyrúa.

“To prepare for games of this nature generates movement in the structures and it is the road we must take.”

New Zealand Rugby Maori Board Chair and former Black Ferns' Women's Rugby World Cup-winning captain Dr Farah Palmer said: “To play against Chile and Brazil for the first time ever is very special and will help us develop our relationship with South America and, from a Maori perspective, connect with indigenous communities in the region.”

It is hoped that the two games will strengthen the high-performance programmes in each country while also generating good commercial support.

Dream come true

Agustín Danza, Confederação Brasileira de Rugby’s Chief Executive, said: “For us, the Maori All Blacks represents a dream come true as it will be a game that will inspire present and future generations of Brazilian rugby players.

“Rugby is a fast-growing sport in Brazil and to host a game like this will no doubt help us grow the awareness of the game even faster.”

Chile Rugby President Jorge Araya added: “Being able to offer our fans this historic game is thanks to the coordinated efforts of World Rugby and Sudamérica Rugby, where the work of our national team, its staff and our Union play a vital role, as much as the commitment of our players to prepare accordingly and embrace the passion this game will bring.”

The New Zealand Maori have visited South America once before, winning both of their two games in Argentina against provincial opposition.

Maori All Blacks coach Clayton McMillan will be assisted on the trip by former All Black Roger Randle and Canterbury's Joe Maddock.