Rodley gets Maori call-up

Taranaki scrum-half Brendan Haami has been forced to withdraw from the New Zealand Maori squad because of injury. Haami suffered a rib injury at training on Wednesday and was ruled out by the team’s medical staff.

Haami has been replaced by North Harbour scrum-half James Rodley for the upcoming Churchill Cup tournament in England.

New Zealand Maori coach Donny Stevenson said it was disappointing for Haami, but an exciting opportunity for 22-year-old Rodley.

“It’s unfortunate for Brendan because he was a replacement player last year and came on as a substitute in our game against New South Wales, and didn’t go to the Churchill Cup. His withdrawal means that we will lose his experience,” Stevenson said.

“But this is a great opportunity for James. He is a young player who played for North Harbour in the Air New Zealand Cup last year and was a standout player for the province’s Maori team at the regional tournament this year. I am sure he will develop further on this tour,” Stevenson said.

Rodley’s call-up brings the number of newcomers to the New Zealand Maori squad to 11.

The New Zealand Maori squad is in camp in Auckland until Friday, 18 May, when they depart for London.

New Zealand Maori squad: Callum Bruce, Keith Cameron, Aled de Malmanche, Tamati Ellison, Hosea Gear, Glen Horton, Jason Kawau, Tanerau Latimer, Angus Macdonald, Luke Mahoney, Ben May, Liam Messam, Kristian Ormsby, Shannon Paku, James Rodley, Isaac Ross, Chris Smylie, Warren Smith, Dwayne Sweeney, Anthony Tahana, Pehi Te Whare, Hayden Triggs, Rua Tipoki (c), Hoani Tui, Scott Waldrom, Craig West.