Strong Maori squad to face Lions

Eleven current or former All Blacks have been named in the New Zealand Maori squad for matches against Fiji and the British and Irish Lions next month.

Fly-half Carlos Spencer is easily the most recognisable name among the 26 players selected so far with coach Matt Te Pou to add a further two to the squad.

Spencer will not play in the game against Fiji in Suva on June 3 as he will be turning out alongside former Auckland, Blues and New Zealand team-mate Jonah Lomu in Martin Johnson's testimonial at Twickenham on June 4.

But the exciting fly-half is expected to make his final appearance in New Zealand colours against the Lions in Hamilton on June 11.

Other former or current All Blacks include Marty Holah, Leon MacDonald, Caleb Ralph, Greg Feek, Carl Hayman and Rico Gear.

Te Pou said he was pleased with the quality of players available.

"We realise that the match against the Lions in particular will be a big occasion for everyone involved and it is great to have the best players available to play the best."

All Blacks flanker/lock Jono Gibbes has been named as skipper.

"Jono is a proven leader and he has captained the New Zealand Maori before and has led his province and Super 12 franchise with distinction," Te Pou said.

Eight players who are yet to make their debut for the New Zealand Maori have also been named in the squad. They include Daniel Braid, Neil Brew, Luke McAlister and Piri Weepu.

The squad assembles in Auckland on Monday 30 May for a two-day training camp before departing for Fiji on Wednesday 1 June.

New Zealand Maori squad: Daniel Braid (Auckland), Neil Brew (Otago), Tamati Ellison (Wellington), Greg Feek (Canterbury), Corey Flynn (Canterbury), Riki Flutey (Wellington), Rico Gear (Nelson Bays), Jono Gibbes (captain, Waikato), Carl Hayman (Otago), David Hill (Waikato), Sean Hohneck (Waikato), Marty Holah (Waikato), Scott Linklater (Waikato), Deacon Manu (Waikato), Angus MacDonald (Auckland), Leon MacDonald (Canterbury), Luke McAlister (North Harbour), Craig McGrath (North Harbour), Wayne Ormond (Bay of Plenty), Shannon Paku (Wellington), Caleb Ralph (Canterbury), Carlos Spencer (Auckland), Rua Tipoki (Bay of Plenty), Paul Tito (Taranaki), Piri Weepu (Wellington) and Thomas Waldrom (Wellington). Two players will be added.