Cooper stays on as Maori All Blacks coach

Cooper, who was first appointed in 2013, will oversee the team's northern tour to Chicago, Ireland and England in November, and through to the British and Irish Lions tour in 2017.

New Zealand Rugby Maori Board Chairman Wayne Peters welcomed Cooper's reappointment as a strong endorsement of the excellent work he had achieved in developing players from inside the Maori All Blacks team environment.

"This is an incredibly special team, and we are proud of what they represent. Colin has been a key part of the team's success on and off the field. His professional and personal ability to develop great young talent is obvious, and we are delighted that he wants to continue that work," Peters said.

Cooper said continuing his involvement with the Maori All Blacks for this year's tour and next year's historic British and Irish Lions Series, made the job too attractive to pass up.

"I was very motivated to remain part of this team, and it was a major driver for me to stay for 2016 and 2017.

"Having the Maori All Blacks as a key part of the High Performance pathway to other honours has been a great motivator for players too. It’s great to see what players have achieved particularly, the likes of Elliott Dixon, Liam Squire, Charlie Ngatai, Damien McKenzie, Brad Webber and Joe Moody – seeing them named as All Blacks is a great recognition of what the Maori All Blacks bring.

"Maori rugby is already so rich in history, and is an important part of New Zealand history. But I also think the Maori All Blacks team is really finding its place in the High Performance arena as we have seen from the selection of players into the All Blacks."

Cooper has already been eyeing up potential talent for this year's squad to tour later this year.

"There are some great young players out there and a number of Super Rugby players have already put their hand up for selection, so I'm looking forward to seeing that group come together later this year," he said.

The Maori All Blacks squad will be announced after the All Blacks name their Rugby Championship squad.

In the meantime, Cooper is working with New Zealand on appointing the remainder of the Maori All Blacks management team.

Maori All Blacks 2016 Match schedule (kick off times TBC):

Friday, November 4 v USA Eagles, Toyota Park, Chicago

Friday, November 11 v Munster, Thomond Park, Limerick

Wednesday, November 16 v Harlequins, Twickenham Stoop, London