Maori coaches re-appointed

Donny Stevenson will coach the Maori's again

Churchill Cup-winning coach Donny Stevenson has been appointed to take charge of the New Zealand Maori team for a third consecutive season.

Stevenson, who has been involved with the Maori structures since 2003, and his assistant Shane Howarth were re-appointed to their posts on Tuesday.

Readers will recall that Stevenson won the Churchill Cup in Canada with the team in his first year at the helm, while Howarth was involved with the New Zealand Maori that made the tournament Final in England last year.

The Zealand Maori will compete in the International Rugby Board Pacific Nations Cup tournament for the first time in 2008, and Stevenson said he was excited about the prospect of playing in a new competition.

"It is great to be involved with the team again and play in the Pacific Nations Cup. We have seen the benefits the tournament provides teams from our neighbouring Islands and it is fantastic that New Zealand Maori will be part of the competition this year," said Stevenson in a statement on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Peter Potaka has been re-appointed as manager of the New Zealand Maori.

New Zealand Maori schedule 2008:

June 7: New Zealand Maori v Tonga, Albany

June 21: New Zealand Maori v Samoa, Hamilton

June 28: New Zealand Maori v Japan, Napier