Scotland to start 2025 summer tour against side they have not faced since 2000

Scotland will face New Zealand Maori during their summer tour to the Southern Hemisphere next year.

The contest at Semenoff Stadium in Whangarei on Saturday, July 5 will kick off a tour that will also include two Tests against Fiji and Samoa, with the latter two fixtures yet to be officially confirmed. Scotland have not faced New Zealand Maori since 2000, when the hosts edged a close encounter in New Plymouth.

Scotland coach Gregor Townsend believes the opportunity will be important for his fringe players, saying: “This year’s summer tour (to the Americas) was of great benefit, enabling us to deepen our player pool and test ourselves against challenging opposition.

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend. | SNS Group / SRU

“A number of the players that won their first caps on tour then played in the Autumn Nations Series and are challenging for places in our Six Nations squad.

“Next year’s tour represents an opportunity to take on two quality Test teams in the Pacific Islands, which is always a unique tour for our players to experience on and off the field.

“The New Zealand Maori game will set us up for the physical challenges we’ll face later on the tour. We are excited about returning to a part of the world where rugby is central to their culture.

“Playing in New Zealand is always special, especially against a side with such deep rugby history as Maori All Blacks. It has been a while since we last visited New Zealand and it will be a brilliant way to start the tour.”

The 11-hour time difference will see the match kick-off at 4.35am UK time.