Scotland to face New Zealand Maori in July

Gregor Townsend says facing New Zealand Maori will prepare Scotland for "physical challenges" on tour

Scotland men will face New Zealand Maori for the first time in 25 years as part of their summer tour.

Gregor Townsend's side will play at Semenoff Stadium in Whangarei on 5 July.

New Zealand Maori defeated Ian McGeechan's side 18-15 in New Plymouth in 2000. The teams previously met for the first time in 1998 in Edinburgh, when the tourists won 24-8.

After the match in early July, Townsend's Scots will play two Tests in the Pacific Islands, with fixtures to be confirmed.

"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," Townsend said.

"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 New Zealand Maori. It has been a while since we last visited New Zealand and it will be a brilliant way to start the tour."