The Māori All Blacks could play a Pasifika rugby side in Hamilton next month but the match has caused consternation for some New Zealand Rugby staff.
The Maori All Blacks are set to get two games against a Pasifika side this year. Photo: Photosport
RNZ understands the New Zealand Rugby board have signed off on the match.
However some NZR staff are unhappy about the game, which is forecast to make a $150,000 loss, after the organisation made a quarter of it's staff redundant in June, cutting 40 jobs.
New Zealand Rugby is projecting a loss of more than 40 million dollars in 2020, due to the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
NZR has received $5.8 million in wage subsidies from government under its Covid-10 financial assistance packages.
RNZ has sought comment from New Zealand Rugby over the issue but is yet to receive a response.
The Māori All Black side played just two games last year. They lost 27-10 to Fiji in Suva but won 26-17 a week later in Rotorua.
-RNZ
