New Zealand Rugby launch second tier 'All Blacks XV' that would tie players to New Zealand

The team, named the All Blacks XV, will play three matches in the last weekend of October and first two weekends of November.

NZR Chief Rugby Officer Nigel Cass said the team will provide a new national team aspiration for current professional players, and a career step towards the All Blacks for many.

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It follows in the footsteps of similar teams which have assembled throughout New Zealand recent rugby's history, including the Junior All Blacks, New Zealand A and Emerging Players.

"The All Blacks XV will be our second-tier team below the All Blacks and made up New Zealand's 'next best' players," Cass said.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for those players to experience a national team environment and prove themselves on the international stage, or for those who have already worn the All Blacks jersey to get more game time at this level and potentially earn a recall to the team.

"The high-performance benefits of this team will be significant. It will help to develop the next group of players, many of whom will likely become our future All Blacks, as well as give further opportunities for our coaches and other team personnel.

"We also believe that this will aid with retention of players and personnel in New Zealand, which will benefit our Super Rugby clubs and provincial unions as well as the All Blacks," Cass said.

New Zealand Rugby have confirmed that details of the first of the All Blacks XV matches will be announced in due course.