Former Māori All Blacks forward Max Hicks earns call-up to England A squad
Former Māori All Black Max Hicks has been named in England A’s training squad, two years after leaving New Zealand.
The back-rower, who also fits in at lock, has been called up to England A for the first time after a strong start with Newcastle Red Bulls, who he joined at the start of the English Prem Rugby season.
The 27-year-old was born in New Zealand but qualifies for England through his mother and is now eligible for England selection because he plays in the country.
England A coach Mark Mapletoft said the latest England A squad brought together players who earned their spots through good performances this season.
“The ‘A’ programme plays a key role in strengthening the identity of English rugby, creating alignment across the pathway and giving players the chance to experience what it means to represent England in a high-performance environment,” Mapletoft said.
“There is real ambition within this group and we are looking forward to building strong relationships, developing cohesion and unity, and taking another step forward together ahead of a physical and demanding test at The Rec.”
Hicks earned a call-up to the Māori All Blacks in 2022 for two fixtures against Ireland.
He wasn’t named in the match-day 23 for the first game, which the Māori All Blacks won 32-17, but started on the bench for the second fixture, which finished in a 30-24 win for Ireland.
The forward featured alongside several All Blacks or future All Blacks in that loss, including Tyrel Lomax, TJ Perenara, Josh Moorby, Tamaiti Williams, Ruben Love and Billy Proctor.
Hicks played for Tasman in the NPC from 2021 to 2024 and was selected for the Highlanders in Super Rugby Pacific, making his debut for the team in 2022.
He left New Zealand for French Top 14 side Perpignan in 2025, spending two seasons with the club before moving to the Newcastle Red Bulls.
The Newcastle Red Bulls currently sit bottom of the English Prem, having won just one of their five games this season.