New Zealand's indigenous Maori rugby side have declared their intentions to get their international matches upgraded to Tests.

Up until the late 1950s some games involving the New Zealand Maori were recognised as Tests, but under current International Rugby Board (IRB) rules they are no longer.

Maori coach Matt Te Pou told the Sydney Daily Telegraph: "We haven't done anything about it yet but we're very keen to advance that cause."

The Maori, who play Australia next weekend, have beaten 12 international sides in the past eight years.

Australian Rugby Union chief John O'Neill has backed their claims.

"We're sympathetic to the cause of Maori rugby," O'Neill said.

"There is a feeling among Australian players that they'd be happy for games against the Maori to count as Tests."