The All Blacks rugby team will continue to perform their pre-match haka after agreeing to a deal with the Maori tribe that claims ownership of the traditional war dance.

The New Zealand Rugby Union and representatives of the Ngati Toa tribe will sign a memorandum of understanding on Thursday, allowing the All Blacks to perform the haka before Test matches.

No money will be paid but Ngati Toa may receive compensation if the haka is used in advertising.

NZRU chief executive Steve Tew says the agreement gave the union "certainty regarding its ongoing use "of the haka and assured Ngati Toa its use would be respectful.

The haka Ka Mate tells the story of the escape of the warrior chief Te Raupraha from his enemies after a battle.

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