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New Zealand Rugby

New Zealand Rugby

When you visit New Zealand, it won't take long before you find out just how passionate most Kiwis are about rugby. It's the unofficial national sport of the country with fans of all ages and from all walks of life enjoying playing and watching rugby regularly. Rugby matches are played throughout New Zealand at all levels, from schoolboy rugby games on public parks to club and international-level rugby played at purpose-built stadiums in major cities.

In 2005, New Zealand won the right to host the Rugby Union World Cup in 2011. This, the seventh rugby world cup tournament, will be the largest sporting event ever held in New Zealand. It is expected to cost in the region of NZ$310 million and over 70,000 overseas visitors are expected to attend games and associated events. (View more World Cup Rugby information).

Rugby in New Zealand

Rugby is played in New Zealand at all levels including international rugby, national rugby and local club rugby. A few of New Zealand's international rugby teams and tournaments are highlighted below:

  • All Blacks – The main national rugby side is known as the All Blacks and are famous throughout the world for their ability, fitness and stamina. Before each match starts, the All Blacks lay down a 'haka' challenge to their opponents, which is often a spine-tingling event in itself. The All Blacks are currently ranked as the world's top rugby team by the International Rugby Board (IRB) based on their game results.
  • Black Ferns – The Black Ferns are New Zealand's national side of women rugby players and although much lesser-known than the All Blacks, they are the current world champions. As with many women's sports, rugby for women in New Zealand suffers from a lack of funding, publicity and support.
  • Junior All Blacks – The Junior All Blacks are not a team of youngsters as the name would perhaps suggest, but an All Blacks 'B' team, who primarily play against Pacific Island nations.
  • New Zealand Māori – The New Zealand Māori team traditionally plays rugby teams touring New Zealand. The team was first established in 1910 and its players must be of Māori descent.
  • Super 14 – This is the largest rugby tournament in the southern hemisphere with teams competing for the title from New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. The franchise is hugely popular and the New Zealand team, the Crusaders based in Christchurch on the South Island are the most successful team in the tournament's history.

For more information about rugby in New Zealand, visit the websites of the New Zealand Rugby Union, National Rugby League and the All Blacks.

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The largest range of escorted & small group tours

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Explore NZ on a custom self-drive package holiday

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Cross Cook Strait and enjoy Kiwi hospitality.

World Nomads Travel Insurance

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