The All Blacks are New Zealand’s national rugby team — and they’re one of the best teams in the world! Here is some information about this rugby team.

Rugby was introduced to New Zealand by Charles Monro in 1870. he learned the game while studying at Christ’s College near London. Then when he returned to Nelson, New Zealand he introduced the game to a local football club (Nelson Football Club) and Nelson College.

The first official game of rugby in New Zealand was played on May 14, 1870, between the Nelson Football Club with Charles Monro playing for the club. The first International game for New Zealand was played in Canterbury, Wellington in 1879 where they unfortunately lost 6-8. Then Rugby became big both in New Zealand and around the world.

New Zealand then changed their name to All Blacks in 2012 as originally they were called the New Zealand Māori. They were nicknamed the All Blacks because of their all black uniform they wear to their matches.

The All Blacks had legends in their team and they were very dedicated and are professionals at the sport. Just like Colin Meads a legend that was very good and was very dedicated to the sport that he played with a broken arm. The world record for the most test appearances was held by All Blacks player Richie Mcaw holding the world record for 141 caps/appearances from 2015 to 2020 until Wales/The Dragons player Alun Wyn Jones beat Mcaw with a record of 171 appearances from today. And lastly Jonah Tali Lomu was the youngest player to score 10 Test tries and the first to score 12 in a year. At the 1995 tournament, he scored 8 tries, a record at the time, and was named Player of the Tournament. Even though he never won the rugby World Cup which the All Blacks ended up losing in the semi finals against England/The Red Roses, he was an exceptional player. Pictures of all these 3 players down below 👇 

Before a match the All Blacks does something called a Haka and they do it to honour the Māori culture and prepare themselves mentally and physically. It also shows they are ready and serious about the match and are not messing around. Video of them doing the Haka down below 👇

Rugby is a very popular sport nowadays and well known especially the All Blacks. They are placed top 2 of the best rugby teams in the world under South Africa with NZ/the All Blacks ranked 92.06 and The Springboks/South Africa ranked 92.78