Rugby was started in 1832 at Rugby School in England by a fellow called William Webb Ellis, who, with serious disregard for the rules, picked up a soccer ball and ran with it. The sport has evolved over the years, becoming the forerunner of American gridiron. Rugby is now played in well over 150 nations throughout the world, but nowhere is the passion for rugby more profound than in New Zealand.
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All Blacks
There’s no other place on earth that is as passionate about sports as New Zealand, and rugby is their particular passion. From a country of 4 million people has emerged the premier rugby team in the world. Proudly wearing the silver fern and representing all New Zealanders on the world stage, the All Blacks prove time and again that rugby is truly a lifestyle, not just a sport. |
Super 14 The Super 14 competition is made up of 14 of the best regional teams from New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. The members of the All Blacks take a step away from the worldwide competition and join their mates for hard hitting action on three continents, culminating in a championship for one talented, and lucky, team. The competition starts in February and finishes at the end of May. |
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Air New Zealand Cup Air New Zealand Cup is the regional competition among teams only from New Zealand. This is where the local boys get a chance to shine and compete against each other, each one hoping to be seen and advance onto the next level of competition. The competition runs from late July to late October, so if you’re in New Zealand during that time, chances are good that you can see a match. |
Rugby & Culture Kids start playing rugby from about age 4, and every Saturday you’ll likely find kids and adults of all ages out enjoying a day of rugby in the park. The whole family gets involved, and the sport of rugby has permeated the culture of New Zealand. Most kids dream about playing for their beloved All Blacks or Silver Ferns, the women’s equivalent of the All Blacks. Yes, women play rugby too! |
