Rugby
Rugby is New Zealand’s national sport. It is embedded in the hearts and minds of Kiwis and watching the sport has become somewhat of a religion. Many New Zealanders would say it is an integral part of the country’s culture.
The All Blacks, New Zealand’s national rugby team, are one of the most feared opponents in the rugby world. Seeing them on the field in their black jerseys emblazoned with the silver fern, performing the haka, stirs pride in the hearts of Kiwis around the world.
The Rugby World Cup tournament is the world’s third largest sporting event and New Zealand will host the event in 2011.
For those who might not know how the game is played - rugby is a rough and tumble game consisting of 15 players each side, trying to get an oval shaped (rugby) ball across the try line.
All Black Haka
It is a legacy that has been handed down to every All Black who has ever worn the black jersey. It is the haka and there are few international sporting teams that possess such a powerful pre-match ritual. Members of the 2007 All Black squad talk about what the haka means to them and how they feel when they are out on the field performing it.
View the Video News Release
All Black Profiles
Some of New Zealand's "Men in Black" share their favourite New Zealand places and reveal what they like doing in their spare time. All Black Captain Richie McCaw and fellow team mate Anton Oliver both have a passion for flying, while young Luke McAlister enjoys a glass of fine wine on Waiheke Island. Find out more about what a few of New Zealand's 2007 Rugby World Cup squad do to relax.
View the Video News Release
Tana's Front Row Club
New Zealand Rugby legend Tana Umaga has been chosen as the face of New Zealand's Rugby World Cup campaign. For the next four years he will be encouraging not just rugby fans but their friends and family to travel to New Zealand in 2011 through the virtual "Front Row Rugby Club."
View the Video News Release
The Giant Rugby Ball
It is being described as a marketing coup. A giant inflatable rugby ball will take centre stage next to France's great icon, the Eiffel Tower during the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Branded with "100% PURE New Zealand", the giant ball is part of an initiative to promote New Zealand for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Members of the public will be able to get inside the 17 metre high and 25 metre long ball, and once inside will be transported to New Zealand through multi media images and sound.
View the Video News Release
View these and more Rugby images from the Tourism New Zealand's Image Library. All images are available to download.
Please note image requests for All Blacks need to go through the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU).
Rugby has been a part of New Zealand culture for nearly 150 years. It all started in Nelson, with a ‘rugby rules’ match between Nelson College and Nelson Football Club. New Zealand’s world dominance of the game began in 1905, when the very first ‘All Blacks’ team swept victoriously through Britain and Europe.
Photo credit: Tourism New Zealand
|  |
|
| |
|
|
|
