Rugby

Rugby is one of the national sports of New Zealand; it is in the hearts of every Kiwi and the sport has gained almost religion-like status. Rugby has very much become part of New Zealand’s culture and despite being introduced by the English settlers; the sport was very quickly taken up by Maori sportsmen who to this day show great talent and passion. The national team is called “The All Blacks” and they played their fist game in 1870. They are one of the best teams in the rugby world and feared by many; not only because every game is started with a Haka [Ka Mate, Ka Mate] war dance, but also because the All Blacks are regarded as a well oiled machine that plays with much pride and joy. It is a game where there are 15 players on each side and they try to get an oval shaped ball across the try line. It is rough, a very physical game where injuries are common and frequent. A visit to a rugby match while traveling around New Zealand may provide visitors with a great experience they will remember vividly.