All Blacks is the name of New Zealand’s national Rugby Union team. Rugby Union is the national sport of New Zealand. The All Blacks have been one of the most dominant teams in international Rugby Union competition throughout the 1900’s and early 2000’s. The team plays in black jerseys, shorts, and socks.
A New Zealand Rugby Union team played its first match in 1884. In 1888 and 1889, a team toured the United Kingdom. This team was called the Black and Golds because of the color of its jerseys and shorts. The name All Blacks was first applied to the New Zealand team that visited the United Kingdom, Canada, and France in 1905 and 1906.
The All Blacks are famous for performing “Ka Mate, Ka Mate,” a well-known Māori haka (ceremonial dance), before most of their matches for more than a century. Beginning in 2005, the team added their own haka, called “Kapa O Pango,” performed before certain matches.
The All Blacks sponsor the Junior All Blacks for players under 20 and a women’s team called the Black Ferns.
