Play Rugby in New Zealand


Wellington, New Zealand
 
Weather Average
January 63f / 17c
July 48f / 9c
Rainfall 209 days per year
   
Largest city Auckland (1,241,600)2,3
Prime Minister Helen Clark
Capital Wellington
Official language English, Māori

New Zealand 's national sport is rugby union. Rugby union is closely linked to New Zealand's national identity. The national rugby team, the All Blacks, has the best winning record of any national team. They hosted and won the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987 (and New Zealand will host the 2011 world cup). Variations of the phrase "All Black" have been adapted by several other national sporting codes such as the basketball team (the Tall Blacks), the cricket team (Black Caps) and the hockey team (Black Sticks). The soccer team is called the All Whites. New Zealand's national sporting colours are black and white (silver). The silver fern is a national emblem worn by New Zealanders representing their country in sport and also features as the name of New Zealand's highly successful national netball team, the Silver Ferns. The haka, a traditional Māori challenge, is often performed at sporting events and the All Blacks traditionally perform a haka before the start of international matches

Scottish professional rugby union clubs compete in the Celtic League. However, the country retains a national league for amateur and semi-pro clubs.

Facts, Icons and Landmarks

Known by many as “The Land of The long White Cloud”( Aotearoa in Māori ), New Zealand has a reputation for being cold, wet and windy making these conditions perfect for playing rugby. The Maori is the name for native New Zealanders. Volcanic conditions ripe in parts of the Islands, making hot springs and water pools very inviting on those cold days. Kiwi (Bird).