The origin of All Blacks

SAMPATH Bandara

The New Zealand rugby team known as the All Blacks, is the most famous nickname in the rugby world.

What is the origin of this popular nickname. It was the result of a printing mistake. In 1905 the New Zealand rugby team were making their maiden visit to England. They opened the tour with a 55-4 win and went on to beat Scotland 12-7, Ireland 15-0, England 15 points to 0 at Crystal Palace. It was the first national team from New Zealand which made a clean sweep. They won all 27 matches. Scoring 801 points conceding only 22 points to their opponents.

'London Daily Mail' Sports Editor put the headline 'All Backs'. But because of a typographical error the headline which actually appeared on the following day read 'All Blacks'.

After that New Zealand rugby team was nicknamed 'All Blacks' with black jersey with silver fern leaf and black cap with silver monogram.

Rugby has been played in New Zealand since 1870. New Zealand RFU was formed in 1872. Now there are over 11,000 clubs in New Zealand. All Blacks won the first World Cup held in 1987.